Eggs; the best way to Optimum health

Multi-faceted Eggs
Thanks to its taste, ease, and versatility of cooking, egg preparations are a hot favorite among bachelors and working couples. This traditional breakfast food is also consumed in different forms throughout the day. Even though eggs are of animal origin, there are appreciable numbers of "eggetarians" among the vegetarians. Some people even consider unfertilized eggs as vegetarian. Of course for egg lovers, the color of the shell pigmentation, both white or brown has no real relation to the nutritive value. Egg protein are best in quality and are taken as standard for comparing the quality of other food proteins. It is also known to be the best protein available in the world along with whey protein and can be better digested, absorbed, and utilized by the body than any other source.

In reality, a hen's egg weighs about 55 to 60 gm and consists of 10% outer layer, 60% white and 30% yellow yolk. The outer shell consists of calcium carbonate; the white portion is made up of protein known as egg albumin, which is of high biological value. For body builders and people on a healthy diet, it has been observed that egg whites are almost always recommended. It is perhaps because they have to life heavy weights and the more yolk they consume the heavier it may be in terms of cholesterol. Ideally, the egg contains proteins amounting roughly to 11%.

The egg white, being a good source of riboflavin, is largely used either for eating or for applying it as a hair pack. The yolk contains mainly fat. The egg supplies fat in an emulsified form, which can be very easily digested and assimilated in the body. The egg yolk contains 1.33gm of cholesterol per 100 gm. The egg yolk is a source of vitamin A, B vitamins, calcium, phosphorous, lecithin and iron.

An average hen's egg of 60 gm consists of 7.9 gm of protein, 7.9 gm of fat, 103 kcl, 36 mg of calcium, 132 mg of phosphorous, and 1.26 mg of iron. Egg powder contains about 49% of proteins and 43% fat and it is also a good source of vitamin A and riboflavin. It is rich in cholesterol (3.9 gm per 100 gm) and is a good source of iron and phosphorous.

More on Eggs
Soft boiled and poached eggs are better than eggs cooked in other ways. The yolk is easily digested even by infants of 9 months old. Eggs are used in slimming diets since they have only negligible amounts of carbohydrate, but plenty of protein, vitamins, and minerals. The limiting factor of egg is that it does not contain vitamin C. Raw albumin contains an anti-digestive factor that interferes with digestion. The egg also has a compound called avadin, which reacts with biotin (Vitamin H) and makes it unavailable. Both these factors get destroyed while heating.

Eggs are the ideal nutritive food for the ill and convalescent patients. Those who suffer from gastrointestinal tract disorders, particularly in diseases of the colon, eggs are the best food because of their nutritional value and lack of residue. A common question asked is about the recommended number of eggs per person. There is an ambiguity regarding the numbers. The British Heart Foundation recommends eating no more than four eggs a week. But the World Health Organization however suggests an upper limit of ten eggs per week from all sources including mayonnaise, biscuits, cakes, mousse and sauce.

Fresh eggs have the best nutritive value. Eggs stored in a cool place and away from any odor stay fresh for a longer period. It must be stored with the pointed end down, so that the yolk remains centered in the egg and away from the air pocket. It wold be even better if you keep a lemon rind in the midst of the egg rack to avoid strong odors. The best method of testing fresh eggs is to dip them in water.

Eggs may also be allergic to some people, these are usually manifested as skin rashes or breathing difficulties. Eggs may cause constipation due to low residue. In cases like these it’s quite possible that due to its initial heavy nature, its better if these are soft boiled, and have lots of water during the day. Since these also have this warming effect within our system, you’ll notice that these are best eaten during the winter season. Its also a good idea for you to include fibrous food such as green vegetables and fruits in your daily diet.