Many of us have been raised on the theory that eggs were loaded with artery-clogging cholesterol and that eating them was a surefire way to promote coronary heart disease. But that perception is changing. When a group of researchers reviewed some of the top scientific studies, they found no link between eating eggs and heart disease. In fact, many leading health experts call eggs the perfect food. The white part and the yolk work together to bring you an ample serving of important vitamins, healthy fats, trace minerals, and other nutrients—everything a runner needs in one convenient package.
Instant Mood Boost
The Good News: Eggs contain a beneficial blend of omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, B vitamins, and iodide—nutrients that work together to battle fatigue and reverse bad moods.
Bonus Tip: If you’re worried about the well-being of the hens, don’t be tricked by the phrase “free-range.” The hens may still be housed inside of warehouses (though at least not in tiny cages).
Nourish Your Muscular System
The Good News: Eggs are one of nature’s best food sources, packaging muscle-protecting protein in a low-kilojoule food. The B12 in eggs also aids in muscle contraction—a must for runners.
Guard Against Cancer
The Good News: Women who eat higher levels of choline—a nutrient found in eggs—are 24 per cent less likely to develop breast cancer according to a recent study. One large egg boasts about 30 perc ent of your recommended dietary allowance of choline.
Bonus Tip: Most of the choline is concentrated in the yolk so be sure to include the whole egg in your meal.
Feed Your Brain
The Good News: The choline in eggs helps keep your memory sharp while increasing the release of acetylcholine—a neurotransmitter that helps your brain store and recall information better. Eggs from hens raised outside on grass pastures also contain more omega-3 fatty acids that help power your brain.
Bonus Tip: Find a farmer who raises birds on pasture and supplements with organic feed. Eggs from chickens raised on grass produce eggs with much vitamin E—which is great for a runner’s immune system.
Save Your Sight
The Good News: Doing a lot of night running? Eggs are a rich source of lutein and zeaxanthin—antioxidants that help stave off macular degeneration and cataracts—just be sure to eat the yolks!
Bonus Tip: For an even more potent eye-protecting meal, mix lutein- and zeaxanthin-rich kale or spinach into your omelet.
Slim Down
The Good News: Obviously running is a great way to lose weight, but eggs can help! Researchers found that when obese people choose an egg breakfast over bagels at least five times a week, they lost 61 per cent bigger reduction in weight. And scientists discovered that eating eggs in the morning led to eating fewer kilojoules throughout the rest of the day, too.gg
The article 7 Reasons You Need To Eat More Eggs originally appeared on Rodale’s Organic Life.
