When you say breakfast, one of the first things that come to mind is the egg. It is a meal staple that can be cooked in hundreds of different ways. Boil, poach, fry, or toss with other foods, there’s no limit as to how you can do your eggs. Over the years, this shelled favorite gained notoriety for being unhealthy but does that still ring true today?

Why Eat Eggs?

1. Good for the Heart

Eggs contain high levels of cholesterol, and a single large one has more than 200 mg within its shell. Although this amount is more than half of the recommended daily limit of 300 mg, an egg a day won’t necessarily raise the cholesterol in your blood, unlike saturated fat will. For most people, eating eggs won’t affect cholesterol levels, but the reverse can happen to those with genetic disorders or conditions.

An egg has both good and bad cholesterol called HDL and LDL, respectively. Known as the good cholesterol, HDL plays a role in decreasing your risk for heart diseases. People with higher HDL levels are discovered to be less prone to strokes and other health issues. However, consuming more eggs raises the LDL or the bad cholesterol, so tread lightly by choosing smaller-sized ones for your breakfast or ditching the yolk entirely.

2. Packed with Nutrients

Despite the bad rap it received for being high in cholesterol, eggs are nutritional powerhouses. A large, boiled one contains vitamins A, B5, B12, B2, B6, D, E, and K, along with nutrients such as folate, choline, selenium, phosphorus, calcium, and zinc. During breastfeeding and pregnancy, choline and folate are both essential for brain development.

Since eggs have vitamin D and calcium, they’re excellent at protecting the bones and staving off diseases like osteoporosis and rickets. At the same time, they contain the carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin, which are essential in preventing blindness from macular degeneration in adults like vitamin A.

3. High in Protein

Consuming eggs for breakfast is enough to give you a head start for the day. It is rich in quality protein at six grams per large-sized one and low in fat at five grams. With around 70 calories apiece, eggs are excellent in tracking your intake if you want to drop pounds or trim your waistline. It can make you feel full longer, too, so you’re likely to eat less until your next meal.

Enjoy an egg with your breakfast, lunch, or dinner when you dine at The Diner at Sugar Hill, a local homegrown favorite. A family restaurant in Buford, GA, they have a wide range of mouthwatering fare at reasonable prices available throughout the day. They also offer catering services and host events in their private dining areas. Call (770) 831-0180 or browse their menu and specials online.