Eggs and egg yolks in particular have been vilified over the past decade with claims that they are worse for you than smoking and can lead to things like artery blockages, high blood pressure, and even heart attacks. We are here to tell you that these claims are FALSE and have been disproven multiple times over! Eggs, and the yolk in particular, should be part of a well-rounded, healthy diet. Eggs have even recently been accepted as a superfood. So open up that carton and crack open those eggs into your skillet, yolk and all.
A major concern about eggs is the cholesterol that they contain. But cholesterol is actually a vital nutrient to our bodies, needed for healthy hormone production and used by every single cell to make cell membranes. Many nutrition experts including Dr. Luc Djoussé, an associate professor and heart disease researcher at Harvard Medical School, agree that dietary cholesterol intake has no bearing on blood cholesterol levels. Even the USDA, makers of the infamous food pyramid, have finally seen the light. They have removed their cap on daily cholesterol intake and have released new guidelines stating that “cholesterol is not considered a nutrient of concern for overconsumption.”
LET THE EGG YOLKS FLOW FREELY!
But what about just eating egg whites? Surely those are the healthier portion of eggs, right?
While egg whites are predominantly protein, making them very easy to track if counting your macros, the egg yolk is where all the nutrient-rich goodness is within an egg. The yolk even contains more protein than the egg white per gram. You would be hard pressed to find many foods that contain a more wide variety of micronutrients than egg yolks. Some of these micronutrients include:
Amino Acids: Eggs provide a complete range of all amino acids, crucial for making proteins in the body
B vitamins: Eggs contain a range of B vitamins which are crucial for energy and red blood cell production.
Choline: Supports brain and neurological functions
Iodine: Necessary for thyroid hormone production
Iron: Required for red blood cell and energy production in the body.
Lutein: Supports eye health
Molybdenum: Needed for several reactions in the body that maintain health
Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Decrease inflammation and may regulate cardiovascular and neurological health
Phosphorus: Supports formation of bones and teeth
Selenium: Mineral and antioxidant that is needed for healthy thyroid function
Vitamin A: Involved in the modulation of skin health, vision, and the immune system.
Vitamin D: Associated with a wide range of benefits, including increased cognition, immune health, bone health and well-being
Zeaxanthin: Supports brain health
Zinc: Mineral needed for optimal cognitive, mood, and hormone function
Eggs are the perfect high protein addition to any meal. Breakfast: scramble a few with some veggies. Need a high protein lunch? Try our South of the Border Protein Platter. Can’t figure out a healthy snack? A couple hard boiled eggs are perfect