Eggs remain some of the most versatile foods around. You can scramble them, boil them, fry them, griddle them – you name it! Some people even eat them raw, but it’s not always a good idea! The fact is, eggs are hugely nutritious and can be used in a variety of recipes and dishes. Therefore, if you ever want a quick hit of nutrition, vitamins, and minerals, it’s a good idea to grab an egg or two.
However, there’s likely a thing or two you may not know about how good eggs are for your health. Here are some fun facts about eggs well worth cracking into.
1. B-vitamins are out in force in eggs!
Large eggs are crammed full of B-vitamins. You’ll get around 15% of your daily recommended intake of vitamin B12, for example, from a single egg.
2. Eggs are super healthy.
The number of calories you get from an egg isn’t likely to tip you too far over your RDA, either. An average egg of large size is likely to contain 77 calories, along with 5g of fat. However, keep in mind that the fat you get from eggs is the healthy kind!
3. It’s natural protein in a shell.
Eggs are fantastic sources of protein. In fact, they have some of the most impressive calorie-to-protein ratios of all natural foodstuffs. You can claim up to 5g of protein for every 77 calories of egg. That’s a massive boost!
4. They’ll help you fight cholesterol.
Eggs are excellent for helping to combat unhealthy cholesterol levels. That’s because they are brimming in high-density lipoprotein, which means that it’s chock-full of ‘good’ cholesterol. To really boost these levels, you’ll need to tuck into eggs regularly, and it’ll mean you could stave off heart disease and more besides.
5. Eggs can help your immune system.
Egg-rich diets are also likely to benefit from helping to fight against various diseases and illnesses. Eggs are full of nutrients such as lutein, which will help to strengthen your body in the event of a nasty attack from a bug or virus.
6. They will fill you up!
Eggs are immensely filling and satisfying. It’s another great reason why you should eat them as part of a balanced diet. If you’re trying to lose weight or get healthier, you’re going to need to find foods that will stop you from feeling hungry sooner. Eggs could hold the key to this!
7. Eggs might help stave off cancer.
Studies seem to show that men who eat fewer eggs than others are more likely to develop prostate cancer. Quite what the link is here remains to be seen, but it’s another good reason to get boiling or scrambling, don’t you think?
8. Eggs are a superfood!
Zeaxanthin is an antioxidant found in eggs that will help to boost and maintain healthy eyes. Therefore, if you are worried about eye health or your vision, it makes sense to start eating more eggs. Vitamin A, too, is abundant in eggs, and a diet poor in this nutrient could lead to severe sight problems.
9. There are further health benefits to eggs.
Some studies suggest that eating eggs regularly may help to cut your risk of experiencing strokes.
Eggs are also rich in choline, which is crucial to cell growth and is particularly beneficial during pregnancy.
10. Can’t get outside? Eat an egg for vitamin D!
There is also plenty of vitamin D in an egg, which is an essential nutrient that helps to maintain healthy bones, as well as to help boost your immune functions.
11. It’s winter fuel.
Some refer to eggs as a powerhouse or a goldmine of nutrients – in particular, they combine together to help improve your body’s defenses. In times of flu and colds, eggs can come in very handy indeed.
12. Be careful with eggs.
While strides were made to ensure that chickens laying eggs in the UK don’t pass on harmful salmonella to their eggs, it is still a good idea to store eggs properly and to cook them through. While some people choose to eat or even drink eggs raw, it is not a good idea if you have a weak immune system, or if you have an irritable bowel condition.
13. The best eggs come from happy hens.
Some chicken farmers feed their birds on particular corn diets to help produce eggs with nutritional boosters. The natural way to do this is to offer chickens different foods! Some of the healthiest and happiest hens, particularly those who are free-range, produce the tastiest and healthiest eggs.
FAQs about Eggs
Is it ok for me to eat eggs every day?
Yes - it’s perfectly safe - you can eat three eggs a day and not normally have to worry about cholesterol.
What’s the healthiest way to prepare and eat eggs?
Boiling them, generally - as the lower the heat, the fewer nutrients you will lose in the cooking!
Are brown eggs healthier than white eggs?
No - unlike bread, there’s no real difference in the health value of these egg colours.
Do you know any fun facts about eggs? Share them in the comments below!