7 Health Benefits of Eating Eggs

People have been eating eggs for thousands of years; and for good reason! Eggs are a delicious food packed full of valuable nutrients and vitamins. 

A nutrient packet powerhouse, eggs contain a number of vitamins and nutrients that we need for healthy bodies. Read on to discover seven health benefits of eggs.

1. Rich in nutrients

Eggs are a source of nutrients such as calcium, magnesium, potassium, zinc, selenium and folate. These nutrients are all required for the optimal functioning of your body.

2. Natural source of Choline

Choline, a nutrient that supports cellular growth, metabolism and brain development, is found in eggs. Many people do not consume sufficient amounts of choline. One large, boiled egg contains around 160mg of choline, around 30-35% of your daily choline requirement. Choline also helps to regulate mood.

When looking to boost your choline levels, do not skip the egg yolks. Choline is found in the yolks of eggs, not the whites.

3. Linked to a reduced risk of heart disease

Despite what you may have heard about eggs and cholesterol, eggs do not negatively impact cholesterol levels. Eggs actually raise HDL, the “good” cholesterol.  People who have higher levels of HDL have a lower risk of heart disease and stroke.

4. High in protein

Protein is vital for building and maintaining muscle mass and tissue.  Egg whites and egg yolks are both good sources of protein.  Eggs provide us with very high-quality protein that contains all nine essential amino acids in the right amounts needed by the body for optimum growth and maintenance. One large, boiled egg contains around grams of protein.

5. Good source of vitamin D

Eggs are a natural source of vitamin D, a vitamin that is linked to mental health and which has disease-fighting properties. One boiled egg contains 40% of your daily vitamin D requirements. Low levels of vitamin D can also lead to brittle bones.

6. Support eye health

Eggs contain lutein, zinc, vitamin A and zeaxanthin, which are all beneficial for eye health. Lutein and zeaxanthin are two antioxidants that counteract some of the degenerative processes which weaken our eyes as we age. Consuming lutein and zeaxanthin can reduce the risks of cataracts and macular degeneration.

Vitamin A is another important vitamin for eye health. Vitamin A deficiency is a common cause of blindness.

7. Healthy pregnancy

For women who are expecting, eggs are a good source of many of the vitamins and nutrients their developing babies need to grow healthy and strong.  Eggs contain folic acid, a vitamin that prevents certain defects and assists in healthy development. The protein in eggs also supports prenatal development.

Affordable, delicious and healthy; what’s not to love about eggs?

Published 04 May 2021