Posted inNutrition / Diet

Understanding the health benefits and nutrition of egg

May 7, 2021
health benefits of egg

Eggs have been consumed for thousands of years. There are several different types of eggs, but the chicken egg is the most common.

Eggs are high in vitamins and minerals, which are important components of a balanced diet. Eggs are a cheap and readily available food in many parts of the world.

There has been some debate in the past about whether eggs are healthy or not, especially when it comes to cholesterol. Eggs, on the other hand, are now thought to be safe when consumed in moderation, since they can be a good source of protein and other basic nutrients.

This article discusses the nutritional value of eggs as well as their potential health benefits and dangers. It also looks at egg substitutes and offers advice about how to incorporate more eggs into your diet.

Nutritional content

Egg

One medium boiled or poached egg weighing 44 g can provide the following nutrients, according to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA):

  • Energy: 62.5 calories
  • Protein 5.5 grams (g)
  • Total fat: 4.2 g, of which 1.4 g are saturated
  • Sodium: 189 milligrams (mg)
  • Calcium: 24.6 mg
  • Iron: 0.8 mg
  • Magnesium 5.3 mg
  • Phosphorus: 86.7 mg
  • Potassium: 60.3 mg
  • Zinc: 0.6 mg
  • Cholesterol: 162 mg
  • Selenium: 13.4 micrograms (mcg)
  • Lutein and zeaxanthin: 220 mcg
  • Folate: 15.4 mcg

Vitamins A, B, E, and K are also found in eggs.

Both the white and yolk of an egg are high in protein. Protein makes up about 12.6 percent of an egg’s edible portion.

Adults aged 19 and up can eat 46–56 g of protein per day, depending on their age and sex, according to the 2015–2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. This can account for 10–35% of their daily calories.

In 2018, a study found that eggs contain high-quality protein and that consuming eggs does not increase the risk of heart disease.

Although meat can be a good source of protein, it can also contain unhealthy ingredients such as saturated fat.

Fats

A medium egg has about 4.2 g of fat, 1.4 g of which is saturated. The majority of the fat in an egg is unsaturated. This is the best kind of fat for a healthy diet, according to experts.

Total fat can account for 25–35 percent of a person’s daily calories, with saturated fat accounting for less than 10%.

This means that a 2,000-calorie-per-day person can eat no more than 22 grammes of saturated fat.

Omega-3 fatty acids

Eggs also contain omega-3 fatty acids, mostly docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). DHA is a fatty acid that aids in the maintenance of brain function and vision.

Oily fish have the most of these fatty acids. For people who don’t eat fish, eggs may be a good substitute.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D is a necessary nutrient, and deficiency can result in brittle or weak bones. This vitamin is found naturally in eggs, and some are supplemented with vitamin D from the feed of hens.

The majority of vitamin D is synthesised by the body from sunlight. People, on the other hand, need vitamin D from dietary sources.

The yolk contains all of the vitamin D in a medium egg, which is about 0.9 mcg.

Cholesterol

A medium egg contains 162 mg of cholesterol on average. For this cause, experts previously advised limiting egg consumption.

However, no correlation between egg consumption and the risk of heart disease has been discovered by researchers.

Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) are the two forms of cholesterol . “Good” HDL cholesterol tends to lower “poor” LDL cholesterol levels.

Egg consumption tends to raise HDL cholesterol levels while lowering LDL cholesterol levels.

Eggs often have a low saturated fat content. As a result, their influence on blood cholesterol levels is likely to be minimal.

Health benefits

Egg benefits and side effects
Some of the potential benefits of consuming eggs include brain health, solid muscles, and energy production.

Eggs have a variety of health benefits.

Strong muscles: Eggs contain protein that aids in the maintenance and repair of body tissues, including muscle.

Mental well-being: Vitamins and minerals found in eggs are important for the brain and nervous system to function properly.

Production of energy: Eggs provide the body with all of the nutrients it needs to generate energy.

A healthy immune system: Eggs are high in vitamin A, vitamin B-12, and selenium, all of which are important for a healthy immune system.

Lower risk of heart disease: Choline in eggs aids in the breakdown of the amino acid homocysteine, which has been linked to heart disease.

A happy and stable pregnancy: Folic acid, found in eggs, can help prevent congenital disabilities like spina bifida.

Eye health: The antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin found in eggs help to prevent macular degeneration, which is the most common cause of age-related blindness. Other vitamins found in eggs help to maintain healthy vision.

Loss and maintenance of weight: The protein in eggs can make people feel satisfied for longer periods of time. This can reduce a person’s desire to snack while also lowering their total calorie intake.

Skin health: Eggs contain vitamins and minerals that aid in the maintenance of healthy skin and the prevention of tissue breakdown. A healthy immune system also contributes to a person’s appearance and well-being.

Eggs should be consumed as part of a well-balanced diet to reap the health benefits.

Purchasing eggs

On the market, you can find a variety of eggs, including:

  • non-cage-free
  • cage-free
  • free-range
  • organic

The USDA assigns a rating to eggs that meet their requirements. For example, to be classified as free-range, eggs must come from hens that have:

  • unlimited access to food and water
  • freedom to roam within an area
  • continuous access to the outdoors during their laying cycle

Organic eggs from hens with the right to select their own food had higher levels of some nutrients than eggs from caged hens, according to a 2017 report. Protein, potassium, and copper levels were significantly higher in organic eggs.

Another research from 2014 showed that hens allowed to wander outside in the sunshine provided eggs with 3–4 times the amount of vitamin D-3 as hens kept indoors. Allowing hens to roam could be a better option than supplementing eggs with vitamin D, according to the researchers.

Preparing eggs

Eggs are a versatile food that can be fried, boiled, scrambled, or cooked, and many people prefer them this way. They are simple to include in one’s diet.

For example, boiled or poached eggs are easy to prepare and have no added fat. To add spice to the eggs, season with pepper, chilli powder, or sumac.

For someone with digestive issues or who is recovering from an illness, plain boiled eggs may be a healthy snack or dinner.

Hard-boiled eggs are a simple picnic food that also works well in salads.

Huevos rancheros is a Latin dish that consists of an egg over a tomato base with herbs and other seasonings. This is a recipe worth trying.

Use vegetable oil to make a healthy omelette or scrambled eggs, and add onion, spices, garlic, peas, and sweetcorn for added nutrition.

Risk factors

There are some health risks associated with eating eggs:

Bacteria: Bacteria may enter through the pores in the shells of raw or undercooked eggs. Before being sold in the United States, all USDA-graded eggs are sanitised.

Allergies: Some people are allergic to eggs or have a reaction to them. When a person with an egg allergy comes into contact with eggs or egg products, they can have a life-threatening reaction.

It’s crucial for allergy sufferers to note that baked goods often contain egg, probably in the form of a powder. Be sure to read the ingredient lists thoroughly.

A individual with an allergy should also check if a product is produced in an egg-producing factory, as even trace amounts of eggs can cause serious reactions in some people.

Keeping the threats at bay

Pasteurization: In the United States, eggs are pasteurised, which entails quickly heating them and holding them at a high temperature for a period of time to destroy any Salmonella bacteria.

Purchasing and using. Eggs with broken shells or that have passed their expiration date should not be purchased.

Storage is an important aspect of any company. Eggs should be kept in the refrigerator. Eggs will sweat at room temperature, making it easier for bacteria to enter the shells and expand, according to the USDA.

Cooking is something I enjoy doing. Cook eggs until the yolks are firm and the whites are opaque, around 10 minutes.

Vegan alternatives

Scrambled tofu

People who adopt a vegan diet, for example, do not consume eggs. Vegan egg substitutes come in a number of flavours.

These products can contain tofu or protein powder and come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Some items can be eaten on their own, such as scrambled eggs, while others can be used in cooking and baking.

The nutrients would most likely vary from those found in hens’ eggs, depending on the commodity.

Vegan egg replacements are available in some supermarkets and natural food shops, as well as online.

Conclusion

If consumed in moderation, eggs may be a healthy addition to one’s diet.

Rather than relying on a single food as the key to good health, a person should strive to eat a well-balanced diet with plenty of variety.

Sources

Last updated on May 7, 2021