Is egg good for you?

Answer 1

The egg's image as a wholesome food has been tarnished in recent years, ever since a link was established between high blood cholesterol level and high incidence of cardiovascular disease . Egg is a rich source of dietary cholesterol and it is labeled as a "bad food" . Many have resorted to eating just the egg white to avoid the implications of heart disease, while others have rejected the intake of eggs altogether as a prescription to well being.

Contrary to popular belief that the egg is something to avoid, numerous research and long term studies have shown that eggs are a great dietary source of many fundamental (e.g. protein, choline, cholesterol) and non-fundamental (e.g. lutein, zeaxanthin) components that are essential for optimal health. In fact, many in the fore-front of anti-aging research believe that moderate egg consumption of one per day should be an integral part of a complete anti-aging diet.
One egg provides about 75 calories. Based on an average American diet of 2,000 calories per day, one egg will provide 3% of the daily energy's need. The calories provided by the egg are packed with a variety of important macro and micronutrients. This is in contrast to the empty calories commonly found in snacks such as cookies or pastries that are made primarily from refined sugar. In other words, these calories from eggs are good calories dense in nutrients.


Protein

On average, sedentary people require 0.8 grams of protein per 1 kg of body weight. This works out to about 56 grams of protein a day for a 70 kg (150 pound) person. Those who are physically active or those with greater protein need, such as children, dieters, and the elderly, require more at 1.2 to 1.5 grams of protein per 1 kg of body weight.

One egg provides about 6.25 grams of protein, or about 10% of daily protein needs. Half of the protein in an egg comes from the egg white, while the other half from the egg yolk. In fact, egg protein is of such high quality that it is used as the standard by which other proteins are compared. Eggs have a biological value (efficacy with which protein is used for growth) of 93.7%. Comparable values are 84.5% for milk, 76% for fish, and 74.3% for beef.

The egg is, therefore, an excellent source of protein and one of the best proteins money can buy.


Carotenoids

Carotenoids are substances found in vegetables. They gather in high amounts in the retina and the macular region of the eye. Carotenoids are excellent antioxidants and protect the eyes from free radical damage originating from ultraviolet rays of the sun. Carotenoids called lutein and zeaxanthin (yellow or RED carotenoid, respectively) are found in abundance in the egg. Studies have shown that a higher dietary intake of these two carotenoids lowers the risk for cataracts by up to 20 percent and age-related macular degeneration by up to 40 percent. Adult macular degeneration is the number one cause of blindness in individuals over 65 years old.


Choline and Betaine

Choline is a fundamental dietary component for all cells to function properly. It is a key component for the structural integrity and signaling functions of the cell membrane. It is also a major source of methyl-groups in the diet. In addition, choline directly influences nerve signaling, cell signaling and lipid transport/metabolism. A scientific review article published in the Oct. 5. 2000 issue of the Journal of the American College of Nutrition reports that the nutrient choline, when taken during pregnancy, may be key in the development of an infant's memory function and may improve memory capability later in life. Eggs are great dietary sources of choline, providing about 200 mg per serving.

Betaine, also known as trimethylglycine, is produced by choline and the amino acid glycine in the body. Although both folic acid and betaine ease the remethylation of homocysteine into methionine, they are different in that folate-dependent remethylation occurs in all cells, while betaine-dependent remethylation reaction occurs only in the liver.

Betaine lowers homocysteine levels in the body. Homocysteine is a well known independent risk factor of cardiovascular disease. A high homocysteine level is a sure prescription for coronary artery disease. Despite this, it should be remembered that folic acid is still the most effective agent in lowering plasma homocysteine concentrations.



Cholesterol

Eggs have been widely known for their high fat and high cholesterol content, providing about 200 mg of cholesterol per egg. Cholesterol from the egg comes exclusively from the egg yolk.

Ever since the discovery that links high blood cholesterol to an increased incidence of cardiovascular disease, the logical conclusion is that any food high in cholesterol should be avoided since consumption of such dietary cholesterol may lead to an increase in blood cholesterol. The hypothesis that "high dietary cholesterol leads to high blood cholesterol" has become such a standard dietary claim that anyone who wishes to avoid or lower the chances of getting heart diseases has to restrict their intake of eggs. Few people have carefully examined the evidences to this hypothesis.

Answer 2

Egg are back on the good list. I have eaten them every morning for breakfast for the past 7+ years. What I do is break a dozen at a time, discarding 4 of the yolks. Storing them in a pitcher, I give them a quick stir with a stick blender, then measure out a full cup and scramble them.. I have lost over 30 pounds without exercising any more than normal day to day living. Minimize the bread and pasta, no sweets, except one Dove dark chocolate bar a day. Great diet. Eat chicken, fish. Nothing better than eggs, lots of protein, minerals, and vitamins.

Answer 3

Eggs are the perfect source of protein. The problem is the cholesterol, so it's best to have them a few times a week.

Answer 4

While eggs do contain cholesterol, they do not contain serum cholesterol, which builds up in the human blood stream.

So yes, they are good for you. A good sourse of protein and fatty acids which are essential.

Answer 5

its good because of its protein, but its recommended to 3-4 eggs per week because of the high levels of cholesterol in its yolks

Answer 6

eggs are good for u it has protein

Answer 7

i never eat egg since iam 3 years old iam now 23;-)but it's have porten

Answer 8

Nope, not for me. I am allergic to eggs.

Answer 9

It's all right but try not to eat it too much as it's high in cholesterol !

Answer 10

Certainly, it is good food. But excessive proteins are not advisable.

Answer 11

Yes.