Eggs

So I have been having about 4-6 eggs a week. Is this bad? Like today along with my cereal and apple I had two scrambled eggs on a whole-wheat english muffin. Could I have this everyday? That would be 14 eggs a week! That would be too much right? What are the good and bad points about eggs and why do you have to limit them? Or do you?

They are one of the world’s greatest sources of highest quality protein. Eggs contain a boatload of vitamins, minerals and some very important antioxidants. They are also a great source of choline, which is sometimes lumped into the vitamin B-complex, though it’s not really a vitamin, either way it is an essential nutrient for cardiovascular and brain function. The interesting thing about choline is that it is an essential part of the phospholipid phosphatidylcholine. Without phosphatidylcholine fat and cholesterol accumulate in the liver. Hmmm. The ADA has always told us to avoid eggs because of the cholesterol content, yet eggs contain a compound that actually helps prevent the body from accumulating cholesterol. Interesting. Choline also helps to form betaine, which helps to lower the inflammatory homocysteine, a big risk factor for heart disease. More interesting. Choline is also need for a major neurotransmitter in the body, called acetylcholine, weird right. Acetylcholine is critical for memory and thought and may even be protective against some forms of dementia, including Alzheimer’s.

The major antioxidants in eggs are lutein and zeaxanthin. These two antioxidants are known to be powerful protectors of the eyes, helping to filter harmful wavelengths. The amazing thing about lutein and zeaxanthin in eggs is that the bioavailability is significantly higher than from supplements.

As you can see so far, eggs are a nutritional powerhouse, but we aren’t done yet. Eggs are also a good source of riboflavin, vitamin B12 (for you vegetarians out there), and selenium among others.

There really is not limit to the amount of eggs you eat in a week. I would recommend you buy omega-3 enriched eggs though if you are consuming this many because why not get even more benefits from eating them!

I personally eat 7 to 10 eggs a week and feel just wonderful! I don't think you have anything to worry about.

Eggs use to get a bad wrap but more research has been done on eggs. They can be a healthy part of your diet. You can eat too much of anything. I eat 4-5 eggs a week. Choline a nutrient found in eggs that is excellent for you. Excellent for your brain. Read more here http://lowcarbdiets.about.com/od/nutrition/a/ choline.htm

As long as you don't have a cholesterol problem eating eggs in moderation is fine. It is a good way to add a healthy fat to your diet. Look for eggs from free range chickens with more Omega fats.

GG gave a very thorough and precise rundown of the nutritional profile of eggs, so I won't go there, but I will point out the US Government's official word on eggs: they say a person should only eat one egg a day, maximum.

With that said, both GG and Shelly are right: the govt's policy is behind the times in terms of research that's being done.  Just because eggs have cholesterol doesn't make them unhealthy.  In fact, if you cook them without butter and make them part of a healthy diet (like you are doing), they can really be a nutritional asset.  If you want to start eating more eggs, I think you might go up to ten per week.  Fourteen might be a little excessive, but I think ten sounds reasonable, especially if you don't have elevated cholesterol.

Wow, thank you for all that information guys. Especially you giasbash,lol. Half the time I didn't even know what you were talking about.lol but it sure sounded like eggs are healthy! I have been having whole-grain english muffins with natural peanut butter and sometimes with eggs. So this is what I am going to do. I am going to switch off. Like today I had whole grain english muffin with peanut butter. But tomorrow I will have the english muffin with eggs, then with peanut butter, and just keep switching off. That will be 6-8 eggs a week. If you guys want to know the rest of my breakfast here it is.

One cup of kashi go lean, and one cup of kix mixed. Then I add a half cup of milk.=300 calories

Apple=100 calories      ... and then

Whole grain english muffin with eggs/peanut butter = 260w/eggs, 330w/pb

So my breakfast is between 660 calories and 730 calories.

Eggs are really good for you! If you are concerned about cholesterol (one egg has about 70% of your daily value) or fat, try using just the egg whites about 3-4 days a week, and the rest of the time, the whole egg. 

I eat about 14 eggs a week myself, but only 3-4 egg yolks.  I make a huge egg white salad on Sunday and have it as my breakfast all week.  I love it, and it gives me a lot of protein to keep me going through the morning.  I cut the yolks out because of calories and cholesterol, but if you're not worried about those, eat away!  Yummy.