Posted on 07/06/2011 6:19:15 AM PDT by decimon
One of nature's most perfect foods may be even better for us than previously thought.
While eggs are well known to be an excellent source of proteins, lipids, vitamins and minerals, researchers at the University of Alberta recently discovered they also contain antioxidant properties, which helps in the prevention of cardiovascular disease and cancer.
Jianping Wu, Andreas Schieber and graduate students Chamila Nimalaratne and Daise Lopes-Lutz of the U of A Department of Agricultural Food and Nutritional Science examined egg yolks produced by hens fed typical diets of either primarily wheat or corn. They found the yolks contained two amino acids, tryptophan and tyrosine, which have high antioxidant properties.
After analyzing the properties, the researchers determined that two egg yolks in their raw state have almost twice as many antioxidant properties as an apple and about the same as half a serving (25 grams) of cranberries.
However, when the eggs were fried or boiled, antioxidant properties were reduced by about half, and a little more than half if the eggs were cooked in a microwave.
"It's a big reduction but it still leaves eggs equal to apples in their antioxidant value," said Wu.
The findings were published in the peer-reviewed journal Food Chemistry.
The discovery of these two amino acids, while important, may only signify the beginning of finding antioxidant properties in egg yolks, said Wu, an associate professor of agricultural, food and nutritional science.
"Ultimately, we're trying to map antioxidants in egg yolks so we have to look at all of the properties in the yolks that could contain antioxidants, as well as how the eggs are ingested," said Wu, adding that he and his team will examine the other type of antioxidant already known to be in eggs, carotenoids, the yellow pigment in egg yolk, as well as peptides.
In previous research, Wu found that egg proteins were converted by enzymes in the stomach and small intestines and produced peptides that act the same way as ACE inhibitors, prescriptions drugs that are used to lower high blood pressure.
That finding defied common wisdom and contradicted the public perception that eggs increased high blood pressure because of their high cholesterol content. Additional research by Wu suggests the peptides can be formulated to help prevent and treat hypertension.
Wu is convinced the peptides also have some antioxidant properties, which leads him to suggest that when he completes the next step in his research, the result will likely be that eggs have more antioxidant properties than we currently know.
Time to start snacking on the yolks again, too.
Or they may not. Golly, I’m glad we got that cleared up.
While heredity has a role, my grandparents and great grandparents lived into their 80’s despite a diet of fried meats, lard, eggs, lots of salt, cured meats and relatively few vegetables unless home canned with lots of salt added. I have a cookbook from my great aunt dated 1913 and the recipes would scare a food nanny to death.
tobacco will never be proven to be healthier for you. given all the junl science about second-hand smoke and restrictive laws on a LEGAL substance, any report on the healthy aspects of smoking would completely destroy what little credibility scietits now have. all reports would have to be suppressed. it would make the gorebull warming scam look small.
“Eggs”, they’re not just for hangovers anymore. (Likely new advertising campaign?)
I buy 3 dozen eggs at Costco for under $4. They last about 2 weeks. I eat egg white omelets, and sometimes, for dinner, one yolk with 4 whites to which I add onions, peppers, mushrooms, broccoli. What a mountain of food! Low cal and cheap.
We switched to a more natural diet as well. Since we started drinking whole milk and eating eggs and butter instead of fake liquid eggs and margarine, we've stopped watching our scales. Last Thanksgiving and Christmas I used lard for my pie crusts. We've managed to eliminate HFCS, hydrogenated oils, and MSG. Maintaining our regular fitness regime is all that is needed to maintain our healthy weight.
ah, its Prince Rogaine!
“one yolk with 4 whites to which I add onions, peppers, mushrooms, broccoli. What a mountain of food! Low cal and cheap. “
Similar to my breakfast this morning. Two eggs, two whites, zucchini, onion, green pepper, tomato, fresh basil and some feta cheese.
Scrambled eggs, sliced avocado and a touch of mayo sammich.....Yum!!
What antioxidant value? A cut apple soon oxidizes to a brown color.
Niiiccee!
I recalled reading that it was the cereal companies who paid for the research on eggs and, that they used DRIED eggs to do it. I wish that I could recall the source. It is likely related to the low carb way of eating. If I run across the reference again, I will try to remember to post it.
Not to mention they have 240 mg of cholesterol per egg yolk. Two eggs w/yolks equal 480 mg of cholesterol which is 180 mg more than one’s daily allowance. Or have they revised their opinion on that, too?
Human Growth Hormone.
Thank you!
Yummie! Love feta cheese with veggies in an omelet.
Cooper still has just that ONE dorky feather stickin’ straight up out of his butt, LOL!
I don’t think he’ll be back to his original handsome self for another season or so...if I can keep Lucy the Lab OUT of the chicken yard. *Rolleyes*
Why, Yes! My laying hens have been cancer and heart-disease free for as long as I can remember. :)
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