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An Egg-cellent food!

By R. Khan
20 March, 2018

Some people may find eggs hard to eat, however, the ample health benefits that it possess, might have you reconsider. You! finds out...

health

Some people may find eggs hard to eat, however, the ample health benefits that it possess, might have you reconsider. You! finds out...

Sunny side up, scrambled, poached or boiled, eggs are a staple for breakfasts and a key ingredient for many sweet and savoury dishes. While some picky eaters make faces when having to consume them, but both, the white and the yolk, are packed with nutrients which make them an essential part of a healthy diet. Eggs may have received a bad rap in the past because of its cholesterol content, but they also contain proteins, vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids.

According to American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, there was no evidence found between people who eat eggs and get heart attacks. Furthermore, another research suggests that consuming eggs regularly does not cause heart diseases as the cholesterol found in eggs is good for you. If you are looking to lose weight, many dietitians and nutritionists will recommend you to have at least one egg a day as it keeps you full for longer. Also, the number of calories in a single egg ranges from 44 to 78, when boiled.

Choosing to consume boiled eggs is a good choice because it does not increase the risk of eliminating its nutritional content like frying in oil. If you are still not convinced, here are some health benefits of eating boiled eggs that will surely make you have one. Read on...

Lowering bad cholesterol

Yes, you read that right. If you struggle with cholesterol issues, frequent consumption of boiled eggs will help. The content of omega 3 in these foods is very effective in lowering bad cholesterol. However, it’s always best to consult your nutritionist if your case is serious.

Brain health

Eggs contain choline which is a nutrient that regulates the brain, nervous system and cardiovascular health. It also helps in maintaining the structure of brain cell membranes that helps relay messages from the brain to the nerves and muscles. For pregnant women, it is good for fetal brain development and prevents birth defects.

Maintain bone strength

Bone health serves to support the body in order to keep moving to perform daily tasks but with age, bone health starts to deteriorate. An example of this is osteoporosis that makes bone weak and susceptible to fractures. To prevent osteoporosis earlier, it is best to consume nutritious foods such as eggs. In addition, also strive to exercise for 30 minutes, four times a week.

Help prevent breast cancer

Breast cancer not only affects women but also men. However, only women are more susceptible to this disease. As mentioned earlier, egg yolks are a good source of choline, consumption of which has been found to be associated with lower risk of breast cancer in some studies.

Help overcome anemia

Anemia is one of the diseases caused by reduced performance of compounds in red blood cells called hemoglobin for which iron is an essential nutrient. An anemic patient starts to look pale, tired and often feels headaches. Therefore, most people suffering from anemia are advised to consume eggs, because apart from meat, wholegrain and liver, boiled eggs are also a good source for iron.

Build and repair body cells

The high concentration of protein present in the eggs, as well as other important vitamins, ensures that the human body develops at a normal rate and gets all the necessary nutrients required for proper growth. While you are still growing and do a lot of physical activity, having an egg or two for breakfast will serve to repair the body’s damaged cells and keep you healthy.

Good for Eyes

Not only carrots, eggs have vitamin A as well, which is key in maintaining eye health. Consuming boiled eggs regularly avoids eyes from nearsightedness and farsightedness. It may prevent macular degeneration and lower the risk of cataracts.

Maintains hair health

We often struggle with hair-related issues like damaged broken hair, dull hair and even hair loss. The good thing about this little food item is that it helps with all of them. Hair damage is often caused by changing shampoos frequently, or using chemicals such as hair dye or while styling. With its protein content and fatty acids, eggs help your hair stay healthy, give a lustrous shine and accelerate the process of hair growth. Vitamin A and E are very useful to prevent hair loss which can easily be found in eggs.

Good for skin

Vitamin A also enhances the process of cell development, hence helping in the growth of new skin cells. This is why vitamin A is included in cosmetics and beauty products. In eggs, the antioxidants such as selenium, slows down the aging process, and the lutein and zeaxanthin protect the skin against harmful UV rays and prevent the damage that might lead to brown spots and wrinkles on the skin.

Helps you lose weight

If you thought that was all, did you know that eggs can help you lose weight as well? It may come as a surprise for some since people normally assume it to be fattening or unhealthy. Studies have shown that eating eggs for breakfast (especially boiled) help limit your calorie intake all day, by more than 400 calories. This is probably because eggs keep you fuller for longer which means you are less likely to reach for a mid-day snack - which is generally junk food. The high vitamin B12 content will also help you to maintain and increase metabolism in the body.

So if you are a picky eater, it wouldn’t hurt for you to try this healthy treat!