Today is short and sweet.  Eggs blow every other source of protein out of the water in terms of nutritional content.  If you’re someone who consumes eggs on a regular basis, then high five my friend!

*Note:  With all the fist pumping going on, I’ve decided to go back to old reliable, the high five.  Kickin’ it old school baby!

If you’re on the other side of the fence and rarely or never consume eggs, then you are missing out.  Unless you have an allergy to eggs, you need to get on board and start making eggs (with or without the yolk) a mainstay in your diet.  Here are some reason’s, compliments of Jonny Bowden, why you should be eating eggs:

1. Eggs are plentiful, inexpensive, easy to prepare, and loaded with vitamins.
2. On 3 of the 4 scientific scales for protein quality (Protein Efficiency Rating, Biological Value, Net Protein Utilization), eggs consistently score highest in the quality of their protein, soundly beating milk, beef, whey, and soy.
3. Eggs contain all 9 essential amino acids.
4. Their loaded with vitamins and nutrients that help your eyes, brain, and heart.
5. One of the best sources of choline, which is essential for cardiovascular and brain function, as well as the health of your cell membranes.
6. PHOSPHATIDYLCHOLINE – WITHOUT ADEQUATE PHOSPHATIDYLCHOLINE, BOTH FAT AND CHOLESTEROL ACCUMULATE IN THE LIVER.  PEOPLE AVOID EGG YOLKS BECAUSE THEY’RE AFRAID OF THE CHOLESTEROL, BUT THE CHOLINE IN THE EGG YOLK ACTUALLY HELPS PREVENT THE ACCUMULATION OF CHOLESTEROL AND FAT IN THE LIVER!
7. Choline also forms a metabolite in the body called betaine, which helps lower homosysteine, a risk factor for heart disease.
8. Eggs contain lutein and zeaxanthin, two of the new “superstar” nutrients when it comes to eye health.
9. In a study published in Cancer Epidemiology Biomarkers and Prevention, the study took note of the difference in breast cancer incidence in Chinese women as they migrate from China to Hong Kong to the United States – their incidence of breast cancer more than doubles.  In this study, the researchers looked at changes in diet and discovered two significatn patterns:  One, the women eating the most fruits and vegetables were significantly less likely to have breast cancer.  No surprise there.  But two, the women eating the most eggs were also least likely to have breast cancer:  Eating six eggs per week vs. two eggs per week lowered their risk of breast cancer by 44 percent!

One more thing to note.  if you can get your hands (and wallet) on Omega-3 Enriched Eggs, do it.  Omega-3 enriched eggs come from chickens that roam free and are much higher in omega-3 fatty acids (helps fight heart disease, cancer, and arthritis).  So there you have it!  There are immeasurable benefits to egg consumption.  Add them to your diet today to start fueling your lean body mass and feeling good.  Thanks for stopping by!

Chris

Bowden, Jonny.  150 Healthiest Foods on Earth. Fair Winds Press, 2007.