There’s no better time to celebrate the humble egg than Friday 12th, a.k.a World Egg Day. One of the oldest foods known to man, what would we be without the egg? Scrambled, poached, or sunny side up, they’re a go-to for breakfast as much as a quick and easy lunch or dinner. From omelettes to sandwiches, cocktails and cakes, the egg has got to be one of the most versatile and loved ingredients out there.
Despite coming under threat some years ago due to their high cholesterol content, eggs have made a fighting comeback and, once again, science supports their many benefits. In the spirit of the upcoming celebration of one of the world’s favourite foods, here are 5 reasons why you should enjoy an egg or two this Friday, courtesy of the nutritionists at Fresh Fitness Food.
1. They help to optimise brain function
That’s right, these babies are a great source of choline which helps keep our brain functioning at 110%. And since our bodies don’t produce this nutrient ourselves (only a small amount in the liver), incorporating eggs into our daily meals is an absolute must if we want to keep our brains happy and focused!
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2. They are are great source of complete protein
They might be humble in size but when it comes to protein the pack a punch. With 6-7 grams of high quality protein per egg, they are an affordable way of contributing to your daily protein requirements.
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3. They are full of super important nutrients that keep us fit and healthy
When it comes to nutrient content eggs are hard to beat (no pun intended). Aside from their high protein content, eggs are also bursting with important micronutrients such as folate, magnesium, calcium and iron, making them a powerhouse of essential nutrients to keep the body healthy and strong.
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4. They are a great source of antioxidants
Eggs contain two important antioxidants needed for the health of the retina of the eye – Lutein and Zeaxanthin. Your body doesn’t make these naturally, so getting adequate amounts of both through food is important and has been linked to significant risk reduction of eye diseases such as cataracts and age-related macular degeneration.
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5. The yolk is a great source of Vitamin D
Don’t ditch the yolk! The delicious, runny goodness provides around 40IUs of immune-boosting Vitamin D – something we’ll all be lacking in the winter months ahead!