Summertime is officially around the corner and it’s time to emerge from those winter woolies!
But have you been shocked to find that your favourite cut-offs have mysteriously reduced in size during their hiatus?
When it’s time to dial in your diet, the humble egg is a healthy eating staple that will not only help you shed those winter pounds but offers a whole host of amazing health benefits, too.
Build lean muscle and burn fat
Eggs are chock full of essential amino acids – the building blocks of protein to you and me. Protein is required for growth and repair of body tissues so maintaining sufficient levels will help you build muscle and prevent muscle loss when you are trying to lose weight.
Muscle mass constitutes metabolism. So when you’re working hard to slim down or maintain your weight, protecting your body’s muscle tissue will keep that metabolic fire burning.
Balance blood sugar and control appetite
Their high protein and low carbohydrate content mean eggs will keep you feeling fuller for longer by balancing blood sugar.
What goes up must come down – spikes in blood sugar level are followed by a crash which causes hunger and sugar cravings. Eating foods rich in protein and good fats can help stabilize your appetite and curb cravings, helping you avoid snacking and have more energy between meals.
All this for only 70 calories per egg!
Avoid nutrient deficiencies
Eggs pack an impressive nutritional punch containing 13 essential vitamins and minerals that our bodies need to thrive. Including eggs in your diet will help support healthy brain function, give you great skin, hair and nails and promote a super efficient metabolism.
Choline – Essential for the transportation of nutrients. Supports metabolism, nerve and brain functions. Important for memory especially in infants so vital during pregnancy and nursing.
Selenium – Prevents breakdown of body tissues by acting as an antioxidant and supports thyroid function for a healthy metabolism.
Riboflavin & Vitamin B12 – For conversion of protein, carbohydrates and fats into energy. Along with other B vitamins, they help maintain healthy skin, hair and nails and support brain and liver function.
Vitamin D – The sunshine vitamin! In the northern hemisphere, we are notoriously low in this essential vitamin that our bodies can synthesise from sunlight. It works alongside calcium to maintain bone health and has been shown to protect against mood disorders and support the immune system.
Phosphorous – Supports energy production and healthy bones and teeth.
Eggs are also a good source of pathogenic acid, folate, iron, vitamin A, vitamin B, zinc and calcium.
Look after your heart
The myth that eggs raise cholesterol is officially old hat. In fact, eggs contain high amounts of ‘good’ HDL cholesterol which helps to keep the bad stuff down and support cardiovascular health by preventing strokes, heart attacks and blood clots.
Need convincing? Check out our no-nonsense blog post: ‘Cholesterol and Eggs – The Facts’.
If you want to turbocharge your health kick this summer then including eggs in your diet is a no-brainer. Not only are eggs an impressive whole food packed with benefits but they are super low-cost and accessible to everyone. Because they are so budget friendly, it’s easy to opt for the highest quality eggs available – to us, that means free range eggs from happy woodland hens!
Have you visited our innovative free range egg vending machines yet? Check out their locations here.
