February 18, 2011

Egg Lovers Giveaway

Wasn’t that great news? I love hearing when one of my favorite things is actually GOOD for me. You must be, too!

According to new United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) nutrition data*, eggs are lower in cholesterol than previously thought. The USDA recently reviewed the nutrient composition of standard large eggs, and results show the average amount of cholesterol in one large egg is 185 mg, 14 percent lower than previously recorded. Consuming an egg a day fits easily within dietary guidance, which recommends limiting cholesterol consumption to 300 mg per day.

The analysis also revealed that a single large egg now contains 41 IU of Vitamin D, an increase of 64 percent from 2002. Eggs are one of the few foods that are a naturally good source of Vitamin D, which plays an important role in calcium absorption, helping to form and maintain strong bones. The amount of protein in one large egg – 6 grams of protein or 12% of the Recommended Daily Value – remains the same. The high-quality protein in eggs provides the energy families need to perform their best on important days.

Eggs are all-natural, and one egg has lots of vitamins and minerals all for 70 calories. At less than 15 cents apiece, eggs are an affordable and delicious breakfast option. For more information on cholesterol and the nutritional benefits of eggs, along with egg recipes and cooking tips, visit www.incredibleegg.org.

*In 2010, a random sample of regular large shell eggs was collected from locations across the country to analyze the nutrient content of eggs. The testing procedure was last completed with eggs in 2002, and while most nutrients remained similar to those values, cholesterol decreased by 14% and vitamin D increased by 64% from 2002 values.

To celebrate the new USDA findings, the folks at The Incredible Egg, who sponsored this post, are giving away a couple of great little egg gadgets to one lucky DoughMessTic reader! What you’ll get? These two silicone egg poachers (they are amazing!) and a good looking egg timer. Just leave a comment here, telling me your favorite way to prepare eggs. Simple! Easy! COMMENT!