Monday, August 16, 2010

The Controversial Egg

Over the years, the restrictions on eggs have loosened, to the point where the 2006 American Heart Association report does not even mention them in it's guidelines. A 2006 University of Connecticut study showed that eating three eggs a day for 30 days did not raise heart disease risk in healthy older adult men and women. The main reason; if there was a slight increase in LDL cholesterol, it was accompanied by a similar rise in HDL.
Eggs, as with any other food, are okay in moderation. What we eat with them is also important. Many times, eggs are accompanied by high fat meats and cheeses. The American Heart Assoc. guidelines emphasis is really on reducing saturated fats and trans-fat in the diet.
Eggs are well-known for their high quality protein, which is highly digestible, concentrated and perfectly balanced with the right amount of amino acids for human development. The protein in eggs is easy on the kidneys since it produces the least amount of nitrogen (waste), which is why they are recommended for dialysis patients and people with chronic kidney disease. Consuming high-protein foods such as eggs is particularly important for older adults because it can help stave-off muscle loss and reduce the rate of muscle breakdown. The fact that eggs are inexpensive and low in calories is another bonus, making them a popular choice for budget-conscious consumers and families with children. Body builders need not the expensive powders and shakes! Nutrients found in the yolk include lutien and zeaxanthin (antioxidants essential to eye health), and choline, essential for development and shown to improve memory and mental performance. Eggs are one of the few foods that contain high concentrations of the nutrient. And, folate, known for reducing neural tube defects. Others include iron, Vit. B-12, riboflavin, A, D, and K.
One large egg contains 6 gm. protein, 4.5 gm. sat. fat ( 7% of the daily value), 70 calories.
~American Egg Board

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