The Health Benefits of Eggs

The Health Benefits of Eggs

We eat over 12 billion eggs in the UK every year – if these were placed all in a line they would go round the world 17 times. It is estimated that per consumer, we eat 200 eggs each per year.

For a long time, eggs have been demonised as being responsible for helping to cause high cholesterol level and therefore leading to heart diseases. However, a body of research has shown that cholesterol found in eggs has little impact on blood cholesterol levels. Most healthy people can eat up to seven eggs a week without increasing their risk of heart disease. Some studies have shown that this level of egg consumption may even help prevent certain types of stroke and a serious eye condition called macular degeneration that can lead to blindness.

Health benefits of eggs

Firstly, eggs are high in protein and contain the eight essentials amino acids. Eggs are one of the main foods that contain vitamin D and this vitamin is important for calcium absorption and bone health. Eggs contain selenium, vitamin A and vitamin E which can contribute to lowering the risk of heart disease and atherosclerosis. Eggs are rich in vitamin B12, vitamin B6, betaine and folic acid which are necessary for a healthy nervous system.

They are also a good source of a nutrient called choline, which may help in prevention of Alzheimer’s disease and of depression. (Too much choline may not be a good thing for our health but most of us do not get enough choline in our diet.)

Some eggs are also enriched with Omega 3, to help your brain health. (The chickens are fed enriched feed.)

  1. Eggs can be eaten boiled, poached, fried sunny side up, and scrambled.
  2. Use them in omelettes, shakshuka, pancakes, and crepes
  3. However, eggs might contain Salmonella and should not be consumed raw by young children, pregnant ladies, and older adults. Look for the ‘lion brand’ marking or stamp, which is present on most eggs/ egg boxes sold in the UK, which shows that the chickens have been vaccinated against Salmonella.

Author Eva Lasry, Nutritionist, heads up the Nutrition Clinic at Private GP Extra. The service offers sound evidence-based medical and nutritional advice to help people achieve optimum health and wellbeing without using medication. Find out more here https://www.privategpextra.com/nutrition-private-gp-extra/