Did you know that eggs are one of the most protein packed-nutrient dense foods on the planet!

It’s true and so many people love eggs because they are inexpensive, readily available and easy to prepare. Eggs can be made into different forms including poached, boiled, scrambled, fried, omelets and one of my favorites frittatas!

Eggs contain a variety of important vitamins and minerals, protein, healthy fat and are considered one of natures “perfect foods”. They are quite beneficial to human health and a great source of B vitamins and essential minerals. Here are just a few of the health benefits of eggs:

Eggs Raise HDL or “Good” Cholesterol In The Body

Some medical experts warn that too much cholesterol can increase the risk of heart disease. However, recent research has shown that the cholesterol found in egg yolk does not affect us negatively, but in fact helps us raise the levels of good cholesterol. Dietary cholesterol helps to raise the levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) also known as “good” cholesterol. The higher your HDL levels, the lower your chances of being affected by heart disease.

The yolk in eggs contain this vital cholesterol. While excessively high levels of blood cholesterol that is generated by the liver may increase the risk of heart disease, dietary cholesterol is actually very healthful. Your body needs cholesterol to build healthy cell walls, to create hormones, and to produce bile which helps the body digest fat and utilize fat soluble nutrients. Additionally, when your skin is exposed to sunlight, it’s the cholesterol in your body that gets converted to vitamin D!

Eggs Build Muscle and Strengthen Hair and Nails

Proteins that are found in eggs help in the growth of muscle tissue and other tissues throughout the body. These proteins are also called ‘the building blocks of life’. One egg is made up of 8.3 grams of quality protein. Eggs contain essential nutrients in the right proportions needed by the body for maximum growth and maintenance. Eggs contain a very high-quality source of protein making them mighty in the delivery and utilization of nutrients.

Eggs Can Help With Weight Loss

The balance of protein and fat in eggs makes them one of the healthiest foods you can choose for weight loss and weight management. They make you feel full and satisfy hunger for longer periods of time. The high level of satisfaction you feel after eating eggs decreases your desire to eat later in the day, helping you avoid that mid-afternoon snack.

Eggs Support Brain Health

Choline is an essential nutrient found in eggs that supports brain health and other bodily functions. Choline is especially important during pregnancy and breast-feeding for the development of the baby’s brain that’s growing so quickly. Choline helps the cells in the body function properly and is naturally found in foods like fish, nuts, beans and spinach and is abundant in eggs.

Eggs Improve Nutrient Deficiencies

If you’re in need of vitamins and minerals, you may want to consider including eggs in your diet. It is important to eat both the yolks and the whites. Egg yolks are great sources of vitamins B6 and B12 as well as other fat-soluble nutrients like vitamins A, D, E, & K. Both the white and the yolk are rich in protein, vitamins and minerals. More than half of the protein in eggs is found in the egg white, however, the yolk contains enzymes necessary to digest the egg white proteins. Egg whites, when eaten alone without the yolk, can be difficult for the body to digest. The yolk is also a rich source of selenium, copper, iron, iodine and phosphorus. It is a good source of zinc which is a super nutrient that supports the immune system. To learn more about the benefits of Zinc check out  Zinc – The Anti-aging, Immune Boosting Super Nutrient.  If you eat only the egg white, you’ll miss out on the rich nutrients found in the yolk and have more difficulty utilizing the protein found in the whites.

Now that you know the health benefits of eggs, I hope you find ways to include these little super foods in your diet. For the best flavor and riches nutrients look for eggs from pastured chickens or farm fresh eggs from chickens that have been able to roam freely.

For more nutrient dense food ideas to improve the health of you and your family here’s 

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