Top 10 Health Benefits of Eating Eggs in Your Diet
Eggs have become a popular choice in many diets and are an excellent source of vitamins. Some people may be concerned about their cholesterol levels, but other nutrients in eggs play significant roles in good health. Even though eggs are a popular dietary choice, not everyone knows the benefits of eating eggs. Notably, this has some health advantages, but it is neglected.
Table of Contents
What is an Egg?
An egg is a reproductive structure that all birds use. It is also used as human food on every continent worldwide, consisting of different parts such as the air cell, chalaza, albumen, germinal disc, and shell.
Eggs are common ingredients in omelettes, quiches, and baked goods. They can be cooked by boiling, frying or scrambling. Their nutritional properties, including protein, vitamins, minerals, and other essential components, make them valuable.
Is Egg Good for Health?
Yes, eggs are beneficial to your health. They are packed with nutrients, such as choline, good fats, protein, and vitamins B6, B12, and D. Omega-3 fatty acids necessary for good vision are also found in eggs.
10 Benefits of Eating Eggs in Your Daily Diet
These numerous benefits of eggs emphasise its status as a powerhouse of nutrition. In addition to being versatile with great culinary appeal, eggs have several health benefits. Therefore, they form part of a well-balanced diet because they supply high-quality proteins while being richly endowed with important nutrients and minerals.
1. Rich in Nutrients
Eggs are incredibly nutrient-dense, providing many vital nutrients all in one. They are a great source of high-quality protein, which is necessary for the growth and repair of tissue. Eggs, high in choline, benefit the liver, brain, and metabolism.
2. Rich in Protein
Eggs are a fantastic source of protein. They are often considered a benchmark for high-quality protein. A single large egg typically contains around 6 to 7 grams of protein. This protein is rich and contains all the essential amino acids, making it a complete protein source.
3. Have Good Cholesterol
Contrary to popular belief, eating eggs does not always raise cholesterol levels. The quantity of cholesterol obtained through food only slightly impacts its level in the body. Consuming eggs daily can assist in raising HDL levels, which lowers risk factors for heart diseases.
4. Have Choline in It
Choline is an essential component for good health; did you know that? It helps in forming cell membranes and transmitting brain messages. One serving of eggs contains over 100 mg of choline, making it easy to get enough of this important nutrient by simply eating them.
5. Beneficial to Brain Function
They include several nutrients that promote cognitive wellness; eggs are good for brain health. Choline, a crucial ingredient for brain development, neurotransmitter production, and memory, is one of the main nutrients in eggs.
6. Reduce Heart Hazards
Because of their high nutritious content, eggs may have heart-healthy benefits. They are a source of high-quality protein, which supports weight control and satiety. Eggs include unsaturated fats, including mono- and polyunsaturated fats, which, when ingested in moderation, are good for heart health.
7. Supplemented With Antioxidants
Antioxidant properties of an egg are also very much overlooked, like those of Lutein and Zeaxanthin, which are good for eye diseases. By this, some research has shown that eating a diet rich in antioxidants may reduce your risk of cataracts and macular degeneration.
8. Help in Lowering of Triglycerides
Another benefit of consuming eggs regularly is that it lowers triglyceride levels. Not only specific omega-3 enhanced omega chickens fed eggs, but any eggs can help bring down these levels. Some people, therefore, prefer pastured eggs.
9. Reduce the Risk of Breast Cancer
Scientists have shown that eggs could potentially decrease breast cancer rates. Eggs contain a huge amount of vitamins, including choline, which helps prevent this disease. This means that young teenage girls who consume eggs as part of their diet may have a lower risk of developing breast cancer.
10. Good for Your Eyes
A variety of vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin A, vitamin E, and selenium, essential antioxidants that support retinal function, eye health, and the prevention of age-related visual decline, are found in eggs.
What is the Nutritional Value of Eggs?
Use the guidelines below to find out the health advantages of eggs based on the percentage of eggs consumed daily:
As per this Research, below is the nutritional composition of 100 grams of Eggs:
Nutrients |
Values |
Energy | 143 Kcal |
Total Fat | 9.5 g |
Cholesterol | 372 mg |
Sodium | 142 mg |
Potassium | 138 mg |
Total Carbohydrate | 0.72 g |
Protein | 12.6 g |
Health Benefits of Egg Whites and Egg Yolks
Both egg whites and egg yolks are beneficial to health. Egg whites are a low-fat protein source that is devoid of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants but high in all the important amino acids.
Health Benefits of Egg Whites |
Health Benefits of Egg Yolk |
Protein's source | Lowers the chance of gastrointestinal problems |
Abundant in biotin | Increases immunity |
No calories | Alters blood pressure |
Free of cholesterol | Lowers the chance of cataract development |
As per this Research, below is the nutritional composition of Egg Whites and Egg Yolks:
Egg Yolk |
Egg White | ||
Calories | 322 Kcal | Calories | 52 Kcal |
Protein | 16 g | Protein | 11g |
Total Fat | 27g | Total Fat | 0.2 g |
Saturated Fat | 10 g | Saturated Fat | 0 g |
Cholesterol | 1085 mg | Cholesterol | 0 g |
Selenium | 56 ug | Selenium | 20 ug |
Folate | 146 ug | Folate | 4 ug |
Vitamin B12 | 1.96 ug | Vitamin B12 | 0.09 ug |
How to Include Eggs in Your Daily Diet?
One of the cheapest and easiest ingredients to find is eggs. You may easily incorporate them into your everyday diet because of their variety.
Different Ways to Include Eggs in Your Diet
There are numerous delicious and versatile ways to incorporate eggs into your diet. Here are some ideas:
- Classic Breakfast Dishes:
- Scrambled Eggs: Whip up fluffy scrambled eggs seasoned with herbs and spices of your choice.
- Omelette: Create a customisable omelette with veggies, cheese, and protein like ham or turkey.
- Frittata: Bake a frittata using eggs as the base and add vegetables, cheese, and cooked meats.
- Baked Goods:
- Quiches and Tarts: Make quiches or savoury tarts filled with eggs, cheese, and vegetables.
- Muffins and Bread: Bake savoury muffins or bread using eggs as a binding agent and incorporating ingredients like cheese, spinach, or bacon.
- Lunch and Dinner:
- Egg Salad: Prepare egg salad sandwiches or wraps using hard-boiled eggs mixed with mayo, mustard, and diced vegetables.
- Fried Rice: Add scrambled eggs to homemade fried rice for added protein and texture.
- Egg Drop Soup: Make a comforting egg drop soup by whisking eggs into hot broth with vegetables and seasoning.
- Snacks:
- Deviled Eggs: Halve hard-boiled eggs, remove the yolks, mix them with mayo and mustard, then refill the egg whites for a classic appetizer.
- Egg Muffins: For a portable snack, bake mini egg muffins in a muffin tin with various mix-ins like cheese, spinach, and diced ham.
- Salads:
- Cobb Salad: For a hearty Cobb salad, top a bed of greens with hard-boiled eggs, bacon, avocado, tomato, and cheese.
- Nicoise Salad: Prepare a traditional salad with boiled eggs, tuna, green beans, potatoes, olives, and vinaigrette dressing.
- Sauces and Dressings:
- Hollandaise Sauce: Whip a creamy hollandaise sauce to drizzle over eggs Benedict or asparagus.
- Caesar Dressing: Use raw egg yolks to make a classic Caesar salad dressing for a rich and flavorful topping.
- Asian Cuisine:
- Ramen: Add a soft-boiled egg to your bowl of ramen for extra protein and creaminess.
- Sushi: Enjoy sushi rolls filled with cooked or raw egg (tamago) for a satisfying Japanese-inspired meal.
Always remember to fully boil eggs to lower the chance of contracting a foodborne illness. Thanks to the abundance of possibilities, you may eat eggs in a multitude of delectable and healthful ways throughout the day.
Side Effects of Over Consuming Eggs
Eating eggs while younger than five can cause an egg allergy. This allergy is caused by proteins found in eggs and manifests as rashes, nausea, vomiting, runny nose, and congestion in the digestive tract, skin, and respiratory systems.
The following list includes additional signs of the body's negative reactions to eggs:
Eating eggs daily can raise both good and bad cholesterol, which increases the risk of heart problems in the individual.
Because eggs contain a lot of saturated fat, eating too many of them can make you gain weight.
Overindulgence in eggs may lead to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.
Who Should Avoid Eating Eggs?
While most people find eggs to be nutritious, some people may need to restrict or avoid eating them because of certain dietary needs, allergies, or medical issues. The following demographics may need to exercise caution when consuming eggs:
- Individuals with Egg Allergies: Egg allergies are common, especially in children. Allergic reactions to eggs can range from mild to severe and may include symptoms such as hives, difficulty breathing, or anaphylaxis. People with egg allergies should avoid consuming eggs and foods containing eggs or egg products.
- Individuals with Specific Dietary Restrictions: Some may follow dietary restrictions or special diets requiring avoiding eggs. For example, people following a vegan diet abstain from consuming all animal products, including eggs. Others with religious or cultural dietary practices may also avoid eggs.
- Those at Risk of Salmonella Infection: Raw or undercooked eggs carry a risk of Salmonella contamination, which can cause foodborne illness. This risk is higher for certain populations, such as pregnant women, young children, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems.
- Individuals with High Cholesterol or Heart Disease: While dietary cholesterol from eggs may not have as significant an impact on blood cholesterol levels as once thought for most people, individuals with high cholesterol or heart disease may be advised to limit their dietary cholesterol intake.
- Those with Digestive Issues: Some people may experience digestive discomfort or intolerances to certain components of eggs, such as the proteins in egg whites or the fats in egg yolks. Individuals with digestive issues or sensitivities to eggs should avoid consuming them or opt for alternatives.
It's important to speak with a healthcare professional or qualified dietitian if you have any questions or special dietary requirements so they can provide you with tailored advice on whether eggs are a good fit for your diet.
There are numerous health benefits of eggs. They are an excellent source of high-quality protein, essential vitamins, and minerals, including vitamin A, D, B12, choline, iron, and selenium. Eggs also contain antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin, which support eye health, and omega-3 fatty acids, which promote heart health and brain function. Incorporating eggs into a balanced diet can contribute to muscle repair and growth, support cognitive function, and aid in weight management.