Cracking Open the Truth About Egg Yolks
Once at the center of the egg, and now at the center of discussion, egg yolks have been quite the topic due to confusion and controversy around their nutritional value. Although eggs are a breakfast favorite, and often a staple in many people’s diets, the yolks have previously been deemed “unhealthy” largely due to their cholesterol content. Many people have been worried that eating yolks could raise blood cholesterol levels and harm heart health. However, this perception isn’t entirely accurate.
Cholesterol in eggs comes from the egg yolks, and people know that cholesterol in the blood increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. This led people to avoid cholesterol in their diet, which included egg yolks. However, research from Harvard Medical School has shown that most of the cholesterol in our body is made by our liver, it doesn’t come from the cholesterol we eat.
Egg yolks are nutrient powerhouses, offering a rich array of vitamins, minerals, proteins, and healthy fats. These golden, delicious gems are excellent sources of vitamins A, D, E, and K, along with antioxidants, protein, iron, phosphorus, choline, and selenium!
Curious about how these nutrients benefit your body? Read on:
- Overall Wellness: vitamins A, E, and K assist in a variety of immune functions, increase bone health, and protect cells from damage.
- Immune Function: vitamin D regulates immune responses and enhances the body’s ability to fight infections and diseases.
- Eye Health: lutein and zeaxanthin are antioxidants known to protect eyes from blue light and reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration.
- Muscle Growth and Repair: protein provides the necessary amino acids for muscle growth and repair.
- Bone and Teeth Health: iron helps your body make collagen which strengthens bones and prevents tooth decay. Phosphorus helps build hydroxyapatite, which is the main structural component of bones and tooth enamel.
- Brain Health and Cognitive Function: choline is a nutrient that the body uses to produce acetylcholine. Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter for memory, learning, and mood regulation.
- Thyroid Function: selenium is incorporated into enzymes that are involved in thyroid hormone metabolism.
While egg yolks have been a topic of debate in the past, their benefits have been proven to far outweigh their cholesterol content. Eggs (and their yolks) can help you reach a nutritional, well-balanced diet. So it’s safe to say, yes, you can have your yolk and eat it too. Now, get to cracking!
Harvard Medical School Research