6 Reasons Eating More Eggs May Improve Your Health
For years, eggs were said to be a cholesterol-filled, artery-clogging breakfast that would have you headed for heart disease.
But after many studies, the nutrient-filled food was finally cleared of its bad rap. Researchers who reviewed these studies found no direct link between eating eggs and heart disease. As it turns out, eggs are actually an extremely nutritious and healthy food that is low in calories and high in essential vitamins and minerals.
It’s easy to be worried about eating eggs because of their past reputation, but eggs can have a number of benefits for your health — from your weight, to your mood and even your ability to focus. If you need more convincing, consider these six reasons why you should be eating more eggs.
1. They Can Help You Lose Weight
Eggs are high in protein and low in calories, which makes them an incredibly satiating food that can assist with weight loss. One study from the Journal of the American College and Nutrition found that people who ate a breakfast consisting of eggs felt fuller, had fewer cravings and ate less food immediately afterward than people who ate the same amount of calories in the form of a bagel. (No word on how people felt after combining the bagel with the egg — plus cheese, of course — for one of the most delicious combinations out there!)
2. They Boost Your Mood
Eggs contain a number of nutrients that can help boost your overall mood, including omega-3 fatty acids, selenium and B- vitamins. They also contain an important amino acid called cysteine, which has been linked to improvement of bipolar disorder and depression.
3. They Help Keep Your Eyes Healthy
Keep your vision laser sharp by loading up on eggs. The nutrient-rich food contains lutein and zeaxanthin, antioxidants that can help protect against cataracts and macular degeneration, which are two of the most common eye disorders.
4. They Can Improve Your Focus
If you need a food to keep you on track throughout your day, eggs are a good bet, as they are an abundant source of choline. Studies show that intake of choline is linked to better cognitive performance, especially in memory. The nutrient can also help protect against dementia.
5. They May Protect Against Breast Cancer
Choline is not only good for the brain but for the body as well. Consuming a high intake of the nutrient is linked to a 24 percent lowered risk of getting breast cancer. One egg contains 125.5 milligrams of choline, which is about a quarter of the daily recommendation.
6. They Raise Your “Good” HDL Cholesterol
One study found that eating two eggs a day for six weeks increased HDL cholesterol levels by 10 percent. Unlike “bad” LDL cholesterol found in high-fat foods such as meat and dairy, high HDL cholesterol levels are actually linked with a lower risk of heart disease and stroke.
Egg Recipes That Are 5 Weight Watcher Points Or Less
Looking for some egg-cellent (sorry, couldn’t resist!) new egg recipes to try out for breakfast? Get your does of healthy protein without overloading on calories with these egg recipes — all of which are under five Weight Watcher points.
1. Breakfast Phyllo Wrap
This bacon-and-egg-filled wrap is only four points, and it can be made in less than 30 minutes. Make a few to take to go during the week. Get the recipe from LaaLoosh.
2. Sausage Egg And Cheese Hash Brown Cups
These mini breakfast cups are only four Weight Watcher points, and they are filled with protein from the eggs and chicken sausage. Get the recipe from Emily Bites.
3. Deviled Eggs
Each egg is only one point each, meaning you’re sure to have a guilt-free morning. These deviled eggs are easy to prep, and they are garnished with chives and paprika for extra flavor. Get the recipe from Recipe Diaries.
4. Bacon N’ Eggs Waffle Taco
You would think this breakfast taco would be a diet killer, but it’s only five points for one taco and takes only 20 minutes to prepare. Get the recipe from Recipe Ms.