Health Benefits of Eggs

For years, eggs have gotten a bad rap. Most people with heart disease, high blood pressure or high cholesterol have been told to limit the number of eggs they eat each week to two, or to cut eggs out of their diet all together. Recent studies have shown that advice may be overkill on the side of caution and eggs do in fact provide several health benefits.

Eggs Protect the Heart

One of the health benefits eggs provide is protection against heart disease. Egg yolks contain a nutrient called lutein. Lutein is a yellow phytochemical that works as a powerful antioxidant in the body, repairing the damage that free radicals have done to help prevent heart disease.

Eggs are Brain Food

Eggs are rich in choline, a chemical which is similar to B vitamins and is often lumped into the category of B vitamins. Choline is believed to play a vital role in the development of brain cells and to enhance memory function. Choline also prevent our livers from accumulating an abundance of fat.

Eggs Contain Vitamin D

Eggs are one of the very few food sources that naturally contains vitamin D. Vitamin D is essential to building and maintaining strong bones, by aiding in the body's absorption of calcium. One egg provides about 10 percent of the daily requirement of vitamin D.

Eggs are Easy in the Eyes

Eggs help reduce the risk of age related eye diseases. Eggs contain carotenoids (in the yolk) which have been shown to reduce the risk of cataracts and macular degeneration.

Eggs Help Dieters

Eggs can help a dieter win the battle of the bulge. Eggs are naturally low in calories, containing about 75 calories per egg, with only 5 grams of fat (the good kind of fat), and over 6 grams of protein. Those 6 plus grams of protein help a dieter feel fuller longer and helps the body to build strong, lean muscles while shedding fat. Boiled eggs are easily portable, making them handy food for dieters to take along with them for low calorie, nutritious meals on the go.

Eggs Contain Sulphur

That's no surprise to anyone who has smelled the aftermath of a digested boiled egg, but that sulphur is good for your hair and fingernail. The sulphur in eggs promotes the growth of strong hair and nails.