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People have been eating eggs since the time that chickens became domesticated around 10,000 years ago. Eggs are healthy, highly nutritious and incredibly good for you. No wonder that eggs are consumed around the world. Eggs can be enjoyed boiled, fried, scrambled, or as an ingredient in cooking and baking.
In the past, there was some concern on whether eggs were healthy or not, according to Medical News Today, because of the cholesterol they contain. Today, it has been proven that eggs, if eaten in moderation, are an excellent source of protein and other nutrients. In fact, eggs are incredibly good for you. Here are seven proven benefits of eating eggs.
Packed full of nutrition
Eggs are one of the most nutritious foods on earth, according to Healthline. In fact, it can be classified as a superfood. Just one egg contains vitamins A, B12, D, E, B6, riboflavin, pantothenic acid, choline, and folate, as well as phosphorus, selenium, calcium, and zinc. Eggs contain a full 6 grams of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants that can protect your body from oxidation that can lead to chronic diseases.
Contains choline
Choline is an important nutrient that most people do not get enough of. Discovered in 1998 and often grouped with vitamin B complex, choline is used by your body to build cell membranes and other important functions. While you naturally produce choline in your liver, having a deficiency can be very serious. Just a single egg contains more than 200 mg of choline.
Complete protein
Eggs are high in quality protein, containing a full 6 grams of it. Eggs also contain all 9 of the essential amino acids in the correct ratio that you need so your body can make full use of the protein, reported BBC Good Food. Egg protein is highly digestible and is considered a quality protein that is superior to beef. It is actually closer to dairy proteins.
Helps support heart health
Eggs are rich in nutrients that support a healthy heart, including betaine, and choline. A Chinese study published in the BMJ Journal Heart, examined the association between eating eggs and cardiovascular health. The study ran from 2004 to 2008 and had over half a million participants. The researchers found that eating one egg a day could reduce the risk of heart disease. The same study also found that eating eggs could reduce the risk of having a stroke.
Positively affects cholesterol
While an egg contains 186 mg of cholesterol, many people are not aware that not all cholesterol is bad for you or that it will affect your blood cholesterol levels, stressed Healthline. In fact, eating eggs actually increases your high-density lipoprotein (HDL) or “ good cholesterol “ levels. People who have higher levels of HDL generally have a lower risk of heart disease and strokes.
Promotes eye health
Eggs contain the antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin that could help counteract the degeneration of your eyes due to aging. These powerful antioxidants accumulate in your retinas and consuming enough of them can help protect you from cataracts and macular degeneration, two common causes of blindness. Eggs are also high in vitamin A which can also help protect your eyes.
Helps support your immune system
The essential nutrients, compounds, and high-quality proteins found in eggs may also help your immune system, reported BBC Good Food. If you combine eggs with dairy, you can boost the effects on your immune system. Eggs also contain anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce inflammation and lessen your risk of chronic diseases including diabetes, heart disease, and some cancers.
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