From supporting immunity to healthy pregnancies, eggs do a lot of jobs for us.
The original superfood, eggs are one of the healthiest foods you can eat, packed full of amino acids, antioxidants and essential vitamins.
All those nutrients are not only great for boosting our immune systems, but they also play different roles inassisting us throughout all of our life stages.
We askedexpert dietitian Sharon Natoli to explain the exact ways eggs can benefit both your health, and your loved ones health too.
With COVID-19 never far from our thoughts and winter drawing closer, many of us are concerned about building up our immunity. Containing 13 different vitamins and minerals, eggs are indeed a superfood that can help to protect and strengthen your body from disease.
Eggs contain a variety of key nutrients that are needed for a healthy immune system, Sharon tells Mamamia.
They have protein, which helps antibodies fight infection; iron for helping the immune cells to multiply and mature; selenium, which is an antioxidant that protects cells and fights off free radicals; vitamin A for healthy skin, and healthy mucous membranes that are our first line of defence against invaders.
Theyre also very high in vitamin D, which is especially helpful if were spending more time indoors right now.
One of the key things weve found recently is that theyre really high in vitamin D, which has a role in influencing how the immune system responds, Sharon shares. A recent study found that vitamin D might be helpful in reducing the risk of respiratory symptoms.
Dietitian Sharon Natolis best advice around egg nutrition. Post continues after video.
Youve probably heard about the many health benefits of consuming eggs during pregnancy. Eggs contain vital nutrients for this period of life, such as folate, vitamin B12 and the little-known choline.
Choline is an incredibly important nutrient that most of us arent getting enough of, and its even more necessary to get a good dose of choline during pregnancy when your babys spinal cord and brain is developing.
According to Sharon, recent research by the University of Wollongong found that less than 10 per cent of the Australian population get enough choline in their diet.
Its difficult to reach choline requirements during pregnancy without eating eggs, she explains.Choline has an important role to play in brain development and the functioning of the nervous system.
Eggs also contain omega-3s, which are needed for eye and brain development, and theyre a useful source of iodine, providing 20 per cent of the RDI (recommended dietary intake) during pregnancy. Iodine is needed for normal thyroid functioning and one in five pregnant women dont get enough iodine.
Sharon stresses that eggs should always be safely consumed during pregnancy, meaning that theyre cooked properly, and not runny. Hard yolks, folks!
The nutrients in eggs support the growth and development of our little ones. The high-quality protein, omega-3s and variety of vitamins and nutrients found in eggs make them a great introduction to solids for babies.
Babies and children require nutrient rich foods. They have small stomachs, but their nutritional requirements are high, Sharon says.
Her best advice is that wematch the texture of the eggs to the infants stage of development. Start with purees before moving on to mashed, then lumpy, and make sure yolks are always cooked hard for babies.
See the original post:
From baby food to a source of iron: 6 facts you probably don't know about eggs. - Mamamia
