What This Study Just Revealed About Eggs
Guidelines on the health benefits of eggs have changed over time. Today, experts generally agree that eggs can be a healthy and beneficial part of your diet. Jo Ann Carson, professor of clinical nutrition at UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas shares, "We are probably more embracing of eggs within a heart-healthy dietary pattern than we were 20 years ago, but it's still a source of dietary cholesterol," (via American Heart Association). When referring to eggs on their own, experts agree that this simple food can provide an efficient and rich source of protein, and contain good nutrients like vitamin D and choline. Egg yolks can also provide lutein and zeaxanthin, which are important for eye health.
A press release put out by the American Egg Board shares that a new report released by the U.S. Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee (DGAC) agrees on eggs health benefits, and adds that the food can play an important nutritional role in infant development and prenatal health. In addition, eggs are now recommended as a fundamental first food for infants and toddlers. This key guideline goes back to the yolk of the matter, focusing on that egg nutrient choline which is considered essential for healthy brain growth.
Eggs provide essential nutrients as a first food for babies
It would seem that choline is otherwise in short supply in our diets. The Journal of the American College of Nutrition notes that our eating habits, especially children's dietary habits, are widely deficient in choline. American Egg Board's press release says this is especially troublesome for a developing child. "The first 1,000 days of a child's life is a time of rapid growth and development. In fact, 90 percent* of brain growth actually occurs before kindergarten, [sic]" states Liz Shaw, MS, RDN, CLT, CPT. Guidelines also show that proper intake of choline is vital to pregnant mothers, as it may offer lasting benefits to their child's brain health post-birth.
Experts recommend adding eggs to a child's diet starting with initial solids at 4 to 6 months of age. This early introduction may also help minimize the risks of developing an egg allergy. For children, one egg a day will provide sufficient choline, and for pregnant mothers, the suggestion is to consume two. While fast and simple, it should be noted these guidelines refer specifically to eggs and not the health benefits or risk from added ingredients like bacon, sausage, cheese, or ketchup.