{"id":2152,"date":"2015-09-08T15:22:03","date_gmt":"2015-09-08T20:22:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.northwestpharmacy.com\/healthperch\/?p=2152"},"modified":"2015-09-08T15:22:03","modified_gmt":"2015-09-08T20:22:03","slug":"eat-eggs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.northwestpharmacy.com\/healthperch\/eat-eggs","title":{"rendered":"A Dozen Reasons to Eat Eggs"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"A<\/a>
\nFor years, Americans have been told to avoid eggs<\/a>\u2014especially the yolks\u2014at all cost. In the battle against heart disease, eggs have been portrayed as a villain. Yet a recent review study<\/a> of 17 reports showed no increased risk of cardiovascular disease in healthy adults who eat up to one egg per day. Despite new research touting the health benefits<\/a> of the incredible, edible egg, it\u2019s hard to shake that bad rap.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s safe to say a few eggs here and there will not derail a healthy diet. In fact, eggs supply protein, healthy fats, brain-boosting compounds, and more\u2014all in a low-calorie, inexpensive package. Need more motivation to buy a carton or two? We\u2019ve got a dozen reasons to enjoy the humble egg.<\/p>\n

\"What's<\/a><\/p>\n

1. Protein:<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Two large eggs provide almost one quarter<\/a> of our daily protein needs. Protein helps build and maintain body tissue and organs. Adequate protein intake, along with resistance training, can help prevent the muscle and strength loss<\/a> brought on by aging. Due to ease of preparation and low cost, eggs are an ideal way to meet protein needs.<\/p>\n

2. Calorie-Control:<\/strong><\/h3>\n

One large egg contains just about 78 calories<\/a>, so it\u2019s easy to include with breakfast, lunch, dinner, or as a snack.<\/p>\n

3. Brain Boost:<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Choline is a micronutrient that plays a big role in proper brain development<\/a> in fetuses. It also improves memory<\/a> and attention holding capacity. The recommended daily amount of choline is 425 to 550 milligrams, depending on your gender or whether you\u2019re pregnant or lactating. A one-egg breakfast scramble has about 147 milligrams, making it a great source of brain-boosting choline.<\/p>\n

4. Healthy Fat:<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Research<\/a> shows omega-3 fatty acids are beneficial in the fight against heart disease. Eggs laid by hens fed a diet high in omega-3 fatty acids are also a great source of these fatty acids. In fact, one large omega-3 egg contains approximately 160 milligrams of the healthy fat. So rather than increase the risk for cardiovascular disease\u2014a common misconception\u2014eggs can actually lower it<\/a>.<\/p>\n

5. Value:<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Compared to other lean, animal-based protein sources, eggs are relatively affordable. Three ounces of boneless, skinless chicken breasts runs around $1.31 and the same amount of lean ground beef is roughly 94 cents. Three eggs, which is the protein equivalent of 3 ounces of meat, costs only 70 to 75 cents. That may not seem like a big difference, but when feeding a family of four or more people three meals a day, seven days a week, a few cents per person can really add up. Swapping chicken for eggs once a week can save almost $200 a year for a family of four.<\/p>\n

6. Safety:<\/strong><\/h3>\n

While eggs can potentially harbor the salmonella bacterium, the risk is very low. Only about 1 in every 20,000<\/a> eggs pose a risk of contamination. That’s a rate of about 0.005 percent\u2014much lower than raw chicken, which has a 4.3 percent<\/a> rate of contamination. Take these easy precautions to protect yourself.<\/p>\n