The Irreplaceable Egg: Top 10 Nutritional Reasons to Eat Gemperle Eggs
As I am eating my fresh scrambled Gemperle Eggs this morning, I sit and ponder over the egg and how such a small food, no more than 3 inches long, can have such a nutritional punch. The egg indeed is a miracle food given to us by the gods — nothing really can come close to replacing the egg. Maybe the taste of the egg can be replaced by an egg substitute product. Maybe the texture can be replaced by an egg substitute product. However, no other food that I am aware of has the nutritional density of the simple egg. Ok, so the big food manufacturers can add supplements to fake egg products that might come close, however, knowing that most of the supplements in the US that are added to processed foods are concocted in a laboratory I have decided that real eggs – the eggs that come from healthy sustainably raised Gemperle Farms chickens are the eggs for me.
Not convinced yet. Below are my top 10 nutritional reasons to eat eggs.
1. Vitamin D: Essential for bone health and absorption of calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphate and zinc. Very few food have naturally occurring Vitamin D– Eggs are one of these. 41 IU’s in each egg.
2. High in Protein – highest-quality protein found in any food: One large egg contains 6.3 grams of protein and essential amino acids. Proteins in eggs enhances bone, muscle, skin and blood as well as building and repairing essential body tissues.
3. Low Calorie Protein: A large egg has approximately 75 calories. That’s only 150 calories for a two egg serving. So enjoy your eggs they can help you lose weight.
4. Omega 3 Fatty Acids: There are many health benefits of omega-3 fatty acids. Researchers have long known that omega-3s thin the blood and trigger the production of anti-inflammatory compounds in the body. Medical research shows strong evidence that the omega-3s EPA and DHA can help lower triglycerides and blood pressure. Omega 3 enriched eggs can have 300 mg a regular egg about 35mg.
5. Lutein and Zeaxanthin: These are antioxidants that help keep our eyes healthy. Research studies show that consuming adequate amounts of these nutrients can reduce the risks of cataracts and other common eye disorders.
6. Choline: This nutrient found in the egg yolk is essential in regulating the brain function of adults by maintaining the structure of brain cell membranes, and is a key component of the neuro-transmitter that helps relay messages from the brain through nerves to the muscles. The 2005 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey stated that only 2% of postmenopausal women consume the recommended intake for choline.
7. Healthy pregnancy: Egg yolks are an excellent source of choline, an essential nutrient that contributes to fetal brain development and helps prevent birth defects. Two eggs provide about 250 milligrams of choline, or roughly half of the recommended daily intake for pregnant and breastfeeding women.
8. Heart Health: Recent health studies conclude that, eggs do not appear to contribute to heart disease in most people. A pivotal study from Harvard in 1999, of nearly 120,000 men and women, found no association between eggs—up to one a day—and heart disease, except in people with diabetes. Nor did it find a link between eggs and strokes.
9. Additional vitamins for optimal health: The egg yolk is also a source of zinc, B vitamins (including riboflavin and folate), vitamin A, iron and other essential nutrients for health.
10. Promote healthy hair skin and nails: The humble egg has a whole host beauty secrets that keep our skin looking young and fresh. It has a perfect mix of skin proteins to keep collagen and elastin fibers supple. The lecithin found in eggs also helps repair skin tissues, as well as keeping cell membranes strong and slowing the ageing process. Eggs have a high sulfur content and contain many vitamins and minerals necessary for healthy hair, nails and skin.
So enjoy eating your Gemperle eggs and know that you are doing something good for your body. You are eating a real food – one of the most perfect foods found in nature – a food that is sustainably farmed and has one of the lowest carbon footprint of all animal proteins.
For more egg facts and recipes go to our Gemperle Family Farms website. Have fun exploring!
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