Tuesday, April 16, 2019

Eggs Benedict Day

Jesse Fulbright, MSU Liberty County Extension


It seems like there is a holiday for everything anymore and April 16th is no different.  It isn’t celebrated as “Yeah, I Got My Taxes in On Time” day, but perhaps it should be.  One of the ways April 16th is celebrated is as Eggs Benedict Day.

One story for the origin of eggs benedict is that in 1894 stock broker Lemuel Benedict ordered “buttered toast, poached eggs, crisp bacon, and a side of Hollandaise” at the Waldorf Hotel.  They were so impressed with the dish that they put it on the menu substituting ham and English muffins in place of the bacon and toast.  Whether this story is true or not, eggs play a part in our health.
Eggs do contain a lot of cholesterol.  However, for most people, only a small amount of that cholesterol goes into the bloodstream.  According to the American Heart Association, saturated fat in a person’s diet has a greater impact on raising blood cholesterol levels than cholesterol in food.  One large egg has only 1.6 grams of saturated fat.  Compare that to one tablespoon of butter, which contains 7 grams saturated fat.

According to Colorado State University Extension there are several health benefits of eggs.  Eggs are a low-cost food rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals.  They contain lutein and zeaxanthin, which are bioactive compounds contributing to eye health.  Along with providing 6 grams of protein, an egg is a good source of B vitamins, folic acid, and iron.  Eggs are also a good source of choline, which is important for the brain and nervous system.  Eggs may also help promote weight management.  When adequate protein is eaten early in the day, a person may feel satiated for longer and consume less calories as the day goes on.
Whether selecting chicken eggs, quail eggs, or even duck eggs, there is no question that we can incorporate eggs into our healthy eating pattern.  Hard cooked, scrambled, poached, or baked are healthy ways to prepare eggs.  While fried may not be on the list as the healthiest way of preparing eggs, it is still my favorite way.

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