How do you like your eggs? Poached, scrambled, boiled or fried? Are eggs healthy? Well, it will depend on how they’re cooked!
One of the most pervasive health myths of our time is that eggs are bad for your cholesterol, and therefore your heart. While it is true that eggs are a source of dietary cholesterol, almost every study published in the last 30 years, shows that dietary cholesterol plays little role in the risk of cardiovascular disease. Far from being the bad guy, eggs are a superhero. They are a fabulous source of good-quality protein. The protein in eggs is also very easy for your body to absorb and utilise, which is good news if you have health or digestive issues. Eggs are also a brilliant source of vitamins A, D, E and K, and B6 and B12, which are heart-friendly as they help to keep homocysteine at healthy levels.
Eggs supply all essential amino acids for humans (a source of ‘complete protein’), and provide several vitamins and minerals, including retinol (vitamin A), riboflavin (vitamin B2), folic acid (vitamin B9), vitamin B6, vitamin B12, choline, iron, calcium, phosphorus and potassium. Eggs are a source of CoQ10 depending on how they are prepared.
Egg yolks contain phosphatidyl-choline (PC), which is important for every cell in the body, most notably liver function, cardiovascular function, brain and memory function and energy production.
But eggs are also a great weight loss food. Low in calories, they are filling, because of their high protein content. Eating a high-protein diet has been shown to boost metabolism. If you eat them with vegetables, you can have a complete meal for less than 400 calories!
Studies have shown that an egg breakfast will lead to a more stable blood glucose and insulin levels, and also suppressing the hunger hormone, ghrelin. Adding eggs to your diet may be the best thing to do if you’re trying to lose weight.