Depending on your age, you may have heard both the upsides and potential downsides of eating eggs. In fact, from the late 1960s to the 1990s, health experts advised limiting eggs to just a few a week, largely due to fears that the cholesterol in the yolk raised blood cholesterol levels. Eggs further received negative press when raw and undercooked eggs were linked to salmonella.
Today, however, most nutritionists, researchers, and doctors have concluded that an egg a day can be highly beneficial for most people. Plus, when it comes to our cholesterol levels, there are far worse enemies (such as sausage or bacon) in our diets than eggs.
So, we wanted to take a few minutes to appreciate eggs and their nutritional value. Here are the many ways they can support your health and longevity!
1. They May Support Your Brain and Memory
Egg yolk is one of the richest dietary sources of choline, along with omega-3 DHA, lutein, and tryptophan, all of which are linked to memory, focus, and healthy brain function.
Studies have even associated moderate egg consumption (about 0.5-1 egg per day) with better cognition, including improved memory performance, and a potentially lower risk of dementia.
2. They’re a Great Source of Protein
Eggs are a complete protein, meaning they contain all nine essential amino acids your body can’t make on its own. This makes them brilliant for building and maintaining muscle, which becomes increasingly important as we age.
Protein also helps you feel full longer, making it easier to get through the morning without reaching for a snack.
3. They’re Good for Your Eyes
Eggs are also a good source of two antioxidants, lutein and zeaxanthin, which are well known for supporting eye health. Higher intakes have been linked to a lower risk of age-related macular degeneration, a common cause of vision loss as we age.
4. They Have a Lot of Nutritional Value With Few Calories
For something so small and affordable, eggs deliver an impressive amount of nutrition. A single egg contains:
- ~72 calories
- 6 grams of protein
- 5 grams of fat
- 31% of your daily choline
- 28% of your daily selenium
- 21% of your daily vitamin B12
- 16% of your daily riboflavin
- 6% of your daily vitamin D
- And more!
5. They’re Versatile and Easy to Enjoy!
Eggs can be enjoyed in so many ways; you can have them poached, boiled, scrambled, or baked into a dish. They also don’t have to be just a breakfast food. They work well as a yummy snack or side, too.
For most healthy adults, around one egg a day is generally very doable. At the same time, your overall health and wellness rely on more than one single food. Health depends on various habits and lifestyle choices.
At Posture & Wellness, we’re here to help you discover a higher level of health. If postural pain or stiffness is holding you back, book your FREE discovery call with our Finsbury Park team to find out how we can help you move better. BOOK NOW.