Lauren Anceriz from Protactic Strategic Communications, on the behalf of the South African Poultry Association (SAPA), shares eight reasons why the consumption of eggs are good for our health.

   1. Eggs are good for the immune system

According to BBC Good Food, eggs contain several essential nutrients and like soldiers on a battlefield, our immune system fends for our bodies against viruses and bacteria. Important nutrients in eggs for normal immune function, are vitamins A and B12, and selenium.

   2. Eggs promote good eye health

According to Healthline, serious eye conditions may be avoided or the risks may be reduced with a well-balanced diet. When a balanced diet includes eggs, one’s eyes receives several types of antioxidants. Lutein, zeaxanthin, zinc and vitamins A, E are some of the antioxidants.

Anceriz says that egg yolks are good for the eyes as it has the lutein and zeaxanthin. “These nutrients have been shown to lower the risk of cataracts and macular degeneration, the leading cause of blindness in older people,” she said.

   3. Eggs are good for the heart

Eggs do contain cholesterol, however eating an egg a day won’t necessarily significantly raise one’s cholesterol levels. In fact, eating eggs results in a lower risk of heart disease, but should not be overdone.

   4. Eat the whole egg, not just the egg white

While the egg white contains protein, selenium and the B-vitamin riboflavin, there is a lot of nutrition in the egg yolk. The egg yolk contains heart healthy fats (monounsaturated fats) and half of the protein of the whole egg. If you avoid eating the egg yolk, you’re missing out on vitamin D and iron, too. Eggs are also good for muscle building and repair, especially when eaten whole.

   5. Eggs help vegetarians meet their nutrient needs

“Plant-based eating like vegetarianism is on the rise. Vegetarians are encouraged to supplement their diets with vitamin B12,” said Anceriz. In an article by Heathline, two large eggs contains approximately 46% for vitamin B12, and is high in protein, which help meet one’s nutrient needs.

  6. Eggs are good to eat during pregnancy and help children grow

During pregnancy, one of the vital nutrient for pregnant women is choline. This nutrient plays an important role in brain development and the development of the nervous system. Eggs contain choline, so eating eggs during pregnancy, is a good choice. Especially for breastfeeding.

According to Anceriz, an American study proved that early introduction of eggs to children 6 – 9 months diets, can significantly improved their growth. “In a country with high rates of malnutrition, eggs have the potential to contribute to both local and global goals to reduce stunting,” stated Anceriz.

   7. Eggs are versatile and store well

Eggs can be eaten ay anytime of day, whether it’s for breakfast, lunch, supper or as snacks. You can have them fried sunny-side up, scrambled or boiled. Eggs can also be used when baking a cake, muffins or biscuits.
They can be eaten in many forms, and can be stored in kitchen or fridges.

  8. Eggs are good to eat every day and cost-effective

The South African Food-Based Dietary Guidelines 2012 support that one can eat eggs every day , but not excessively.

And, when compared to other protein sources, eggs are offered at reasonable prices.

For more information visit www.sapoultry.co.za

https://potchefstroomherald.co.za/73340/8-reasons-why-eggs-are-good-for-you/