Eight great reasons to love eggs

Eggs are great. They are so easy to make, really versatile, very nutritious and, before I forget, they are good for you.

By Michael Smith (Veshengro)

Are you still hearing in some places that you should avoid the yolk or eggs all together because they are high in fat and can raise your cholesterol? You do. Well, here are some great reasons to forget the bad advice and get cracking:

  1. One egg contains 6 grams of high-quality protein and all 9 essential amino acids.

  2. Eggs are a source of healthy fat. One egg contains just 5 grams of fat and only 1.5 grams of that is saturated fat.

  3. Eggs are one of the only foods that contain naturally occurring vitamin D.

  4. According to a study by the Harvard School of Public Health, there is no significant link between egg consumption and heart disease, In fact, according to one study, regular consumption of eggs may help prevent blood clots, stroke, and heart attacks.

  5. New research shows that consumption of eggs does not have a negative impact on cholesterol. In fact, recent studies show that regular consumption of two eggs per day does not affect a person's lipid profile and may actually improve it.

  6. They are a good source of choline, which is an important nutrient that helps regulate the brain, nervous system, and cardiovascular system.

  7. Eggs are great for the eyes. According to one study, an egg a day may prevent macular degeneration due to the carotenoid content, specifically lutein and zeaxanthin, which are more readily absorbed by our bodies from eggs than from other sources. Also, the lutein and zeaxanthin in eggs may lower their risk of developing cataracts.

  8. Eggs promote healthy hair and nails because of their high sulphur content and many other vitamins and minerals.

As indicated in the list above the story about the cholesterol is false. Not all cholesterol is bad cholesterol and that in eggs is the good version. As far as I am concerned that is good as I do love eggs, and a good thing too, seeing that I get about 3-4 a day from my 5 hens.

Remember that organic free-range eggs are always better. Conventional eggs contain hormones and antibiotics. Better still, get your own hens. You don't need a flock of a hundred. In fact you wouldn't unless you would want to go into business selling act and for that you may need, as in Britain, a license in order to be allowed to do so. You cannot, in the UK, legally sell any eggs from your backyard hens. If you have a bit of space you can have a hen or three. In fact you should have more than one hen and I would suggest have a min of three. One does work but... they do like company even if the may squabble.

Now all you need is some hens... No, honest, you don't have to have a rooster to get egg; only if you want chicks.

© 2011