Eggsellent Eggs

Ever, since I was a little girl, eggs were a big part of my culinary delights. I could eat them any way they were made – fried, scrambled, omelet, quiche, and more! As I’ve gotten older, I make them in dozens of ways. I still eat them, and sometimes crave them. Sometimes I even imagine how I’m going to prepare them for my next eggsellent meal. To demonstrate how avid an egg eater I am, amid the pandemic, when there were threats of gas shortages, trucking delays, food shortages, and more, I was concerned about my eggsceptional eggs. Additionally, there were very strange news stories of hatcheries that had to be burned down because of a claim that one or two chickens had avian flu. Honestly, as sane as I (usually) am, the thought of not having eggs for an eggstended period was a serious concern! I researched kosher, certified dried eggs. By the package, three dozen eggs were about $35.00. The prices were eggsorbitant! So, after my intense, research, I ended up buying a 50-pound box which is in its original packing (until the day that I put it into a 50-pound drums with desiccant). Meanwhile, thank You, G-d, I’m still eggsultantly enjoying the fresh ones.

Eggs are a highly nutritious, whole food that have gained a shift in perception over the last few years. Erroneously vilified for their cholesterol content (dietary cholesterol is necessary for many physiological functions) they were out of favor until more recently. I know I’m subjective about the eggstraordinary effect of the egg, but here are some of their eggxciting properties and nutritional values:

• Eggs are packed with essential nutrients, including high-quality protein, vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats.

• Eggs provide a complete source of protein, meaning they contain all the essential amino acids necessary for the body’s protein synthesis and various physiological functions.

• The protein in eggs is highly bioavailable, meaning it is easily absorbed and utilized by the body. It serves as a building block for tissues, enzymes, hormones, and antibodies.

• Eggs are rich in several vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin B12, vitamin D, choline, selenium, and iron. These nutrients play crucial roles in maintaining overall health and supporting various bodily functions.

• Eggs are one of the best dietary sources of choline, a nutrient important for brain health, memory, and the production of neurotransmitters.

• Eggs contain antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin, which are beneficial for eye health and may help reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration.

• While eggs do contain cholesterol, research suggests that dietary cholesterol has less impact on blood cholesterol levels than previously thought. The fats in eggs are predominantly unsaturated, including monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which are considered heart healthy.

• Eggs can contribute to feelings of fullness and satiety due to their protein content, which may help with weight management and reducing overall calorie intake.

• Eggs have choline and other nutrients that are essential for brain development in infants and cognitive function in adults.

• The antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin in eggs are known to accumulate in the retina and may help protect against age-related macular degeneration and promote healthy vision.

• The high-quality protein in eggs supports muscle strength, repair, and recovery, making them beneficial for athletes and individuals engaged in physical activity.

• Eggs contain several nutrients, including vitamin D, phosphorus, and calcium, which are important for maintaining bone health and reducing the risk of osteoporosis.

• Eggs are a versatile food that can be prepared in various ways, making them a convenient and affordable source of nutrition.

So, for those of you who still fear the vilified egg, beat it! Consider the sunnier side of the news that finally gives the egg a break!
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With Gratitude,

Rus Devorah