Most families always have eggs in the fridge, a traditional product that allows for a quick bite, it is added to many dishes and is used for cosmetic purposes. But, about the benefits and harms to this day, there is a lot of controversy among scientists and nutritionists.
Cholesterol is the very substance in eggs that is controversial. But if we are talking about 1-3 eggs per day, then there will be no harm from this substance.
Calories per 100 g, (kcal): | 157 |
Protein in 100 g, (g): | 12.7 |
Fat in 100 g, (g): | 10.9 |
Carbohydrates per 100 g, (g): | 0.7 |
Glycemic index: | 48 |
The composition and calorie content of chicken eggs
The yolk and white of a chicken egg differ somewhat in their composition. The yolk contains a lot of protein, fat, carbohydrates and cholesterol. And protein contains only water and proteins, in a ratio of 9: 1. The shells are famous for their rich calcium content.
In general, eggs contain 12 vitamins, these are vitamins of group B, E, K, D and A. Their caloric content is 157 units.
What are the benefits of a chicken egg, vitamins and minerals
The protein contained in eggs is a real building material for a child’s body, it helps to increase the amount of milk in mothers. It helps to quickly recover after long-term treatment and operations. And for athletes, eggs are beneficial in the process of building muscle mass and for quick recovery from physical exertion.
Iron and lecithin, help to establish the work of the circulatory system, regulate metabolic processes. Vitamin E helps to improve memory and stabilize brain activity. Tocopherol in combination with selenium has an antioxidant effect on the body. Phosphorus improves the structure of hair and bones. Iodine normalizes the thyroid gland, and iron has a positive effect on the synthesis of red blood cells.
The benefits of egg white
The protein contained in eggs is a complete set of amino acids that have an antioxidant effect on the body and are a preventive measure against the development of cancer. Protein helps:
- build muscle mass;
- strengthen bones;
- stabilize, even to some extent, reduce pressure;
- cope with obesity;
- improve brain function.
But the most valuable thing in protein is lecithin, an amino acid that prevents cholesterol from being deposited in blood vessels and keeps the liver in good shape.
The benefits of egg yolk
It is the yolk that is the most controversial part of the egg. On the one hand, it contains calcium, biotin, vitamins, folic acid and even Omega-3. On the other hand, it is in it cholesterol, which is the cause of the development of heart and vascular diseases. But diseases can appear only with the accumulation of cholesterol in the body, and if you eat eggs in limited quantities, then there will be no health problems.
The benefits of a chicken egg for women
The main benefit of eggs for women is the ability to naturally improve the condition of nails and hair. To have a snack, without the risk of gaining extra pounds, of course, when it comes to dietary meals.
Scientists have also found that when eating 6 eggs for a week, women have a 44% lower risk of breast cancer.
The benefits of a chicken egg for men
For the male body, eggs are beneficial in the form of natural protein, which is needed for energy. They are often consumed raw to maintain sexual performance.
Chicken egg during pregnancy and breastfeeding
Scientists agreed that the period of feeding and carrying a baby is not a contraindication to eating eggs. From 1-2 pieces a day, there will be no problems. But for women it is better to give preference to the boiled product.
Is it possible for a chicken egg for children
Eggs from chickens are easily digested, so they can be introduced into the children’s diet from 12 months. Naturally, you will have to monitor the reaction of the child’s body, since they often cause allergies. The yolk is even allowed to be introduced earlier, from 7 months, since it contains essential fatty acids.
At school age, it is allowed to give children 2 eggs each, because they spend a lot of energy. But it is better to give up raw eggs and soft-boiled eggs.
Is a chicken egg good for weight loss?
Due to their fast saturation, eggs are often included in the diet. Moderate consumption is only beneficial for the body and helps to better endure food deprivation during weight loss.
In many diets, eggs are combined with grapefruit, as they are perfectly tolerated by the body and contain a minimum amount of carbohydrates.
Chicken egg for diabetes
Finnish scientists were able to establish that only 4 chicken eggs during the week reduce the risk of diabetes by several times. Those who have already developed this disease, too, do not need to give up eggs in their diet. Even a safe amount has been established – 12 pieces per week.
What does a chicken egg treat from, how to take it for medicinal purposes
Chicken eggs are widely used in traditional medicine. With angina, a simple mixture is made, which allows you to improve the general condition and recover faster. Beat one egg in a glass of warm water and gargle with this mixture up to 4 times throughout the day.
If you have exhausted bronchitis, then 10 eggs are driven into an enamel container, 10 lemons are spread on top of the pulp, insist 10 days. After filtering and adding a kilogram of honey and 500 ml of brandy and start treatment. They drink 50 ml 3 times throughout the day.
For heartburn, a shell from one egg is used, which is thoroughly crushed and consumed in half a teaspoon 3 times a day.
Eggs can be mixed with milk and butter. By consuming such a mixture, you can quickly get rid of a cold.
How many eggs can you eat every day
To date, scientists have deduced a clear form of the permissible number of eggs per day for consumption for all categories of the population:
- in old age, it is allowed to eat up to 2 eggs;
- women can increase the number to 3;
- if necessary, build muscle mass, regardless of gender – up to 5 eggs;
- men who are involved in heavy sports or physical labor can use up to 8 pieces.
An interesting fact is that in Japan, the per capita consumption of eggs is much higher, the average resident of this country eats about 350 eggs per year. In the USA, the amount of use is less – 150, but there are much more people with diseases of the cardiovascular system than in Japan. Hence the conclusion that the harm from eating eggs is relative and the risk of developing such pathologies depends not only on the number, but also on other factors, including lifestyle.
How to cook eggs the healthiest
The issue of making healthy eggs is relevant to this day. Some people are addicted to raw eggs, but this is a huge risk of contracting salmonellosis, even if it is a homemade product. You can not even argue about fried eggs, all products processed in a pan can be called harmful. Moreover, after any heat treatment, eggs are absorbed by half. If in the raw form assimilation is 98-99%, then after culinary processing no more than 50%.
It is best to cook soft-boiled eggs, so more nutrients remain due to the short duration of heat treatment. But in this form, you should not give them to children, since the risk of contracting salmonellosis still remains, although to a lesser extent.
The use of a chicken egg in cosmetology
Chicken eggs are the basis for many types of cosmetic masks, which are made not only at home, but also in salons. Eggs are suitable for all hair types and help to improve hair structure.
Protein is used for neutral to oily skin types, and yolk for normal and dry. These components of the egg can be used as the product itself or added to masks with essential oils, bran, pulp of berries and fruits in accordance with the type of skin.
Chicken egg harm and contraindications
The harm from eating eggs consists not only in the amount of their absorption per day, but also from their processing, the way they are obtained and consumed. For example, eating raw food carries a huge risk of contracting salmonellosis. And if you use incubator eggs, then there is a possibility that a person’s immunity will decrease, the intestinal microflora will be disturbed. The fact is that in incubators, chickens, as a rule, are fed with antibiotics, and, accordingly, they fall under the shell and remain there, penetrating the human body. The same thing happens with nitrates, which are used in poultry feed in industrial plants.
It is advisable to completely abandon fried eggs, especially with mayonnaise and all kinds of industrial sauces.
You will have to give up the use of eggs in the presence of urolithiasis and gallstone disease. They can cause colic. An absolute contraindication is the diagnosis of liver cirrhosis and hepatitis.
How to choose and store chicken eggs
Pay attention to the markings. The letter “D” indicates that this is a dietary egg obtained from a chicken no later than a week. The “C” mark indicates that the egg has a shelf life of 25 days.
There are categories that characterize the weight of the eggs. “B” – the largest from 75 g, “O” – from 65 to 75 g. Then there is a marking from 1 to 3, the larger the marking, the less the weight of the egg. It is recommended to purchase domestic eggs exclusively from trusted people, where there is a guarantee that the chickens are raised on natural feed.
Avoid buying cracked eggs. You need to store them in the refrigerator, no more than 25 days.
Eggs should be washed thoroughly before eating, as they are known to all contain Salmonella bacteria.
Chicken eggs are a natural and healthy food product that will only benefit the human body, despite the high cholesterol content, but provided that they are consumed in moderation.