Eggs can provide a number of health benefits.
Strong muscles: The protein in eggs helps maintain
and repair body tissues, including muscle.
Brain health: Eggs contain vitamins and minerals
that are necessary for the brain and the nervous
system to function effectively.
The discussion on the health effects of eggs has shifted
partly because our bodies can compensate for the cholesterol
we consume.
And when it comes to eggs, cholesterol may pose even less of a
health risk. Cholesterol is more harmful when oxidised in our
arteries, but oxidisation doesn't happen to the cholesterol
in eggs.
So, are eggs healthy?
Meanwhile, scientists are begining to understand other
health benefits of eggs. Egg yolks are one of the best
sources of lutein, a pigment that has been linked to better
eyesight and lower risk of eye disease, for example.
"There are two types of lutein found in the retina
of the eye, where it can protect the retina from light
damage by working as a blue light filter, as exposure
to light makes the eye deteriorate".
But it’s not just different parts of the egg that
researchers have looked into - there is also some research
to suggest differences in the nutrition profiles of different
types of eggs – although data is limited.
One 2021 study, for example, found that free-range eggs from
a small family farm in rural Nova Scotia contained less cholesterol
than conventionally-farmed eggs from the local supermarket. Also,
a 2022 review of three studies looking at the link between organic
egg consumption and health found that eating organic eggs was
associated with lower levels of some markers of inflammation
in the body.
While researchers are a long way from understanding why eggs
affect us differently, the vast majority of recent research suggests
they pose no risk to our health, and are much more likely
to provide health benefits.
Having eggs for breakfast every day probably isn’t the healthiest
option, either – at least as it's recommended we have a varied
diet… rather than put all our eggs in one basket.
