Eggs are among the healthiest foods available. Although they are great in value, taste, nutrition and convenience, they have been vilified for a long time. Many people believe that eggs contain high levels of dietary cholesterol. But, a number of researches and studies reveal that eggs do no contain as much cholesterol as it was previously recorded. In fact, healthy adults can eat eggs without worrying about increasing the risk of heart problems. In fact, studies have also shown that eating eggs can lower blood pressure as well.
Recent studies show that a large egg contains no more than 185mg cholesterol. Previously, it was recorded that a large egg contains at least 215mg cholesterol. Similarly, there are many misconceptions which have been swirling around eggs. Here’s a look at some of the myths about eggs and their facts.
Myth: eating eggs raises cholesterol levels in the body.
Fact: dietary cholesterol in eggs is different from the cholesterol that is already in your body. The body is responsible for making its own cholesterol, and it has little to do with the kind of cholesterol you eat. Trans fats and saturated fats fuels the cholesterol making process in the body and eggs contains very little saturated fat. You can find about 1.5g of saturated fat in one large egg which is just a fraction of the saturated fat that can be found in one tablespoon of butter that the egg is cooked in. Eggs are healthy and it would be a bad idea to eliminate them completely from your diet.
Myth: always throw the yolks away when making eggs
Fact: people are mostly scared about the fat and cholesterol that is contained in eggs. But, the fact is that the egg yolks mostly contain unsaturated fat which is healthy for the heart. Saturated fat is present, but in low amounts.
Myth: white and brown shelled eggs have different nutritional values
Fact: the color of the shells does not determine their nutritional value. Both the types are nutritionally the same. The difference is just in color which comes from the hens. Brown eggs come from chicken with red earlobes and white eggs come from chicken with white earlobes.
Myth: It is not safe to eat fertilized eggs
Fact: it is perfectly safe to eat fertilized eggs because according to a number of studies, the cholesterol levels in fertilized eggs are slightly higher, but not enough to make a big difference. Most people believe that a fertilized egg may contain an embryo of a chick, but it is important to remember that in order for cells to develop, the conditions must be right. Cells start to develop when temperatures are around 22 degrees Celcius.
Myth: Serve a raw egg to a sick person for extra minerals and protein
Fact: raw eggs must never be given to anyone, especially if the person is seriously ill. There is a risk of Salmonella poisoning with eating raw eggs. Eating raw eggs can be dangerous for sick people, younger children, elderly people and pregnant women. Eggs must be cooked before serving in order to kill bacteria and microorganisms.
