Thursday, February 18, 2010

The Truth About Eggs

We've all heard the tag line since we were babies - "The Incredible, Edible Egg" - and then have watched and wondered as eggs have gone back and forth between the 'top healthy foods' list and the "keep away" list. Every once in a while, eggs seem to get a bad wrap.

For the time being, eggs are in fact good for you! This is a relief for me, because I love eggs. Breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Any time. Pancakes and egg whites after a run or race never fail me! And actually, I had an egg sandwich for lunch yesterday and it reminded me of a recent experience when I over heard a woman say that she heard brown eggs are from chickens who are under distress. I knew that wasn't right, but couldn't say for sure exactly what the difference is between brown and white eggs. Here's the lowdown:

The color of the egg is determined by the breed of hen and the pigment comes from a substance called protoporphyin as the shell forms. White eggs typically come from chickens with white feathers and brown eggs from those with red feathers. Hens laying brown eggs are typically larger and require more food, so this is why brown eggs are often more expensive than white ones.  

Nutritionally, there really is no difference between the two but some people believe the taste of brown eggs is a bit stronger. That may depend upon the farm and how the hens are raised, however. Whether brown or white, I like to go for cage-free and antibiotic free eggs myself.

Quick nutrition stats:
One large egg has approximately 70 calories with 5 grams of fat, and 2.5 grams of saturated fat
Contains essential nutrients and vitamins including: protein, choline, folate, iron, selenium, Vitamin B12, and zinc
In the yolk: choline, folate, lutien, vitamin D, and zeaxanthin (contributes towards eye health)
High in saturated fat and cholesterol
Eggs high in omega-3s are from chickens fed flax seeds in with their regular feed

I find that most people have very strong opinions about eggs. What are your feelings towards? Love 'em or hate 'em? If you're an egg lover, what is your favorite way to eat them?

13 comments:

Robyn said...

I've recently made the switch to eggwhites but I love eggs too and egg&cheese sandwiches are my absolute fave! Especially good hangover food:)

Jen Feeny said...

I eat a hard boiled egg every single day at work and usually overeasy eggs at least once on the weekend. I love me some eggs!

Jocelyn said...

Yuke, I hate eggs. And I don't even think it has anything to do with the flavor. Its 100% the texture. Texture of certain foods can make or break it for me, and this certainly breaks it. When I order a breakfast sandwich without eggs...people get so confused!

Katie @ Health for the Whole Self said...

I am definitely an egg-lover!!! I love a hard-boiled egg for a quick snack, egg and cheese on an English muffin for a quick breakfast, and poached eggs over toast for a fun weekend meal!

Anonymous said...

Veggie Omelets

NY Wolve said...

Hate em. In fact, a plate of scrambled eggs makes me gag, literally. The smell makes me nauseous too. My wife finds it totally bizarre.

On the other hand, with flavor added, I love them. Omelets, or the all time best breakfast dish, migas (eggs scrambled with salsa, potatoes, peppers, and onions), are awesome.

Unknown said...

I love eggs too! Mucho Gusto! I try and limit myself to 3-4 eggs per week just because heart disease runs in my family, but I love reaping all the benefits they have too! My sister and her husband have 13 hens out at their place and get brown eggs and (wait for it....) green eggs! I have an endless supply of fresh local eggs. I can't tell the difference in taste, but the green eggs sure do look neat!

J said...

I usually eat 1 to 2 eggs for breakfast every morning. I think it gives me more energy to make it till my 10am snack time!

extreme personal measures said...

I switched to egg whites but must doctor them. I add peppers and onions.


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jackie fo said...

I could not love eggs more. scrambled, fried, egg whites, omelets, etc. all delicious. LOVE!

Susan said...

I love eggs! A nice fried egg with a runny yolk is my favorite over a slice of toast.

Unknown said...

I go back and forth on liking them! I love egg whites and I like the yokes if they are cooked but when they are runny it grosses me out! overall though i like them! thanks for the info :)

Toni said...

I love eggs! A spinach and mushroom omlette is my favorite.