Few things have created as much controversy over the years as the question of eggs. Are they good for you or not, and more importantly, what about the yolks?
Despite the outside influence of certain groups, most of the health community is now in agreement that egg whites are acceptable. After all, they’re low in calories, whereas egg yolks are higher in calories and filled with cholesterol.
So Then, Are Egg Yolks Bad For You?
The Great Egg Yolk Debate
Depending on who you talk to, you’re still going to get different opinions. And certain groups, driven largely with financial considerations, will talk incessantly about the cholesterol in eggs. Egg beaters, an egg substitute, remain popular, as do recipes that call for only egg whites.
And scientists and researchers do agree that chicken egg yolks have lots of cholesterol. They also agree that diets high in cholesterol can contribute to higher cholesterol levels in your blood.
The Mayo Clinic recommends that people eat less than 300 milligrams of dietary cholesterol per day. But if they have cardiovascular problems, diabetes, or heightened bad cholesterol levels, then they say it’s best to consume less than 200 milligrams.
However, research has demonstrated though that egg yolks themselves do not appear to be a bad source of cholesterol. In fact, they are a high source of heart protective cholesterol that provides vital support to the brain and blood system.
The Huffington Post reports that if you’re concerned about your cholesterol, you shouldn’t be obsessing on eggs because chances are good that you have other dietary sources that are causing more problems.The Huffington Post actually concludes that it’s the consumption of processed foods, artificial fats, and refined sugars that actually cause the problems.
What’s So Good About Egg Yolks
Aside from the fact that egg yolks promote good cholesterol, they are also an excellent source of other vitamins and nutrients. They provide one of the richest sources of B complex and choline. These all contribute to your brain’s neurological functions, while at the same time calming inflammation.
When digested, the egg yolk is broken down into bethane for the methylation cycle. This helps to create all of the happiness hormones such as dopamine, norephinephrine, and serotonin.
Additionally, the amino acids in the eggs make them some of the easiest animal protein to digest. Even individuals who struggle with digesting other sources of animal protein are generally able to enjoy eggs.
How to Eat Eggs
Eggs provide tremendous health benefits, but you can’t just eat them any way you want. Otherwise, some people would probably be arguing that their chocolate cake is an excellent source of egg yolks. Just because you read about a health product that has eggs in it is not a sign that you should eat it. Not all health foods are good for you, and, more importantly, the greatest health benefits are obtained when you eat the egg as a whole.
Scrambled, boiled, and poached are all excellent ways to consume eggs. You should cook the yolk through so that you don’t risk getting salmonella. However, if you aren’t concerned about that, then you can always try sunny side up fried eggs and soft poached eggs. When frying the eggs, make sure to use a heart healthy oil.
If you find yourself getting bored with eggs, you can add all kinds of delicious vegetables and lean proteins to the omelet. You can also dice your hard boiled eggs and enjoy them with your salad or other dishes.
If you have the opportunity to purchase organic eggs, then that’s even better. Brown eggs tend to have higher concentrations of the choline and B vitamins, but regular white eggs are also acceptable. Just make sure that they are as fresh as possible.
