by Cheryl Rickey

Created on: February 04, 2010   Last Updated: February 05, 2010

Eggs have great health benefits. They are full of protein and have so many good health benefits that consuming eggs for more than just breakfast is a great idea. Scrambled eggs, hard-boiled eggs, deviled eggs or an egg-salad sandwich are just some of the ways to incorporate eggs into a healthy diet.

Eggs are great for the eyes. According to one study, an egg a day may prevent macular degeneraton due to the carotenoid content, specifically lutein and zeaxanthin. Both nutrients are more readily available to our bodies from eggs than from other sources.

In another study, researchers found that people who eat eggs every day lower their risk of developing cataracts, also because of the lutein and zeaxanthin in eggs.

One egg contains 6 grams of high-quality protein and all 9 essential amino acids.

According to a study by the Harvard School of Public Health, there is no significant link between egg consumption and heart disease. In fact, according to one study, regular consumption of eggs may help prevent blood clots, stroke, and heart attacks.

Eggs are a good source of choline. One egg yolk has about 300 micrograms of choline. Choline is an important nutrient that helps regulate the brain, nervous system, and cardiovascular system.

Eggs also contain the right kind of fat. One egg contains just 5 grams of fat and only 1.5 grams of that is saturated fat.

New research shows that, contrary to previous belief, moderate consumption of eggs does not have a negative impact on cholesterol. In fact, recent studies have shown that regular consumption of two eggs per day does not affect a person's lipid profile and may, in fact, improve it. Research suggests that it is saturated fat that raises cholesterol rather than dietary cholesterol.

Eggs are one of the only foods that contain naturally occurring vitamin D.

Eggs may prevent breast cancer. In one study, women who consumed at least 6 eggs per week lowered their risk of breast cancer by 44%.

Eggs promote healthy hair and nails because of their high sulphur content and wide array of vitamins and minerals. Many people find their hair growing faster after adding eggs to their diet, especially if they were previously deficient in foods containing sulphur or B12.

While some people advocate eating raw eggs as part of a fitness plan, cooked eggs are easier to digest and run less of a risk of causing a salmonella infection.

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