National Egg Month

January is National Egg Month. I’m sure you are wondering what this means, right? National Egg Month is all about honoring the egg in different ways. You’ll probably see information about the egg carton, how to properly cook eggs and avoid salmonella, different takes on egg recipes, how to safely store eggs, and the health benefits of eggs.

Eggs have many health and nutrition benefits. They contain 13 essential nutrients and phytonutrients to aid in keeping eyes healthy, a healthy pregnancy and brain function. Eggs used to get a bad rap because it was believed that the cholesterol in the yolk increased blood cholesterol in the body. However, researchers have debunked this theory in recent years.

Several reasons exist as to why you should eat eggs regularly.  Benefits exist in both the yolk and the white parts. Eggs can reduce the risk of cancer, due to the choline content, found in egg yolk. Choline has been found to reduce the risk of breast cancer. Choline is also associated with better neurological function, reduced inflammation and helps with fetal brain development.

Egg yolks also contain lutein and zeaxanthin. These are two potent antioxidants that occur in high concentrations in the eye, including the lens, retina and macular. Therefore, lutein and zeaxanthin act as a protective shield for your eyes, almost as sunscreen for your eyes. Therefore, these two antioxidants protect against age-related eye disease, such as macular degeneration.

Egg yolks are rich in sulfur. Sulfur is an essential nutrient that helps with vitamin B absorption as well as liver function. Sulfur is also necessary for collagen and keratin production, which help keep hair shiny and healthy, nails strong and skin glowing.

Egg whites have their own health benefits as well. The white part carries the protein, which is considered a high biological value protein food. This means they contain protein that is easily digested and absorbed by the body. The white is a low-fat, low-calorie source of a perfect protein.

Eggs are traditionally thought of as a breakfast food; however, they can be enjoyed any time of day. There are several recipes out there that illustrate how eggs can be made into a  great lunch, dinner or dessert option. Some examples include frittatas, egg salad, custards, quiche, egg casseroles and deviled eggs.

As you can see from the above, eggs have great health benefits. So go ahead and include eggs in your menus.  According to the Mayo Clinic and the American Heart Association, it is acceptable to eat eggs up to 4 times per week.

Now it’s your turn to take action: How will you incorporate eggs into your meals this week?

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