Add Eggs To Your Healthy Diet Checklist

If you’re always on the go, you know how challenging it can be to whip up meals that are not only quick and easy but healthy, as well. The secret weapon in the arsenal of any busy person is the egg — the tried and true ingredient that makes any meal a wholesome. The benefits of eggs are myriad, and this simple kitchen staple can help you reduce the risk of cancer, improve eyesight, and help you burn fat and lose weight.

The poor egg — it gets cracked, beaten, scrambled, and on top of that villainized as an unhealthy meal choice.  But the truth is that the belief that the cholesterol in eggs (found in the yolk) raises the cholesterol levels in your body and puts your ticker at risk is misguided. In fact, research supporting the health benefits of eggs is pouring in and a number of key studies — including one in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition —debunked the myth of unhealthy eggs, proving that healthy consumers of eggs did not suffer an increased risk of stroke or coronary issues. It’s easy to find fantastic ways to incorporate quick egg recipes into your repertoire, and with so many ways to cook an egg, you’ll never get bored with this health food staple.

Eggs can help reduce the risk of cancer

Whole eggs are one of the best sources of the choline nutrient (one large egg has about 30 percent of your recommended daily intake). A study published this year found that women who increase their intake of choline were 24 percent less likely to develop breast cancer.  Choline is found mostly in the yolk, so this gives you license to ditch the egg-white omelettes and indulge.

Eggs keep your eyesight stronger and longer

Egg yolks are also high in lutein and zeaxanthin, two important antioxidants that have been shown to ward off macular degeneration — which means your eyesight will stay strong even into your 70s and 80s.

An omelette a day can shrink your waist size

Louisiana State University recently conducted a study and found that obese women who ate a breakfast of two eggs at least five times a week lost 65 percent more weight and had more energy than women who breakfasted on bagels. The protein and fatty acids in eggs are more satisfying than carbs, which makes you feel fuller longer. Eggs also contain a certain amino acid sequence that makes egg protein very easy for your body to absorb, which means that a Grade A egg is an ideal muscle repair food after a spin class or yoga session, and you can easily eat one on the way to or fromthe gym.

All eggs contain the same basic nutrients, and large eggs only pack 70 calories each, so you really can’t go wrong. But depending on your eating habits, special eggs may be worth the extra money. Omega-3 eggs, for example, are produced by hens that are fed a diet containing flax seed.   When the hens digest the flax, some of the ALA (alpha linolenic acid) gets broken down into DHA and both fatty acids transfer to the yolk. Meanwhile, organic eggs have been laid by hens that are raised under organic guidelines and have access to the outdoors.

Whichever way you cook them, eggs are a quick and easy breakfast, lunch, or dinner solution that won’t break the bank, or your diet and exercise routine. Check out getcracking.ca for a plethora of quick and healthy recipes you can easily incorporate into your lifestyle. If you live life in the fast lane, consider eggs a healthy, versatile, and necessary part of your midweek meal plan.

This is a guest blog entry.