Many Americans were raised on the theory that eggs were loaded with artery-clogging cholesterol and that eating them was a surefire way to promote coronary heart disease. But that perception is changing. When Wake Forest University researchers reviewed some of the top scientific studies, they found no link between eating eggs and heart disease. In fact, many leading health experts call eggs the perfect food. The white part and the yolk work together to bring you an ample serving of important vitamins, healthy fats, trace minerals, and other nutrients—everything a runner needs in one convenient package.
Click through the slideshow to see seven more reasons to put eggs back on your menu.
Instant Mood Boost
Shoes & Gear: Eggs contain a beneficial blend of omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, B vitamins, and iodide—nutrients that work together to battle fatigue and reverse bad moods.
Bonus Tip: If you’re worried about the well-being of the hens, don’t be tricked by the phrase “free-range.” The hens may still be housed inside of warehouses (though at least not in tiny cages).
Related: 11 Instant Mood-Boosting Foods
Nourish Your Muscular System
Shoes & Gear: Eggs are one of nature’s best food sources, packaging muscle-protecting protein in a low-calorie food. The B12 in eggs also aids in muscle contraction—a must for runners.
Related: How To Raise Backyard Chickens
Guard Against Cancer
Shoes & Gear: Women who eat higher levels of choline—a nutrient found in eggs—are 24 percent less likely to develop breast cancer according to a recent study. One large egg boasts about 30 percent of your recommended dietary allowance of choline.
Bonus Tip: but eggs can help.
Related: Published: May 03, 2016 1:58 PM EDT?
Feed Your Brain
Shoes & Gear: The choline in eggs helps keep your memory sharp while increasing the release of acetylcholine—a neurotransmitter that helps your brain store and recall information better. Eggs from hens raised outside on grass pastures also contain more omega-3 fatty acids that help power your brain.
Bonus Tip: Find a farmer who raises birds on pasture and supplements with organic feed. Eggs from chickens raised on grass produce eggs with much vitamin E—which is great for a runner’s immune system.
Save Your Sight
Shoes & Gear: Doing a lot of night running? Eggs are a rich source of lutein and zeaxanthin—antioxidants that help stave off macular degeneration and cataracts—just be sure to eat the yolks!
Bonus Tip: For an even more potent eye-protecting meal, mix lutein- and zeaxanthin-rich kale or spinach into your omelet.
Related: 6 Races - Places
Slim Down
Shoes & Gear: Symptoms of Magnesium Deficiency way to lose weight, but eggs can help! Researchers from St Louis University found that when obese people choose an egg breakfast over bagels at least five times a week, they lost 61 percent bigger reduction in weight. And Saint Louis University scientists discovered that eating eggs in the morning led to eating fewer calories throughout the rest of the day, too.
The article 7 Nutrition - Weight Loss originally appeared on Rodale's Organic Life.
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