Eat the Whole Easter Egg
April 3, 2015
No Yolk About It
Can you believe these nutritional powerhouses are sold for such a low price? One regular sized egg is about 70 calories and packs roughly 7 grams of protein, <1 gram of carbohydrate and 4-5 grams of fat. Eggs also contain high amounts of many nutrients including: choline, selenium, iron, biotin, vitamin B12, vitamin B2, phosphorus, vitamin D and vitamin A. Eggs are great way to start the day and also can be added to many foods to boost their nutrient value. Consuming 2-3 eggs in the morning can start your body off right by fueling your muscles, brain and body the way it needs to start. The minimal carbohydrate content in eggs helps avoid blood sugar spikes that many sugary cereals cause today! Try scrambled, hardboiled, baked, microwaved, poached, etc.
Need to Know! The 2015 Dietary Guidelines for Americans were released from the Scientific Panel for the public to review within the last month. The panel removed the restrictions on cholesterol in the diet for management of cholesterol in the blood. So we are excited to recommend: eat the whole egg since most of the nutrients are in the yolk … unless you’re making angel food cake, of course!
Which to buy?
If you chose to buy cage-free eggs, you’ll know you are purchasing a more ethically raised product. There is no nutritional difference between brown eggs vs. white eggs except size. Often times they are more expensive because they are larger, but only come from a different type of chicken. Some eggs you will see are labeled as ‘Omega 3 eggs’ and this is because the chickens were fed flax seed, which causes them to be higher in heart healthy Omega-3 fatty acids! Beware: USDA Organic eggs do not necessarily require that the animals spent much time outside, but the feed for the animal must be organic. Also, watch out for an egg white that is cloudy, a yolk that is pink or any off odors as these can be signs of spoilage or old aged eggs. Eggs typically are dated about a month out from purchase.
Did you know? Hens used to lay such few eggs during the winter, the first eggs of Spring were saved for the day of luxury and food. Yes, that was Easter. Painting eggshells has been a part of many cultures in the past due to the high value of eggs in previous times. Enjoy your eggs this Easter and from now on!
