A Healthy You: Is it OK to eat eggs again?

by Cindy GatesIs it OK to eat eggs again?Just like the butter and margarine controversy, we have the cholesterol and egg dilemma. They have been controversial in the past due to the high cholesterol content of the yolk.Recent findings suggest that dietary cholesterol has less impact on blood levels of cholesterol than intake of saturated fat or trans fatty acids.Whole eggs offer almost every essential vitamin and mineral needed by humans, with the exception of Vitamin C. Eggs are a wonderful source of protein. The egg yolks contain Vitamins A, D, and K which are not found in egg whites. The egg yolk also contains carotenoids - lutein and zeaxanthin which may help lower the risk of heart disease and macular degeneration.And now even more healthy are the omega 3 eggs. Omega eggs are fed a natural diet of grain fortified with sources of omega 3 fatty acids such as flaxseed. Omega 3’s may help in the prevention and treatment of heart disease, inflammation, mental disorders and high blood pressure.Choose eggs from free range or organic chickens so they will be free of antibiotics and hormones and will also be higher in omega 3, Vitamin A and E, and of course taste better.Due to the diet and movement ability of free range chickens, their eggs may have better flavor and nutrition than conventional eggs.A Healthy You is a regular column about nutrition, healthy living and cancer care. It is written by Cindy Gates, RD and LD and the Cancer Center’s Oncology dietitian, herbalist and Certified Wellness Coach.