Do you also run away from the yellow part of egg? Then you need to stop!
The bright yellow, yolk part of the egg contains numerous health benefits. Eggs are an affordable, nutrient-packed protein-rich food that's easy to find and make. This makes them a fantastic food staple for many people around the world. Sure, they are believed to be high in cholesterol, but they also give you the important nutrients that will keep your body healthy too.
As per the studies by the National Library of Medicine the sunny yellow and orange hues hint at powerful carotenoids like lutein and zeaxanthin. These compounds filter out damaging blue light and help prevent age-related macular degeneration and cataracts. The yolk is packed with essential nutrients like calcium, zinc, and B vitamins to strengthen your bones and energy levels. It's also one of the richest sources of choline, which boosts brain health.
And it gets better - the yolk contains heart-healthy fats like omega-3s to lower inflammation and triglycerides. Plus, those 4-6 grams of fat keep you feeling full and satisfied. While the cholesterol numbers seem high at over 200 mg per yolk, recent research indicates dietary cholesterol has minimal effects on blood cholesterol for most people.
So, read and understand the numerous benefits and nutrients found in egg yolks.
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Lower Risk Of Gastrointestinal Distress
The reduced risk of gastrointestinal distress from egg yolk consumption has an interesting explanation. According to National Library of Medicine certain proteins found in egg yolks, including one called phosvitin, are thought to play a role. These proteins can bind to and remove compounds in the body that promote inflammation. With lower levels of these inflammatory triggers, there is less irritation in the sensitive tissues of the gastrointestinal tract. So, the phosvitin and other egg yolk proteins may act like little sponges, soaking up inflammation-inducing molecules and leading to a calmer gut environment. The intricate biochemical properties of compounds like phosvitin illustrate how the nutrients in foods like eggs can have cascading benefits in the body. An egg a day may truly keep the gut inflammation away!
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Boosts Immune System
The incredible egg is more than just a delicious and nutritious food - it also contains powerful compounds that can supercharge your immune system. These little immune-boosting molecules can kickstart the production of macrophages, the hardworking cells of your immune system that defend against invading bacteria, viruses, and other disease-causing pathogens. Macrophages act like microscopic pac-men, gobbling up foreign invaders through a process called phagocytosis. Once they've engulfed a pathogen, macrophages break it down and display pieces of it on their surface. This alerts other immune cells, triggering a full-scale attack against the infection. Some macrophages also release cytokines, chemical messengers that ramp up inflammation and signal to other parts of the immune system that it's time to act.
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Helps In Maintaining Blood Pressure
The humble egg may have hidden talents for heart health. A study by National Library of Medicine has discovered that egg yolk contains small protein fragments called peptides. These peptides have demonstrated an impressive ability to lower blood pressure in rat studies. This effect could be beneficial for humans too, as high blood pressure is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases like heart attacks and stroke. While more research is still needed, the evidence so far suggests that eggs contain natural compounds that may help keep our blood pressure in check. So next time you crack open an egg, you could be doing your heart a favor.
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Healthy Heart
The rich, golden yolk nestled inside an eggshell is brimming with nutrients that support a healthy heart. Tryptophan, tyrosine, and other essential amino acids found in egg yolks help regulate blood pressure and keep arteries clear of plaque buildup. These compounds also promote the production of serotonin and other neurotransmitters that influence mood and cardiovascular function. Just one egg yolk contains over 90% of an egg's calcium, iron, phosphorus, zinc, thiamin, vitamin B6, folate and pantothenic acid - a powerful package of vitamins and minerals in a small but mighty package. The unique blend of protein and healthy fats in egg yolks provide the building blocks for vital tissues while keeping inflammation at bay. So, when you gently crack open an egg in the morning, you're unlocking a treasure trove of components that work together to nurture your heart. The next time you make an omelet or frittata, don't discard the yolks - they hold the key ingredients for maintaining a healthy ticker.
Improves Skin Texture
The humble egg yolk contains a wealth of skin-nourishing treasures. Ceramides, the lipid molecules that help form the skin's protective barrier, abound in egg yolks. These waxy fats prevent moisture loss, shield against irritants, and leave skin looking supple and feeling soft. As per National Library of Medicne egg yolks also brim with peptides, chains of amino acids that are the building blocks of collagen and elastin. Our bodies produce less of these structural proteins as we get older, leading to wrinkles and sagging. Eating egg yolks provides the raw materials to stimulate collagen and elastin synthesis, helping restore skin's youthful bounce and smoothness. So, treat your skin to a dose of revitalizing lipids and proteins - whip up an omelet or custard and let the egg yolk work its wrinkle-reducing magic.
Helps To Improve Vision
The brilliant yellow hue of egg yolks comes from carotenoids, powerful antioxidant pigments that safeguard your eyesight. Lutein and zeaxanthin, two carotenoids found in eggs, act as shields against damaging free radicals that can lead to age-related eye diseases. As one gets older, our eyes are more vulnerable to disorders like cataracts and macular degeneration, which cloud and distort vision. But lutein and zeaxanthin accumulate in the retinas, filtering out dangerous blue light and UV rays before they can injure delicate eye tissues. Eating eggs boosts levels of these protective carotenoids in the eyes, reducing oxidative stress that contributes to cataracts and macular degeneration. The more eggs you eat, the lower your risk of developing these common vision problems that affect many people over 55. So do your eyes a favor and enjoy an egg today - the carotenoids may preserve your eyesight for years to come!