We all know and love eggs as a basis for numerous delicious dishes and snacks, but did you know that eggs are more than just a delicious ingredient? Eggs are packed with healthy nutrients and vitamins, have a fascinating history across myths and legends throughout the world and are a staple item for many diets and cultures. Let’s dive into a comprehensive A to Z of eggs!
A is for Aging
As we age, our nutritional needs and wants change, and many older people may struggle to consume healthy sources of nutrients. Eggs offer a delicious and popular source of vitamins, nutrients and more, which can help keep our bodies healthy for longer.
B is for Vitamin B
Eggs are jam-packed full of B vitamins, which can be found in the form of riboflavin (B2), pantothenic acid (B5) and Cyanocobalamin (B12). Vitamin B5 plays a role in converting foodstuffs into energy and breaking down fat, and helps the body to produce vitamin D. Vitamin B12 keeps our blood and nerve cells healthy and in top condition. Riboflavin is important for growth, red blood cell development, energy, vision, and the healthy functioning of the nervous system.
C is for Choline
Want to keep your brain healthy and happy? Choline is a nutrient found in eggs that works to assist and enable many of our bodily functions. A sufficient amount of choline is vital for brain health and the functioning of the human nervous system.
D is for Vitamin D
Eggs are one of the few natural dietary sources of vitamin D, a vitamin which many people are deficient in. A serving of two eggs has been found to contain 82% of your daily vitamin D requirements. Surprisingly, vitamin D deficiency is relatively common in African countries, with 1 in 5 people living in Africa having a vitamin D deficiency.
E is for Energy
Healthy diets support healthy bodies and energy levels. As eggs are packed full of protein and important nuntrients and vitamins, they help support healthy energy levels.
F is for Folic Acid
Folic Acid is a vitamin that supports cell division and which also supports the healthy development of unborn babies. One large egg contains around 8% of the daily recommended amount of folic acid. Folic acid is also known as folate.
G is for Grading
Before they are sent on to supermarkets and stores, eggs are graded according to a strict grading system. Eggs may not be sold in packages of different grades, and in South Africa, no eggs may be sold that do not comply with grades, 1, 2 or 3. Grade 1 is the best grade of egg available. You will rarely, if ever, encounter grade 2 or 3 eggs sold in commercial stores. A grade 1 egg has a round and well centred yolk, with egg whites that are thick. The shell should be clean and without cracks.
H is for Hormone-free
All eggs are naturally free of hormones.
I is for Iron
Eggs are a good source of iron, which our bodies need to grow and develop properly. One egg contains around 1.89mg of Iron.
J is for Jokes & riddles
What came first? The chicken or the egg? Possibly the most classic and shared riddle, this egg-inspired line is repeated across the world.
K is for Vitamin K.
Vitamin K is a vitamin that is found in dietary items such as leafy vegetables, chicken eggs, brussel spouts and broccoli. The human body needs vitamin K to produce something known as prothrombin, which is important for bone metabolism and blood clotting.
L is for lutein.
Lutein, a type of vitamin known as a carotenoid, and is associated with better vision. Lutein is a powerful antioxidant which protects your body against free radicals.
M is for Metabolism
A healthy metabolism keeps us feeling healthy, and keeps our bodies working as they should. Metabolism refers to the process whereby your body converts what you consume into energy.
N is for Nutrient-dense
Packed with nutrients, eggs are one of the most nutritious foods on the planet, offering a wide range of vitamins and nutrients that are needed to build healthy bodies and thriving minds.
O is for Omega-3’s
Omega-3’s are a type of polyunsaturated fatty acids, the essential fats that play a role in the functioning of your cell membranes. Eggs are a natural source of omega-3’.
P is for pH level
Have you every wondered about the pH level of eggs? The pH of a fresh egg is around 6.0, which can increase to 6.4-6.9 during storage.
Q is for Quality
Quality protein, rather, as eggs are a source of high-quality protein. A high-quality protein contains all the essential amino acids.
R is for Recipes
The versatility of eggs lends them to a wide range of dishes and cuisines, and there are hundreds of recipes from around the world with ways in which to prepare eggs or which contain eggs as a central ingredient.
S is for Size
Have you ever wondered how eggs are graded into sizes? Eggs are graded into different size categories based on weight. A medium egg should weigh more than 43 grams, a large egg should weigh more than 51 grams, an extra large egg more than 50 grams, a jumbo egg more than 66 grams and a super jumbo egg should clock in with at least 72 grams.
T is for Temperature.
As with most foods temperature is vital for preparing and storing eggs safely. Different countries differ on the temperature at which to store eggs, while proper tempeartures are an essential part of cooking delicious eggs! F
U is for Uncooked eggs
For many years, many people believed that it was better to eat raw eggs when looking to build muscle, however, cooking eggs makes them safer to eat and also makes it easier for your body to digest and absorb the nutrients within.
V is for Vitamins
As you may have noticed, eggs are absolutely packed full of vitamins that keep our bodies healthy and in good shape. The vitamins found in eggs include vitamin A, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, vitamin D, Vitamin K and selenium.
W is for Weight loss.
Eggs help keep you feeling fuller for longer, compared to some other foods, which can help you lose weight.
X is for Xanthophyll.
Try saying that three times fast: xanthophyllic, xanthophyllic, xanthophyllic. Xanthophylls are a type of carotenoid that is found in nature, and are responsible for the yellow pigment of egg yolks. The most common xanthophylls in eggs are lutein and zeaxanthin.
Y is for Yellow
The distinctive yellow yolks are a classic symbol of eggs! Did you know that the word ‘yolks’ developed from an Old English word, ‘geolu’ or ‘geolca’ which mean ‘yellow’? So essentially, we have the egg whites and the egg yellow.
The yolks of eggs contain many of the important vitamins and nutrients within eggs.
Z is for Zillion Dollar Lobster Frittata
Looking to splash some cash? The most expensive egg dish in the world is currently the “Zillion Dollar Lobster Fritta”, which is served in Manhattan, at Norma’s in the Le Parker Meridien Hotel. This expensive dish makes use of six fresh eggs, Sevrurga caviar and a whole lobster. The dish costs $2000 at the luxury establishment.