Wednesday, September 12th, 2007
The Incredible Edible Egg
This week, the American Egg Board launched a new advertising campaign touting the health benefits of eggs. “Healthy!” you say? “Aren’t eggs bad for my family, and shouldn’t I be tossing all those yolks in the trash?” NO!!! We’re huge fans of eggs (especially omega-3 eggs) and hope the following egg facts will change your opinion about this incredibly nutritious food:
- The yolk gets its color from the yellow-orange plant pigments, lutein and zeaxanthin. Lutein and zeaxanthin have been shown to reduce the risks of cataracts and age-related macular degeneration, the leading cause of blindness in those 65 and older.
- Egg yolks are one of the few foods that naturally contain vitamin D, essential for healthy bones.
- One egg has 13 essential nutrients in varying amounts – including high-quality protein, choline, folate, iron, zinc, and vitamins A, D and E … all for just 75 calories.
- When shopping for eggs, look for Omega-3 eggs. They come from chickens fed a special dietof algae, fish oil, or flaxseed. Omega-3 eggs may cost a few pennies more, but we think it’s well worth it for the heart-health benefits.
For more information on eggs, visit http://www.incredibleegg.org/. Also, be sure to check out our Pantry Tip/Omega-3 Foods video clip at http://www.mealmakeovertv.com/
Hello- Greg here- so even on a statin and watching my lipids; eggs are OK? How many per day?
I know you aren’t Doc’s just wondering…everyone has a different theory it seems.
Thanks!
Hi Greg:
Yes, there have been many studies showing that moderate egg consumption does not increase risk of heart disease. In fact, a 9,500-subject study of this very topic was published in the January 2007 issue of Medical Science Monitor. Researchers concluded that eating one or more eggs per day does not increase the risk of coronary artery disease or stroke among healthy adults.
We look at the total picture when it comes to food and we feel good about eating nutrient-packed eggs and feeding them to our families.
As far as how many eggs you can enjoy, it’s the same as all foods really- moderation is the key! One or two a day should be fine. Are you still exercising and losing weight Greg?
Thanks for the quick reply.
I get fresh eggs from my Amish neighbors so I am happy to hear the good egg news.
Yes I thave dropped about 5 lbs. I am using your book and walking 3 miles per day, longer on the weekends and weights 2-3 x per week, kind of an overall major muscle group workout, about 20-25 min.
By the way, did you see my gingersnap question? I think it was under the “smart snacking” post. Let me know if you need more info to answer that, it is gingersnap season!
Best- Greg
As a footnote to our earlier response, you may want to talk to your doctor and/or dietitian about your question regarding egg consumption. We love eggs and for the general public, one or two eggs a day is considered appropriate. And remember, there are plenty of foods out there that help to lower cholesterol: high-fiber fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and beans as well as healthy fats in moderation, including mono and polyunsaturated fats like olive and canola oil. Your gingersnap question must have gotten by us! We’ll go check it out now.