Eggs: A Perfect Food

Eggs from my free-range hens--these are gold!

“Is tasteless food eaten without salt, or is there flavor in the white of an egg? I refuse to touch it; such food makes me ill.” Job 6:6-7 

In recent years the nutritional value of eggs has been discredited, especially egg yolks. The idea that we shouldn’t eat egg yolks, but instead only eat egg whites in order to lower cholesterol or to loose extra pounds, is simply opposite of the truth. Egg yolks are packed with valuable nutrients and are one of the healthiest things for us to eat. In many traditional cultures egg yolks were considered sacred foods. I was rereading Nourishing Traditions (by Sally Fallon) today and it listed several studies showing that eggs do not raise cholesterol or contribute to heart disease. The results of the studies show that cholesterol levels are lowered when eggs are eaten regularly.

• Eggs are a great source of protein, and are a complete protein. 

• Eggs from healthy chickens contain virtually all known vitamins and minerals (except for vitamin C), including fat-soluble vitamins such as A and D.

• Eggs help with mental/brain development in children, and maintenance for adults.

• Eggs contain proteins that contain sulphur, which strengthens cell membranes.

• Egg yolks have a high amount of choline, which is a nutrient essential for health.

• Eggs (especially free-range) contain omega-3 fatty acids.

Egg Yolks—the Most Valuable Part of Eggs

Nourishing Traditions recommends feeding egg yolks to babies as one of their first foods, based on traditional diets. This is in contrast to the popular recommendation that babies should be fed rice cereal as a first food. Egg yolks are an ideal food for growing and developing children, as well as adults who wish to have vibrant health.

Dr. Weston A. Price’s studies of traditional people groups show that eggs are recommended for couples to eat for several months before conception. Eggs (and other sacred foods) aid in fertility. High quality eggs are one of the best foods for pregnant mothers to eat.

Think about what an egg yolk is used for in nature… it is used to feed a tiny developing baby bird until it’s ready to hatch from its egg. The yolk is so packed with nutrients that it’s all the developing chick needs for the 21 days of gestation. The egg yolk is so rich and nutritious that it can sustain a little baby chick for 3 days after hatching without food or water.

I can’t emphasize enough how important foods like egg yolks are in the development and health of children. Growing children should not be fed a diet consisting of mostly carbs., grains/starches, and sugar (!!!), as is so common. Their brains, bones, cells, organs, digestive systems, nervous systems, developing reproductive systems, etc., etc., need rich healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals found in traditional foods like eggs. Eating high quality eggs and animal fats during the developing years contributes to overall physical beauty as well.

So instead of cereal or toast for breakfast tomorrow morning, have some eggs!

Thanks for reading.

--Corryn 

P.s. This post was shared at Raising Homemakers and Frugally Sustainable.