EGGstreme goodness from Mother Nature’s humble egg
There are few other foods that are able to compete with eggs in terms of overall health benefits
Eggs have been referred to as nature’s fast food, quick and easy to prepare and packaged in a convenient, biodegradable shell.
There are few other foods that are able to compete with eggs in terms of overall health benefits.
Consumers need scientifically reliable information that is easy to understand and relevant to their health and wellness concerns.
To help guide consumers, nutrient content claims have to comply with conditions set out in the regulations relating to the labelling and advertising of foodstuffs from the Department of Health.
An average large egg, weighing 55g, can claim to be high in protein, vitamin B12 and biotin and can claim to be a source of vitamin D, riboflavin, choline, selenium, iodine, lutein and zeaxanthin.
These nutrient claims are noteworthy throughout the human life cycle:
• Protein: Eggs are a complete protein source, containing all of the amino acids (‘building blocks’) essential for growth and repair.
Compared with other high protein foods, eggs are a relatively inexpensive option, from early childhood to the elderly.
• Vitamin B12: Vital for synthesis of DNA and myelin – the sheath that surrounds nerve fibres.
• Biotin: Needed to release energy from food.
• Vitamin D: Eggs are one of a few natural food sources of vitamin D.
Vitamin D is essential for calcium absorption, helping to maintain bone and teeth health.
• Riboflavin (vitamin B2): Needed to help produce energy and to release energy from food.
• Choline: Adequate choline intake during pregnancy and breastfeeding is critical for foetal brain development, learning ability and lifelong memory function.
Babies can eat a whole egg from the age of six months when solid foods are introduced.
• Selenium: Acts as an anti-oxidant to help prevent breakdown of tissue and to protect against some chronic diseases.
• Iodine: Essential for the normal functioning of the thyroid gland.
• Lutein and zeaxanthin: These two antioxidants help to keep the eyes healthy by reducing the risk of age-related macular degeneration, one of the common causes of age-related blindness.
This protection is needed from early childhood.
Thus, the humble egg can make bold claims and make a valuable contribution to a healthy diet during all stages of the life cycle.
It is an affordable, versatile food, high in protein and a source of many key nutrients.
Eat the whole egg, including the yolk, to get the full benefit.
Nobody can afford not to eat their egg a day as part of a healthy balanced diet.
For further information visit www.sapoultry.co.za
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