Are eggs good or bad?

The issue of eating eggs has been a controversial topic for a long time. Egg consumption has often been associated with ill-health - from food poisoning to heart disease. Some advocate that we eat the white part but not the yolk.

What does the most current information say, though? Are eggs healthy, or unhealthy?

It may be surprising to many people that not only do the positives of egg consumption outweigh the minuses, most of the nutrients are in the yolk. There is not much point in having eggs without the yolk!

Eggs are an excellent source of good-quality proteins and are low in calories (only about 70). This helps in the building of proteins and actually is so filling that having eggs increases the time it takes to get hungry, which is very helpful in weight loss.

NUTRITIOUS

Eggs are very nutritious, having nine essential amino acids; vitamins B2, B6, and B12; folate and D (very few foods contain vitamin D); minerals like iodine, sulphur, phosphorus and selenium; carotenoids such as lutein and zeaxanthin, which protect the eye from damage; and choline, which is important for brain function and development and healthy fats. Additionally, these nutrients are easily absorbed.

This is very important for situations where there is an increased need for nutrients such as during pregnancy.

Another possible shocker is that despite the relatively high cholesterol content, eggs have not been shown to increase blood cholesterol, even in persons who eat up to two eggs per day! In fact, there are some beneficial changes to the cholesterol profile of frequent egg eaters!

Eggs can also reduce the amount of inflammation in the body. This is due to their nutrient content, which helps to reduce the risk of heart disease, osteoporosis, Alzheimer's disease, and Type 2 diabetes.

Eggs are also cheap, have a long shelf life (especially in the refrigerator), are very versatile, and are rather tasty.

It's important, though, to keep a few things in mind when using eggs. Eggs come from the anus of chickens (and other birds), so they need to be handled with care. After handling eggs, make sure to wash hands before handling any other food.

Eggs are sometimes contaminated by a dangerous germ called E. coli, so ensure that they are cooked properly, and are not runny, especially when preparing them for young children and the elderly.

So, now, enjoy your eggs!

Dr Douglas Street is a general practitioner and has private practices at Trinity Medical Centre, Trinity Mall, at 3 Barnett Street in Montego Bay, and Omega Medical Centre at Plaza de Negril, Negril. Send feedback to drdougstreet@yahoo.com.