Eggcelent!

by: AndreaDow
Total views: 590
Word Count: 379

Thursday, April 26th

Since Easter, I have been on a kick to cook more hard-boiled eggs and try eating more eggs in general. Eggs are a great source of protein and contrary to popular belief, eggs are not a huge factor in raising our cholesterol. Eating foods high in saturated fats like meat, full-fat dairy and butter pose a much greater risk for increasing your cholesterol. Adam Wenzel, Ph.D, researcher at the University of New Hampshire published research stating that daily egg consumption for five weeks increased carotenoid compounds but did not significantly increase cholesterol or triglyceride levels. The bottom line is that foods highest in saturated fats tend to increase cholesterol in our bodies in comparison to eating foods high in cholesterol.

According to Eating Well contributor, Victoria Shanta Retelny, R.D., eggs are crucial for protecting our eyes. The egg yolks contain important carotenoids called lutein and zeaxanthin. These compounds have been associated with decreased risk of macular degeneration which is the leading cause of blindness in people over 50. These carotenoids are also found in spinach and corn. Vegetables high in these compounds may have similar affects as eggs, but more research is needed.

There is not very much nutritional difference in the various types of eggs, except for omega-3 eggs, according to David L. Katz, MD. Dr. Katz helps us clarify the difference with all the egg labels.

Vegetarian Eggs- these are from hens that eat a plant-based diet only. If they carry the USDA Organic label, that means they eat only organic grains and contain no antibiotics.
Free Range/Cage Free- these eggs come from farmers that allow their hens to roam. The USDA cannot guarantee that egg-laying, cage-free birds have access to outdoor environments. They may very well be indoors without a cage.
White vs. Brown Eggs- the only difference here is that the white eggs come from white chickens and the brown eggs come from red chickens.
Omega-3 Eggs- these eggs come from hens eating diets rich in flaxseeds and other heart-healthy fats. Each egg has 100-200 miligrams of omega-3's (equivalent to the amount in one tablespoon of flaxseed oil).
*I highly recommend eating the Omega-3 eggs. Any time you can sneak in added nutrition, go for it!

Rating: 5.00