Egg Nutrients

Eggs are a naturally nutrient-dense food, which means they have a high proportion of nutrients to calories. One large egg has only 72 calories and provides 13 essential nutrients in varying amounts. Eggs are an excellent source of choline and a good source of the highest quality protein and riboflavin. Many of egg’s incredible nutrients are found in the egg yolk, including choline, folate, lutein and zeaxanthin and vitamin D. The yolk also includes healthy monosaturated and polyunsaturated fats and almost half of the high-quality protein found in eggs. Click here for the nutrient content of a large egg.

Because they are so nutrient-dense, eggs are a source of nutrition for people of all ages.
 
DID YOU KNOW…

• Eggs provide kids with the highest quality protein, which provides the building blocks they need to grow and the energy they need to stay focused throughout the day. 

• The protein in eggs helps adults build and preserve muscle strength and allows them to feel full longer and stay energized, which contributes to maintaining a healthy weight. 

• Eggs have varying amounts of four of the nutrients pregnant women need most: choline, protein, folate and iron. Choline, a recently recognized essential nutrient, contributes to fetal brain development and is important in nerve tissue development, which helps prevent birth defects. 

• Older adults are at risk for sarcopenia, the age-related loss of muscle mass. Eggs provide the highest quality protein, which can help them meet their protein needs in order to help maintain muscle function and slow the rate of muscle loss.

• Eggs provide small amounts of lutein and zeaxanthin (zee-uh-ZAN-thin), two nutrients which are part of the carotenoid family (like beta-carotene in carrots) that contribute to eye health and help prevent common causes of age-related blindness. Research suggests that lutein from eggs may be more bioavailable, meaning more easily absorbed by the body, than lutein from richer sources.

Click the link below for recent articles about eggs and nutrition:
Parade- It’s OK to Eat Eggs – Enjoy!