Eggs: Nutrition Facts, Benefits, Tips and Recipe

Eggs have constantly been a part of our diets for ages, and they are known as the original superfood of mother nature. However, it is only now that we are learning the full extent of their nutritional values. With the evolution of science and our interest in health care, we are now discovering how beneficial they are in promoting lasting health benefits. Eggs contain 13 essential vitamins and minerals, which are an integral part of a healthy diet. They are also one of the best natural protein sources and help us be at our best every day. 

The popularity of eggs is that India’s entire section of people is informally called ‘eggetarians’. They are primarily vegetarians who also consume eggs. The versatility an egg can bring to the table is mind-blowing. Be it scrambled or sunny side up, most people like to have their eggs a certain way. Eggs bring along enormous benefits. 

This article will shed light on some of the advantages of consuming eggs and the nutritional benefits of eggs. 

Nutritional Values of an Egg:

100 grams (approx. two large hard-boiled chicken eggs);

• Calories: 155 kcal
• Protein: 12.6 g
• Carbohydrates: 1.12 g
• Fat: 10.6 g
• Choline: 294 mg
• Vitamin D: 87 IU
• Cholesterol: 373 mg

Nutritional Facts of Eggs:

• A single large egg has only about 77 calories. It is a relatively small number when you consider the impressive nutrient profile.

• Eggs contain all the nine essential amino acids needed by the body. Therefore, they are a perfect source of natural lean protein with around 6 grams of protein per egg. 

• The egg white and yolk are equally nutrient-rich. However, while the egg white has a significant portion of protein, the yolk contains the rest of the nutrients.

• Eggs are one of the few food items that can fuel the body with vitamin D. 

• 100 grams of eggs contains 60% of the daily recommended value of choline. 

• Similarly, they are rich in B vitamins. The amount of vitamin B12 and riboflavin constitute 46% and 42% of the daily recommended value. Pantothenic acid (B5) makes up 28 percent of it. 

• Eggs also contain a significant amount of vitamin A (19% of DV) and vitamin E (7% of DV). 

• The mineral profile of eggs constitutes a good mixture of phosphorous, zinc, iron, sodium, magnesium and potassium. 

• Eggs are readily available and affordable. But the humble eggs are a powerhouse of nutrition. 

Egg and Cholesterol 

There is an ongoing debate about eggs. Can regular consumption lead to high cholesterol? 

It is no surprise that high blood cholesterol can lead to complications. So naturally, people began to avoid eggs. But this is proved to be wrong. To understand why you need to de-villainise cholesterol first. Some cholesterol is necessary for the body to create hormones, bile acid and vitamin D. Hence, the body produces liver cholesterol. Beyond that, the foods we consume contribute to blood cholesterol.

The body functions smartly and compensates when one cholesterol becomes higher or lower, thereby regulating it. Therefore, eating eggs has very little to no effect on blood cholesterol levels. A healthy person can enjoy up to 7 eggs a week with no risks. One needs to reduce the consumption of saturated fats especially sides, to the egg like bacon, ham and sausages to prevent a spike in cholesterol levels.

Health Benefits of Including Eggs in Your Diet

1. It is an excellent source of protein

Protein is undeniably the most critical component of a diet. Eat an egg a day to help reach your optimal protein intake. 

2. Reduces risk of heart diseases 

Yes, the cholesterol in an egg can lower heart ailments. It is because studies prove that eggs increase HDL or good cholesterol in the body. Higher amounts of HDL means a lower probability of strokes and other diseases.

3. Provides choline to the body

Though choline is an underrated nutrient and not discussed much, we need it for brain development, prenatal health, and nerve function. The body does not produce sufficient amounts by itself. Fortunately, eggs are an excellent source of choline. Just two eggs can make up to more than half of the daily recommended value. 

4. Improves eye health 

Egg contains lutein and zeaxanthin, two powerful antioxidants that settle in the retina. They tend to counteract the effects of ageing of the eyes. The risk of cataracts and macular degeneration reduces significantly. The egg yolk contains most of these antioxidants.

5. Aids in weight loss

Since eggs are protein-dense, they can keep you full for longer hours. Also, in terms of satiety, eggs are one of the top-ranking foods. Therefore, consistently eating eggs will eventually lead to consuming overall lower calories, thereby aiding weight loss. 

6. Promotes bone and teeth health

Phosphorous in eggs is crucial for maintaining healthy bones and teeth. Also, eggs are one of the few food items that contain vitamin D. This vitamin further enhances the absorption of calcium and phosphorous in the body. 

7. Contains healthy fats

The yolk of an egg contains healthy fats and several fat-soluble nutrients. Therefore, you can safely eat one yolk a day to ensure all the nutrients are absorbed in the body. 

Egg Bhurji Recipe

An Egg Bhurji is a classic Indian version of scrambled eggs. It goes beautifully with roti, rice or bread.

Ingredients:

• Eggs – 2 large 
• Onion – 1 
• Coriander leaves – 2 tbsp
• Green chilli – 1
• Tomato or capsicum – 1 (optional)
• Ghee (homemade is preferable) – ½ tsp
• Cumin seeds – ½ tsp
• Ginger garlic paste – 1 tsp
• Garam masala – 1 tsp
• Red chilli powder – ½ tsp
• Turmeric powder – ½ tsp
• Salt – to taste

Method:

1. Crack the eggs in a bowl and add salt and turmeric to them. Beat the mixture well and set it aside.
2. Heat a pan with ghee and add cumin seeds.
3. Add chopped onions and green chilli to the pan and sauté till golden colour.
4. Next, add the ginger-garlic paste and cook until the raw smell goes away.
5. If you include tomatoes or capsicum, add it at this step.
6. Pour in the egg mixture and lower the heat.
7. Stir continuously while gently scrambling the eggs.
8. Add in the garam masala and red chilli powder when the eggs are almost cooked.
9. Mix the spices well into the egg and garnish with coriander leaves. 
10.  Adjust the quantity of salt or spices if needed.

Tips to Remember When Consuming Eggs

• The best way to add eggs to your diet is by boiling or poaching them. Hard-boiled eggs are the healthiest option. Add a dash of salt and pepper, and you get a nourishing dish. While making scrambled eggs, minimise the amount of salt and butter used. Substituting butter with ghee can improve nutritional value. 

• Although fried eggs are tasty to eat, they can increase the fat by up to 50 per cent.

• Avoid eating raw eggs or dishes that include uncooked eggs. Uncooked eggs carry the risk of salmonella infection. It is more prevalent in children, pregnant women and older people.

• There is a high probability that eggshells have bacteria on them. Hence, remember to maintain hygiene when handling eggs. Also, do not consume eggs with broken shells as they may be infected.

• For healthier varieties, look for omega3 infused eggs. You get them from hens brought up on special feed that increases the quality of these eggs. However, their prices may be significantly higher than the regular variety.

• Ensure to follow the best-before date given on the packaging. Since the eggshells are porous, always store them in cartons to avoid absorbing unnecessary odour.

• To check if an egg has gone bad, simply fill a bowl with cold tap water and place your eggs in it. If they sink to the bottom and lay flat on one side, they are fresh and good to eat. A bad egg will float because of the large air cell that forms at its base.

References:

1. www.sciencedirect.com

2. journals.sagepub.com

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