What Are The Health Benefits Of Eggs?

What are the Health Benefits of Eggs?

One large whole egg - 0g Sugar,6g Protein, 200mg Omega-3 Fatty Acids, 11% Vitamin A, 12% Vitamin E, 13% Zinc, 16% Selenium. 1/2 of the RDA Calcium & Iron. It's also a natural whole food with Lutein and Zeaxanthin for eye protection. Plus, it works well in cooking because it promotes browning which is what makes bread and other items crispy on the outside while remaining moist on the inside. It's also inexpensive if you find them bulk or straight from farm to table at your local farmer's market!

Eggs are a great source of protein, low in both fats and carbohydrates. They contain vitamin A, B1, B2, B6 and D as well as selenium which is an often-overlooked mineral that is essential for good immune function. In addition, eggs also contain the minerals phosphorus and zinc to supply your body with energy.

Eggs provide all nine amino acids required by the human body that cannot be produced on its own - it is important to get this amino from a variety of sources throughout the day! One large egg contains 186mg of choline which aids in neurological function & brain development while also giving you energy through phospholipids needed for cell membranes in neural tissue.

Eggs are high in cholesterol and there is not much indirect evidence that proves eggs are healthy. Nutritionists agree that the effects of cholesterol depend largely on what type of diet it's coming from; saturated or unsaturated fat. Eating large amounts of saturated fat (due to egg yolks) can lead to an unhealthy imbalance in HDL cholesterol levels, which can increase your risk for heart disease.

Eggs are high in "choline" (a B Vitamin), but choline deficiency is rare because it's found in many foods, including meat and vegetables. It also enhances brain function by assisting with communication between nerves cells in the brain. Eggs are a great source of protein. Especially because they come packaged with other essential nutrients like choline and vitamin B12, magnesium and riboflavin, selenium and lutein, biotin, and folate.

Eggs have been proven to lower the body's cholesterol levels, promote healthy skin and hair; they are an excellent source of protein for vegetarians or vegans; they can contain more Omega-3 fatty acids than beef, which is important if you're not getting enough in your diet (and most people aren't). High dietary quality of eggs is associated with an improved nutritional status, reduced risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and colorectal cancer. The study revealed that every additional 100 g of daily egg intake was linked to a 6% reduction in the probability of metabolic syndrome-related events (e.g., coronary artery disease or type 2 diabetes) over 7 years' follow-up.

The health benefits of eggs include protection against low-density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation, protection against lipid peroxidation of LDL, and potential association with lower levels of blood cholesterol. Research has shown that the fat in eggs is an essential nutrient for specific brain cells. Healthy fats are important for many physiological functions including cognitive function, cell membranes, and hormone production; these healthy fats are also found in egg yolk. Recent studies suggest that healthy fats might be helpful to prevent some age-related diseases like Alzheimer's disease and dementia.

Eggs contain complete protein and choline, both nutrients that the body doesn't produce so they must be obtained from food. Eggs also contain omega-3 fatty acids, which are important for brain and heart health. Other than the obvious high in cholesterol and high in calories, eggs offer a well-rounded package of nutrition in just one food! They're loaded with vitamins D and B12, iron calcium zinc magnesium selenium potassium, manganese riboflavin vitamin A lutein omega 3s - all things we need to get from our diet. But I think these 3 take the cake: First is amino acids which make up proteins. The omegas found within eggs also make it healthy.

Eggs are invaluable when attempting to build strong bones because they contain both sulfur and phosphorus in a very good balance. Sulfur is needed for the formation of collagen, which is a fibrous protein essential for bone strength, while phosphorus plays a crucial role in the formation of bones themselves.

Eggs are a good source of protein and contain all the amino acids our bodies need. They're rich in vitamins A, D, E and K. It's also a good source of iron, riboflavin, Vitamin B6 and B12. Eggs also provide significant amounts of alpha-lipoic acid (ALA), selenium, and choline for healthy kidneys, liver, and brain cell development respectively. In addition to all these nutrients eggs help with fetal growth during pregnancy. Choline helps pregnant woman's unborn babies process fats from their mother's diet which can result in reduced risk of cardio issues later in life such as cardiovascular disease or obesity risks while providing support for their developing brains and muscle tissue.

Eggs are great if you are looking for a high-protein breakfast option. As with any food, it is important to consider the saturated fat content in eggs which can be greatly reduced if you opt for egg whites instead of whole eggs when cooking or eating. Eggs provide essential nutrients that include protein, phosphorus, selenium, and vitamins A, B12, and D in addition to vital choline -which is required by the body to synthesize acetylcholine which controls memory function. Choline may also help reduce cardiovascular risk factors, lower blood pressure, and control blood lipids by reducing their level of purity!

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Nutritional Deficiencies in Indian Kids: Recognizing, Preventing & Overcoming “Hidden Hunger”

Every parent wants their child to grow up healthy — tall, strong, smart, and full of energy. But in India, many kids suffer from what is known as “hidden hunger.” It means that even though they are eating, their diet lacks essential nutrients. These nutritional deficiencies can affect growth, learning, immunity, and long-term health. In this blog, we’ll explore the major nutritional deficiencies in Indian kids, what causes them, how to detect them, and what parents can do. Let’s dive into nutritional deficiencies in Indian kids.

What Are the Most Common Nutritional Deficiencies?

Based on recent research and national surveys, the following are among the most widespread deficiencies in Indian children:

Iron Deficiency / Anaemia
A large percentage of Indian kids (especially under-5s) have low hemoglobin and low iron stores. Anaemia can cause tiredness, slow cognitive development, and lowered immunity. Lippincott Journals+2PMC+2
Vitamin A Deficiency
Vitamin A is essential for good vision, immunity, and healthy cells. Many children under 5 show sub-clinical deficiency; some show clinical signs like night blindness. Lippincott Journals+1
Iodine Deficiency
Iodine is critical for thyroid hormone production, which affects brain development. Lack of iodine can lead to goitre, delayed mental development, and poor school performance. Lippincott Journals+2thyrocare.com+2
Vitamin D Deficiency
Even though India is sunny, many children have low vitamin D — due to indoor living, limited sun exposure, skin coverage, or dietary gaps. This impacts bone health, growth, and risks rickets. PMC+1
Protein-Energy Malnutrition (PEM)
In poorer or marginalized communities, children may not get enough protein or calories. This leads to underweight, wasting, stunting, and weakened immunity. Lippincott Journals+2HDFC ERGO+2
Other Micronutrients (Vitamin B12, folate, zinc etc.)
Deficiencies in B12 & folate can affect cell division, blood production, nerve function; zinc deficiency weakens immunity & slows growth. PMC+2nanhedil.com+2

Why Do These Deficiencies Happen?

Understanding the causes helps in prevention:

Dietary Factors
Many diets are heavy in cereals or starches but low in diversity. Meals may lack fruits, vegetables, animal-source foods (meat, eggs, fish) or fortified products.
Bioavailability of Nutrients
Even when foods contain nutrients, they may not be absorbed well. For example, plant-based iron is less readily absorbed, phytates in grains and legumes can reduce absorption.
Socioeconomic Constraints
Poverty, food insecurity, access issues, lack of awareness, and sometimes traditional/cultural food beliefs limit access to nutrient-rich foods.
Living Conditions and Health
Frequent infections, parasitic infestations, poor hygiene, etc., can increase nutrient loss or demand. Also sunlight exposure (important for vitamin D) is inadequate in many cases.
Gaps in Implementation of Prevention Programs
Though India has multiple programs (fortification, supplement distribution, ICDS, National Nutrition Mission etc.), challenges remain in reach, compliance, quality, and behavioural change.

Effects of Nutritional Deficiencies

These deficiencies have short-term and long-term effects:

Growth stunting (children don’t reach their full height potential)
Wasting (low weight for height), underweight
Impaired cognitive development & learning difficulties
Weak immune system ? more infections
Delayed motor skills, poor school performance
Bone deformities (rickets, weak bones)
Poor quality of life; in severe cases, increased mortality

How to Detect & Diagnose Early

Taking action early helps avoid permanent harm. Key strategies include:

Regular growth monitoring: Checking weight, height, BMI for age
Look for signs: Pale skin or lips, tiredness, delayed milestones, frequent illness, bone pain or deformities (knees bowing, wrist/ankle enlargement)
Lab tests:
- Haemoglobin & complete blood count
- Serum ferritin for iron stores
- Serum levels for vitamin A (retinol)
- 25-OH vitamin D test
- Serum B12, folate
- Urinary iodine excretion or salt iodine test
- Protein / albumin levels

Using broad vitamin profiles (like those from Thyrocare) can help screen for multiple deficiencies in one go.

Foods, Diet & Prevention: What Parents / Caregivers Can Do

Here are practical steps parents can take:

Diversify diet: Include pulses, legumes, eggs, dairy, meat (if non-vegetarian), fish; plenty of green leafy vegetables & fruits.
Fortified foods: Use iodised salt; choose cereals / milk products fortified with vitamins & iron.
Sunlight exposure: Encourage outdoor activities; even short daily sun exposure (face, arms) helps vitamin D.
Supplementation when needed: Under doctor guidance, provide vitamin A doses, iron/folic acid, vitamin D etc., especially in high-risk children.
Hygiene & health care: Prevent worm infections, diarrhoea etc. which can drain nutrients. Ensure vaccinations.
Education & awareness: Teach families importance of nutrition, balanced meals, what local foods can provide what nutrients.

What Parents Should Ask Healthcare Providers

Ask whether your child needs screening for deficiencies (e.g., iron, vitamin A, D, B12).
If lab tests are suggested, check whether it’s comprehensive or narrow, cost, and follow-up.
Seek help for dietary planning, perhaps from nutritionists or public health bodies.
Learn about local government/NGO programs—free or subsidized supplementation or fortified food programs.

When to Seek Medical Help

If your child has:

Persistent anaemia symptoms (very pale, lethargic)
Growth issues (falling off growth charts)
Bone deformities or pain
Severe or recurrent infections
Unusual signs like night blindness, goitre

Then get a medical evaluation. Early intervention can make a big difference.

Conclusion & Call to Action

Nutritional deficiencies in Indian kids are common—but many are preventable or treatable. By recognizing risks, ensuring good diet, doing appropriate lab tests, and using supplements or fortified foods when needed, children can grow healthier, smarter, and stronger.

If you’re concerned that your child may have one or more of these deficiencies, talk to a trusted pediatrician or nutritionist, and consider getting a comprehensive vitamin & nutrition profile done (for example through Thyrocare or SecondMedic) to know exactly where improvements are needed. Don’t wait—every child deserves a strong foundation.

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