I am happy to share this guest blog post by Alanna Waldron. She is a wonderful Registered Dietitian, currently living in Los Angeles, who has a real passion for food. Here website “Eat Real Food” is where you will find her latest healthy recipes, inspirations and foodie finds!
To spread the Easter spirit, this post is dedicated to one of my favorite foods: eggs.
How many times have you heard, “eggs are bad for you because they are high in cholesterol”? I can’t even count how many times this statement has been all over the nutrition scene the past few years. Eggs are one of the most controversial foods in terms of cholesterol, an opinion roller coaster for sure.
Eggs have been the center of many heated debates. So, to set the record straight, eggs ARE good for you (in moderation). Everyone has their own opinions and lifestyles, so to say that they should be included in a healthy lifestyle is all up to the individual. One egg contains approximately 186 mg of cholesterol (majority found in the yolk). Those with heart disease should stick to less than 300 mg of cholesterol per day.
The belief used to be that food cholesterol went straight into the bloodstream and raised blood levels of cholesterol. This has turned out to be untrue as we found out that blood cholesterol levels are actually raised by eating fat in the diet, not cholesterol. The primary culprits are saturated and trans fats. Ultimately, eggs do not raise cholesterol levels as fats do. Hooray!
The egg breakdown: One large egg contains approximately 70 calories, 6 grams of protein, 4.8 grams of fat, 186 grams cholesterol,
We all know that the egg white contains most of the protein, but please do not discard the yolk! The egg yolk contains two antioxidants: lutein and zeaxanthin. These antioxidants are pro eye health by help preventing macular degeneration, a leading cause of age-related blindness. Eggs also contain choline, an essential nutrient that aids in brain function – great for you expecting mothers! The protein in eggs can contribute to weight management and muscle strength.
I personally eat eggs 3 to 4 times per week. One of my favorite ways to cook them up is by adding one whole egg and 1 to 2 egg whites to make a delicious scramble or omelet. The hard-boiled egg will forever be one of my go-to snacks and salad topper. According to some research, one whole egg per day is acceptable. The high-quality protein in eggs helps keep you feeling fuller longer and energized!
What are your thoughts on eggs?
What’s your favorite way to eat/prepare eggs?
Hop on over to Alanna’s website, Eat Real Food, for more fabulous blog posts and recipes! To learn more about Alanna click here and to view Alanna’s original post click here!
