The protein power of an egg
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EmailEggs are a complete protein.
Protein is essential to our diets, but did you know that eggs are a great source of protein? Generally when we think of protein we think of meat, peanut butter and beans. Eggs are usually associated with dairy and yes, even though they are usually in the dairy section, they are a protein.
Michigan State University Extension says that eggs provide a great start to a day. It is important to eat eggs with an average of one egg per-day, two or three times a week. This also includes egg based foods, like quiche. The yolk is where the cholesterol is contained, as well as saturated fat. Egg whites, however, can be used as a substitute instead of using the whole egg.
To begin let’s discss what a protein is and what it does for our body. Protein is located in every living cell in our body. According to Woman's Health, there are foods that provide complete protein, such as animal products and eggs are an animal product. These types of proteins provide amino acids that your body makes and the type of amino acids you need to help your body function smoothly. Protein is essential to a variety of functions in the body. Protein assists in the breakdown of foods we eat so we can use them in our body. It also helps to “build structures” and “breakdown toxins,” keeping our bodies strong and functional.
It important to know that even though eggs are a complete protein, moderation should be used when eating them. It is suggested to eat only one egg per-day, two or three times a week. There are other complete protein sources that can be added to a diet. Some examples of other complete protein sources are meat, poultry, fish, milk and cheese. Eating a variety of protein foods and eating in moderation is recommended in the 2010 U.S. Dietary Guidelines.
