If you’ve been alive for even a short time you’ve probably heard how evil eggs are, and how bad they are for your cholesterol levels. The truth is that that statement is only partially accurate. Eggs are high in dietary cholesterol-as much as two thirds the recommended daily intake, but dietary cholesterol isn’t as bad for you as previously thought. Only a fraction of that cholesterol is absorbed into your bloodstream and the body has an amazing ability to produce its own cholesterol if your dietary cholesterol increases for any reason. The human body is just amazing that way.
Both types of cholesterol are necessary and important. Dietary cholesterol is found in foods like meat eggs and chicken, and some seafoods and in dairy products. Blood cholesterol is manufactured in the liver and flows in the bloodstream. Cholesterol is classified as either High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL), or Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL). Because cholesterol will not mix with water, it needs help getting through the blood stream. With the help HDL it is able to move through the blood which helps remove cholesterol from the body by transporting it to the liver. Unlike HDL, LDL does not help in the transportation of cholesterol out of the body, instead it deposits cholesterol onto artery walls and it is for this reason that it is considered bad. Dietary cholesterol as contained in eggs, does not increase blood cholesterol.
Eggs are a great source of protein, vitamins and minerals and are packed with unsaturated or good fat which is good for healthy hair and skin. The average egg has about five grams of fat with only a small amount of saturated fat. A single egg has as many as six grams of protein and all the essential amino acids the body requires. One study has found that the high Carotenoid content of eggs is good for the eyes and may actually help stave off macular degeneration, and that the Lutein and Zeaxanthin content of eggs may help prevent cataract.
Contrary to popular belief eggs are being found to prevent heart disease, blood clots and strokes and have been found to be good brain food as well. One study even suggests that pregnant mothers who consume eggs may give their babies an intellectual head start, while reducing the chance of birth defects. Egg consumption also benefits the mother’s health with the added benefit of preventing breast cancer. Eggs contain Choline which is good for brain development, but isn’t produced by our bodies in sufficient amounts.
In addition eggs are rich in other vitamins like Vitamin A (healthy skin and growth); Vitamin E (protects cells from oxidation); B1, B2, B6 and B12 (release energy from carbohydrates, protein and fat and help develop nerve fibres and blood cells). Eggs Vitamin D content help build strong bones. Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that is naturally present in very few foods. Vitamin D also helps the body absorb calcium and in the maintenance of adequate serum calcium and phosphate concentrations which in turn enables normal mineralization of bones and prevents Hypocalcemic Tetany. It also helps prevents rickets in children and Osteomalacia in adults. Combined with calcium, it also helps protect older adults from Osteoporosis.
Apart from that, eggs are chock full of minerals like iron (good for developing red blood cells); zinc (important in sexual maturation and enzyme stability); calcium (strong bones and teeth); iodine (controls thyroid hormones); Selenium (protects cells from oxidation).
So go ahead have an egg or two…they’re good for you.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR; Kendal Burton is a Certified Personal Trainer, Yoga Instructor & Sports Nutrition Specialist. For more health and fitness tips “friend” us on Facebook, or join our free fitness community atwww.edgepersonalfitness.com. If you have any questions, or a topic you’d like us to address email us at mail@edgepersonalfitness.com
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