Nutritional Value of Eggs

If you are one of many who is conscious in maintaining a healthy diet, you might be cautious in the consumption of eggs. Eggs have a bad reputation because of their fat content in relation to cholesterol. But unless you are a vegan or have food allergies, eggs are a great addition to our diets.

They are inexpensive and full of protein along with some vitamins and minerals. And, they just are not for breakfast; they can be served as an entree, an addition in a sauce or baked dish or as a main dish.

Eggs are actually low in saturated fat and high in protein. The protein is present in both the yolk and albumin. The albumin, in fact contains more of the protein even though it is concentrated around the yolk-providing all of the essential amino acids. Protein is necessary in many bodily functions from maintaining healthy cell function to building muscle. They are high in the vitamin B-complex, another virtuous vitamin, which plays its role from preventing strokes to keeping mood disorders in check. What about its high vitamin A content? Vitamin A plays a role in keeping a healthy immune system and maintaining good vision. They have a moderate amount of vitamin D-aids in proper bone health and the absorption of calcium and vitamin E which keeps cell function, skin, and vision functioning at healthy levels.

They are an excellent source of the trace mineral iodine-necessary in thyroid function which regulates metabolic rates and brain function. They also have a high content of phosphorous which aids in maintenance and repair of cell health by synthesizing fats, carbs and protein. Even though phosphorous is mainly present in bones and teeth, it is present in every cell in the body.

Eggs contain a moderate amounts of zinc-necessary in cell metabolism, selenium-necessary in cell protection and thyroid hormone synthesis, and calcium-necessary in muscle, blood vessel, and nervous system health.

Iron is also present which aids in oxygen transport and cell growth but the availability of iron in eggs is questionable.

I will admit that I love eggs but never quite thought of them as having them for dinner. Well what about quiches (which I've never gotten around to making); if that could be dinner then there should be some other dinner dishes out there. So, I started looking for recipes and found that there are indeed many ideas. NO, I won't be making eggs for dinner every night. But for now, how about that frittata?