You may have hard cooked some eggs during Easter week, and if your household is like mine, they were a hit! I am tuned into eggs, since we have our own egg-laying hens in the backyard…but even so, I sometimes “forget” about hard-cooking them. Hard cooked eggs are an easy protein source, and keeping a few cooked and ready to grab in the refrigerator is a good idea. They make a great snack for children, or a quick protein source at breakfast. Eat them, just peeled, or slice them onto a piece of whole wheat toast for an open-faced sandwich.

Most people are aware that eggs are high in cholesterol, and some may unnecessarily avoid them. While the yolk does contain a good dose of cholesterol, it’s still okay to eat them on occasion (up to 4-5 yolks a week is fine, if you have high blood cholesterol. It’s fine to include whole eggs in your diet otherwise). The white is very low in fat and high in protein. One egg white provides 6-7 grams of protein.

According to the American Egg Board, eggs can play a role in a healthy diet:

  • Weight management: Protein helps with satiety and also helps us feel full longer. So instead of a carbohydrate-only breakfast, adding some protein can help with weight management. The high-quality protein in eggs can help.
  • Muscle strength and maintenance: Research indicates that high-quality protein may help older active adults (over 50) build muscle strength and help prevent muscle loss in middle-aged and aging adults. Egg whites are a protein option.
  • Healthy pregnancy: Egg yolks are an excellent source of choline, an essential nutrient that contributes to fetal brain development and helps prevent birth defects.
  • Brain function: Choline also aids the brain function of adults by maintaining the structure of brain cell membranes.

So don’t be afraid of eggs. Add some to your weekly breakfast and/or snack time. Try this Frittata recipe or use eggs in this muffin recipe.  For your next house-guest try this easy egg bake! Enjoy eating healthy.