Health News Blog

Eggs: The Hardboiled Facts

noreply@blogger.com (shawnanigans) — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 15:10:00 +0000

By Shawn McKee
Staff Writer

Brothers and sisters, I am here to speak out against the treatment of a certain group that for years has been broken, beaten and battered on a daily basis. There have been lies spread, assumptions made and names called. It's time that eggs got the respect and attention they deserve.

With names like eggs Benedict (a name synonymous with a treasonous turncoat) and even more blatant anti-egg sentiments like "deviled" eggs, it's easy to see that there's a substantial amount of egg defamation occurring in this country.

It's time to bring these egg injustices to light, to tell the truth about America's big breakfast bargain, and put to rest some of the rumors that have plagued the egg.

The reputation of the egg was first cracked in the 1960s when researchers initially made the connection between heart disease and high cholesterol levels in the blood. The American Heart Association (AHA) set a limit for daily cholesterol intake at 300 mg a day (less if you have heart disease) and suggested avoiding the consumption of egg yolks.

An egg has about 215 mg of cholesterol, which nearly exhausts a person's daily allowance for cholesterol, so it made sense to avoid egg yolks as that is where the cholesterol dwells. However, this anti-egg effort was based on the logical-but-false assumption that cholesterol in food converted directly into cholesterol levels in the blood.

An egg is high in cholesterol, but all that cholesterol does not go directly to your bloodstream and arteries. Actually, in healthy people only a small amount of the cholesterol in food passes directly into the blood. In fact, most of the cholesterol that circulates in the blood is created by the liver in response to saturated and trans fats in the diet.

That's no yolk.

In a classic study by Harvard cardiologist Paul Dudley White that dates back to 1950, the experiment shows the amount of cholesterol in food generally has a small impact on cholesterol in the blood.

The largest study to analyze the impact of egg consumption on heart disease found no connection between the two. Almost 120,000 initially healthy men and women were tracked, and those who ate one or more eggs a day were no more likely to have had a heart attack, stroke or to have died of cardiovascular disease over a 14-year study period than those who ate less than one egg per week. (People with diabetes who regularly consumed eggs were more likely to develop heart disease than their egg abstaining counterparts.)

The Hardboiled Facts
Since the nasty rumors that have been circulating about this oblate spheroid (fancy math lingo for egg-shaped) turned out to crack under pressure, the question then becomes: What's so great about eggs?

Eggs are inexpensive and loaded with nutritional benefits. For about a dime, an egg has 6 grams of protein, healthful unsaturated fats, key vitamins and minerals such as iron and riboflavin, and it is low in saturated fats and free of trans fats. Eggs are also a good source of choline, which has been linked with preserving memory, and lutein and zeaxanthin, which may protect against vision loss.

One little egg is packed with essential amino acids and protein. In fact, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations classifies eggs as the highest protein source available.

If you still must be cautious in your cholesterol consumption due to diabetes or a previous condition but want a cheap source of protein, try using one whole egg and two whites in your omelet. This will greatly reduce the cholesterol in the eggs, but maintain the high protein levels (over half of the protein in eggs is in the white).

Now that you know eggs-actly what you're getting in your omelet, spread the word about this often misunderstood food. Maybe it's the mysterious origins of the egg or just a lack of information available to the public, but -- either way -- it's time to stand up for a food that was laid down only to be scrambled up.

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Superfood #14: Oats

noreply@blogger.com (Geoffrey Anderson Jr) — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 21:03:00 +0000

14. Oats: Since 1997, the FDA has allowed the labeling of oatmeal, oat bran and oat flour products as being connected to a reduced risk for coronary heart disease.

Among its other benefits is the ability to help control your blood sugar levels with fiber. Not only is the fiber in oats good for your heart, but it will keep you feeling fuller longer -- an easy way to avoid overeating!

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Like this story? Check these out, too:
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-- 7 Foods to Never Eat
-- What Type of Eater Are You?

Superfood #13: Pumpkin

noreply@blogger.com (Geoffrey Anderson Jr) — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 20:55:00 +0000

13. Pumpkin: It's not just for the holidays anymore. High in fiber and low in calories, pumpkin has some of the highest levels of carotenoids, which function as antioxidants and help beat the effects of aging.

That's not all, though. This seasonal favorite is loaded with vitamins C and E, as well as iron, potassium and other minerals.

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Superfood #12: Turkey Breast

noreply@blogger.com (Geoffrey Anderson Jr) — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 20:53:00 +0000

12. Turkey Breast: Stick to the skinless breast and you have a winner of a meal. It's one of the best low-fat protein sources you can eat.

Need we say more?

Superfood #11: Oranges

noreply@blogger.com (Geoffrey Anderson Jr) — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 20:39:00 +0000

11. Oranges: They may not be very exciting or exotic, but this old standby sure lives up to its reputation as a healthy favorite.

Yet, even with its supposed popularity, Americans still are lacking in vitamin C. Because it is rapidly excreted from your body, constant replenishment is a must.

There's nothing wrong with a glass of OJ. But eating the orange is even better because its pulp has 10 times the vitamin C dosage found in the juice.

Superfood #10: Broccoli

noreply@blogger.com (Geoffrey Anderson Jr) — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 20:25:00 +0000

10. Broccoli: Mom told you to eat your broccoli. This time, her advice was right.

Several studies have linked calcium intake with weight loss. Broccoli is not only high in calcium, but it's also packed with vitamin C that helps you better absorb calcium.

Plus, this vegetable has vitamin A, folate and fiber to meet your nutrient needs. And did we mention the powerful phytochemicals that protect against disease?

Lose weight faster! Click here to find out more.

Superfood #9: Walnuts

noreply@blogger.com (Geoffrey Anderson Jr) — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 20:22:00 +0000

9. Walnuts: Although nuts can be high in calories, don't let that discourage you from one of the most nutritious snacks around. Walnuts are one of the few rich sources of plant-derived omega-3 fatty acids.

Besides the fiber and protein, the plant sterols contained in walnuts help with cholesterol levels.

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Superfood #8: Yogurt

noreply@blogger.com (Geoffrey Anderson Jr) — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 20:18:00 +0000

8. Yogurt: This is a great snack for work. It has calcium and other nutrients. But what makes yogurt a superfood is the presence of prebiotics and probiotics -- living organisms that promote gastrointestinal health.

Oh, and yogurt tastes good, too!

Click here to find your perfect diet!

Superfood #7: Tea

noreply@blogger.com (Geoffrey Anderson Jr) — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 20:12:00 +0000

7. Tea: It's relaxing, has no calories and comes with health benefits. Tea is an anti-allergy, anti-inflammatory superfood that has been linked to heart health, cancer and stroke prevention, and lowered blood pressure.

Superfood #6: Spinach

noreply@blogger.com (Geoffrey Anderson Jr) — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 20:05:00 +0000

6. Spinach: We learned as children that this leafy green wonder gave Popeye his "mus-cools." But spinach carries much more than iron.

Just a few of the many added benefits include beta carotene, vitamins B, C and E, calcium and magnesium.

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Superfood #5: Soy

noreply@blogger.com (Geoffrey Anderson Jr) — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 19:59:00 +0000

5. Soy: Soy is the total package, rich with vitamins, minerals, plant-based omega-3s and disease-fighting phytonutrients. Is tofu just not for you?

Well, there are many other ways to incorporate soy into your diet.

-- Soy milk is a great alternative to dairy.
-- Try a soy protein shake.
-- Eat soy nuts as snacks
-- Some cereals have soy-enriched ingredients.

Superfood #4: Beans

noreply@blogger.com (Geoffrey Anderson Jr) — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 19:44:00 +0000

4. Beans: Beans, beans, they're good for your heart. The more you eat, the more you'll... LIVE! It's not just talk. Beans are good for the heart... and a bunch of other things, too.

There's evidence that they prevent cancer, level your blood sugar and give you a sense of being full, which keeps you from overeating.

Hate cooking? Lose weight without the work! Click here to learn more.

Superfood #3: Salmon

noreply@blogger.com (Geoffrey Anderson Jr) — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 19:39:00 +0000

3. Salmon: Fish of all kinds are fantastic, and you should try to get some on your plate two to four times a week. Although fish has fat, we now know that not all fats are created equal -- fish has a healthy kind of fat.

For example, salmon is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, which can protect against a multitude of diseases including heart disease.

Eat the foods you love AND lose weight! Click here to find out how.

Superfood #2: Tomatoes

noreply@blogger.com (Geoffrey Anderson Jr) — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 19:23:00 +0000

2. Tomatoes: If you don't have a major aversion to them, tomatoes are yet another superfood. Even though tomato season is short, you can get some of the same benefits from ketchup and tomato sauce.

Aside from all the vitamins, tomatoes are disease fighters. They help fight cancer and heart ailments.

Want flat abs for summer? Let us help!

Superfood #1: Blueberries

noreply@blogger.com (Geoffrey Anderson Jr) — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 19:12:00 +0000

1. Blueberries: These little gems have been neglected for many years in favor of other more "popular" fruit.

But now that we know more about antioxidants and how they reverse degenerative diseases, this flavonoid-rich food will have you aging gracefully.

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14 Foods That Can Change Your Life

noreply@blogger.com (Geoffrey Anderson Jr) — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 13:15:00 +0000

By eDiets Staff

We try to eat healthier in order to improve our health... and because we want to look like a million bucks! But lost in all this diet chatter is that certain foods have a huge impact on your daily well-being.

In fact, their benefits can be so powerful that they help you even if you're doing other things you shouldn't (such as smoking). To help you live longer and healthier, Steven Pratt, M.D., and Kathy Matthews, authors of SuperFoods Rx, have put together the following list of 14 superfoods that can change your life.

So what are you waiting for? Add these foods to your grocery list today!

Click the button below to see the superfoods!

Fat-Burning Foods: Water

noreply@blogger.com (Geoffrey Anderson Jr) — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 14:32:00 +0000

10. Water: A recent study seems to indicate that drinking water actually speeds up weight loss. Researchers in Germany found that subjects of the study increased their metabolic rates (the rate at which calories are burned) by 30 percent after drinking approximately 17 ounces of water.

Water is also a natural appetite suppressant that banishes bloat as it flushes out sodium and toxins. Drinking enough water will also help keep you from mistaking thirst for hunger. So drink up!

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-- Build-A-Meal: Better Breakfast
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Fat-Burning Foods: Hot Peppers

noreply@blogger.com (Geoffrey Anderson Jr) — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 14:29:00 +0000

9. Hot Peppers: Eating hot peppers can speed up your metabolism and cool your cravings, researchers at Laval University in Canada found.

Here's why: capsaicin (a chemical found in jalapeño and cayenne peppers) temporarily stimulates your body to release more stress hormones, which speeds up your metabolism.

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Fat-Burning Foods: Apples and Pears

noreply@blogger.com (Geoffrey Anderson Jr) — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 14:21:00 +0000

8. Apples and Pears: Overweight women who ate the equivalent of three small apples or pears a day lost more weight on a low-calorie diet than women who didn't, according to State University of Rio de Janeiro researchers.

So, next time you need to satisfy a sugar craving, reach for this high-fiber snack. You'll feel full longer and eat less.

Hate cooking? Lose weight without the work! Click here to learn more.

Fat-Burning Foods: Low-Fat Yogurt

noreply@blogger.com (Geoffrey Anderson Jr) — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 14:16:00 +0000

7. Low-Fat Yogurt: Dairy products can boost weight-loss efforts, according to a study in Obesity Research.

People on a reduced-calorie diet who included 3-4 servings of dairy foods lost significantly more weight than those who ate a low-dairy diet containing the same number of calories.

Low-fat yogurt is a rich source of weight-loss-friendly calcium, providing about 450 mg (about half the recommended daily allowance for women ages 19-50) per 8-ounce serving, as well as 12 grams of protein.

Eat the foods you love AND lose weight! Click here to find out how.

Fat-Burning Foods: Soup

noreply@blogger.com (Geoffrey Anderson Jr) — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 14:08:00 +0000

6. Soup: Eat less and burn fat faster by having a bowl of soup. According to a Penn State University study, soup is a super appetite suppressant because it's made up of a hunger-satisfying combination of liquids and solids.

In the study, women were given the choice of one of three 270-calorie snacks before eating lunch. Women who had chicken and rice soup as a snack consumed an average of 100 fewer calories than those in the study who opted for a chicken and rice casserole or the casserole and a glass of water.

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Fat-Burning Food: Green Tea

noreply@blogger.com (Geoffrey Anderson Jr) — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 14:04:00 +0000

5. Green Tea: Studies show that green tea extract boosts metabolism and may aid in weight loss. This mood-enhancing tea has also been reported to contain anti-cancer properties and help prevent heart disease.

It's also a trendy drink among weight-conscious celebrities.

Want flat abs fast? Let us help!

Fat-Burning Foods: Broccoli

noreply@blogger.com (Geoffrey Anderson Jr) — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 14:01:00 +0000

4. Broccoli: Study after study links calcium and weight loss. Broccoli is not only high in calcium but it's also loaded with vitamin C, which boosts calcium absorption.

This member of the nutritious cabbage family also has plenty of vitamin A, folate and fiber. Plus, it contains powerful phytochemicals that protect against disease.

Our quick quiz can help find the best diet for you. Take it now !

Fat-Burning Foods: Oatmeal

noreply@blogger.com (Geoffrey Anderson Jr) — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 13:59:00 +0000

3. Oatmeal: This heart-healthy favorite is great because it's a good source of cholesterol-fighting, fat-soluble fiber that keeps you full and gives you with the energy you need to make the most of your workouts.

Be sure to choose steel cut or rolled oats, not instant oatmeal, to get your full dose of nutrients.

Make NOW the time to lose weight! Click here and find your perfect diet.

Fat-Burning Foods: Lean Turkey

noreply@blogger.com (Geoffrey Anderson Jr) — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 13:54:00 +0000

2. Lean Turkey: Rev up your fat-burning engine with this bodybuilder favorite. Studies have shown that protein can help boost your metabolism and build lean muscle tissue, so that you burn more calories.

A 3-ounce serving of boneless, skinless lean turkey breast has 120 calories, 26 grams of protein and 1 gram of fat.

Want to lose weight and keep it off? Click here to find out how!