MANILA, Philippines — For many decades now, physicians, food experts, nutritionists, heart/health associations have been divided in their opinions as to whether eggs are healthy or unhealthy foods. Because of this, many people avoid eating eggs – just to be on the safe side. Today, this is no longer the situation. Today, the amazing health benefits of eggs are now claimed, acclaimed and publicized.
Ever since I was a child, I have always believed the egg is one of God’s perfect foods to man. Why? Because I see my father eating four (4) cooked eggs (hard-boiled or sunny side up) as part of his breakfast every morning. My father died at the age of 95.
Let me share some amazing information on the nutritive and health benefits of eggs taken from Internet generated reports, books and other publications:
• Do you know that there are two (2) kinds of cholesterol, dietary (found in food) and blood (found in our bloodstream; also known as serum cholesterol). Do you also know that it is a misconception that dietary cholesterol becomes blood cholesterol as soon as we ingest an egg. Actually, our bodies manufacture the majority of our blood cholesterol;
• Do you know that studies have shown that it’s the saturated fat-rich foods that usually accompany eggs (like cheese bacon, sausage) and how eggs are often prepared (like frying in plenty of butter or salty ingredients) that are the culprits in raising the blood cholesterol and the risk of heart disease – and not eating eggs per se.
• Do you know that eggs are super beneficial for the eyes. More particularly, eating eggs lower the risk of developing cataracts and prevent age-related muscular degeneration… because of the vision-protective carotenoid content of the eggs specifically lutein and zeaxanthin. Eggs contain bigger amounts of carotenoid than green vegetables;
• Do you know that eggs promote healthy hair, nails, and skin because of the rich sulphur content of eggs as well as the vitamin and mineral content of eggs;
• Do you know that one egg contains all the nine (9) essential amino acids and six (6) grams of high quality protein. Do you also know that eggs are one of the best dietary sources of naturally occurring vitamin D other than milk. Finally, eggs contain folate which help prevent birth defects and cardiovascular disease;
• Do you know that there is no significant link between heart disease and eating eggs. This is the result of a study by the Harvard School of Public Health. In another study, eating eggs may in fact help prevent blood clots, stroke and heart attacks;
• Do you know that an egg yolk contains about 300 micrograms of choline, an important nutrient that aids in regulating the brain, nervous system, and cardiovascular system;
• Do you know that storing eggs in the refrigerator will keep them fresh for about one (1) month. It is best to keep eggs in their original carton or in a covered container so that the eggs will not absorb odors or lose any moisture. Eggs should not be stored in the refrigerator door since this exposes the eggs to too much heat every time the refrigerator is opened and closed.
• Eggs are one of the food types belonging to the major allergens as follows: (1) wheat; (2) cow’s milk; (3) hen’s eggs; 4) fish; (5) crustacean shellfish (including shrimp, prawns, lobster and crab); (6) tree nuts (including cashews, almonds, walnuts, pecans, pistachios, Brazil nuts, hazelnuts and chestnuts); (7) peanuts; and (8) soy foods.
Food allergy symptoms vary from one person to another and may include skin rashes, hives, itching, and eczema; swelling of lips, tongue, or throat; tingling in the mouth; wheezing or nasal congestion; trouble breathing; and dizziness or lightheadedness and can also include fatigue, depression, chronic headache, chronic bowel problems (such as diarrhea or constipation), and insomnia.
• Do you know that eggs also protect us from cancer, especially breast cancer.
Today, thanks to continuous researches on the health benefits of eggs – we should not feel guilty anymore eating eggs. We should not give up eating eggs. Instead, we should enjoy it. Yes, the so-called cholesterol scare has been rebutted by many studies, reports and researches showing that eating eggs is healthy.
Have a joyful day!
source: mb.com.ph
