• Published on: Oct 17, 2021
  • 3 minute read
  • By: Second Medic Expert

What Are The Health Benefits Of Eggs?

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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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Role of Nutrition in Disease Prevention: How Food Choices Shape Long-Term Health

Role of Nutrition in Disease Prevention: How Food Choices Shape Long-Term Health

Disease prevention is no longer limited to vaccinations and medical screenings. Modern healthcare increasingly recognises nutrition as one of the most powerful tools for preventing illness before it begins. The role of nutrition in disease prevention is especially important in India, where lifestyle-related diseases account for a large share of premature illness and mortality.

According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5), poor dietary patterns contribute significantly to rising cases of diabetes, heart disease, obesity and hypertension. Unlike genetic factors, nutrition is a modifiable risk factor, meaning everyday food choices can actively protect health.

 


Why Nutrition Is Central to Disease Prevention

1. Nutrition regulates metabolic health

Balanced diets help maintain:

  • healthy blood sugar levels
     

  • optimal cholesterol balance
     

  • stable blood pressure
     

Disruption in these systems increases disease risk.

2. Nutrition strengthens immunity

WHO highlights that immune function depends heavily on adequate intake of vitamins, minerals and protein.

3. Nutrition controls inflammation

Chronic low-grade inflammation is linked to most lifestyle diseases. Diets rich in whole foods reduce inflammatory markers.

Major Diseases Influenced by Nutrition

Diabetes and Prediabetes

Excess refined carbohydrates and sugar drive insulin resistance.

Preventive nutrition focuses on:

  • whole grains
     

  • fibre-rich vegetables
     

  • adequate protein
     

  • controlled portion sizes
     

ICMR data shows that dietary modification can delay or prevent type 2 diabetes in high-risk individuals.

Cardiovascular Disease

Heart disease remains a leading cause of death in India.

Nutrition impacts:

  • cholesterol levels
     

  • blood pressure
     

  • arterial inflammation
     

Diets low in trans fats and high in fibre significantly reduce cardiovascular risk, as confirmed by WHO and Lancet studies.

Obesity

Obesity increases the risk of multiple chronic diseases.

Preventive nutrition addresses:

  • calorie density
     

  • food quality
     

  • satiety regulation
     

NFHS-5 reports a steady rise in overweight and obesity across age groups.

Hypertension

High sodium intake and low potassium intake contribute to high blood pressure.

Preventive dietary strategies include:

  • reducing processed foods
     

  • increasing fruits and vegetables
     

  • maintaining mineral balance
     

Certain Cancers

Diet influences cancer risk through:

  • antioxidant intake
     

  • fibre consumption
     

  • reduced exposure to carcinogenic compounds
     

WHO estimates that a significant percentage of cancers are preventable through diet and lifestyle changes.

Key Nutrients That Support Disease Prevention

Fibre

Supports gut health, blood sugar control and cholesterol reduction.

Protein

Essential for muscle health, immune function and metabolic balance.

Healthy Fats

Omega-3 fats reduce inflammation and protect heart health.

Micronutrients

Iron, zinc, vitamin D and B vitamins are essential for metabolic and immune regulation.

NFHS-5 highlights widespread micronutrient deficiencies in India, increasing disease vulnerability.

Role of Gut Health in Prevention

The gut microbiome plays a major role in:

  • immune regulation
     

  • inflammation control
     

  • nutrient absorption
     

Fermented foods and fibre-rich diets support healthy gut bacteria, strengthening disease resistance.

 

Why Preventive Nutrition Works Best Early

Nutrition is most effective when applied:

  • before disease onset
     

  • during pre-disease stages
     

  • alongside regular health screening
     

Once disease progresses, nutrition remains supportive but may not reverse damage fully.

Nutrition vs Medication in Prevention

Medication treats disease; nutrition reduces risk.

WHO and NITI Aayog emphasize that:

  • preventive nutrition reduces disease incidence
     

  • lifestyle modification lowers healthcare burden
     

  • early nutrition changes reduce dependency on long-term medication
     

Both approaches work best when combined appropriately.

Workplace and Community Role in Preventive Nutrition

Structured nutrition programs at workplaces and communities:

  • improve awareness
     

  • support behaviour change
     

  • reduce population-level disease burden
     

Lancet studies show that group-based nutrition interventions improve long-term adherence.

 

Common Myths About Nutrition and Disease Prevention

Myth 1: Supplements replace healthy food

Whole foods provide better long-term protection.

Myth 2: Prevention requires extreme diets

Consistency matters more than restriction.

Myth 3: Nutrition only matters after diagnosis

Early nutrition is most effective before disease develops.

Building a Preventive Nutrition Routine

Effective preventive nutrition includes:

  • regular meals
     

  • diverse food groups
     

  • portion awareness
     

  • minimal processed foods
     

  • hydration
     

Small daily choices compound into long-term health benefits.

Long-Term Impact of Preventive Nutrition

Consistent healthy eating leads to:

  • reduced disease risk
     

  • improved energy and productivity
     

  • better immune resilience
     

  • lower healthcare costs
     

  • improved quality of life
     

NITI Aayog identifies nutrition as a cornerstone of sustainable healthcare systems.

Conclusion

Understanding the role of nutrition in disease prevention empowers individuals to take control of their health long before illness develops. Balanced, consistent nutrition reduces inflammation, supports immunity and protects against chronic diseases that burden India’s healthcare system. Preventive nutrition is not about short-term fixes but about building lifelong habits that support health, resilience and longevity.

 

References

  • ICMR – Nutrition and Lifestyle Disease Prevention Reports
     

  • National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) – Dietary and Metabolic Health Data
     

  • NITI Aayog – Preventive Healthcare and Nutrition Strategy Reports
     

  • WHO – Diet, Nutrition and Chronic Disease Prevention Guidelines
     

  • Lancet – Nutrition and Disease Risk Reduction Studies
     

  • Statista – Dietary Trends and Health Outcomes India
     

  • EY-FICCI – Preventive Healthcare and Nutrition Economics

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