The USDA "warned" us about eggs for 50 years, but now, eggs are considered part of a healthy diet. I never listened to those warnings, since eggs are about as close as you can get to getting a food that has complete nutrition.
"Eggs can be part of a healthy eating pattern and people should be thoughtful about including them into a healthy routine", said Karen DeSalvo, who is the assistant secretary for health, to the Department of Health & Human Services.
Back in 1961, the warnings were about the egg yolk. It was recommended that if you were going to eat eggs, it should be the whites only. It was thought that the egg yolk raised cholesterol levels and a subsequent risk of heart disease, which isn't factual.
Find out what's happening in Ramseyfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The total fat content of a large hen's egg, is about 5 grams. About 30% of that fat is beneficial saturated fat, while the remainder is monounsaturated fats (MUFA) and polyunsaturated fats (PUFA), which are also heart healthy.
Reasons Why Eggs Are so Good for You:Eggs contain an impressive number of nutrients. It is ironic that the yolk, is arguably the healthiest part of the egg. The yolk contains vitamins A, D, E, K and B12, omega-3 fats, antioxidants, folate and much more choline than the white. The yolk also has a good amount of carotenoid content, which is where the yellow color comes from. The most important carotenoids are the antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin, which lower inflammation and promote healthy eyes.
Find out what's happening in Ramseyfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Biotin (B7), is a water-soluble B vitamin that assists glucose and fatty acid metabolism and is very important during pregnancy. Beware that raw eggs whites, contain a protein called avidin, which can block the absorption of biotin.
Carotenoids need to be consumed with fat for your body to extract and to absorb them. The carotenoids in eggs come with the fat from the egg, so no additional fat is needed.
Egg whites are mostly made up of protein, which helps to reduce your appetite. This helps if you're watching your weight. Eggs also help to reduce high blood pressure, aid in glucose metabolism and help type 2 diabetes.
Eggs contain abundant cholin,e is a nutrient that many people in the U.S. are deficient in. Choline is particularly needed during pregnancy. A choline deficiency is associated with an increased number of birth defects.
If you want the best quality eggs, look for pasture raised organic eggs. Organic eggs come from chickens fed only organic food, which means no GMOs or pesticides.