You Should Know What Egg Yolks Are And How They Differ From Egg Whites

Before last year’s egg shortage and high production costs, Americans consumed nearly an egg daily. In 2022, the US’s estimated egg consumption per person was 277.5, making it a popular breakfast food. Eggs are tasty, rich in nutrients and protein, and promoted as a weight loss option. Experts discuss if eggs are effective in the fight against obesity and if their nutritional benefits are as good as claimed.

Can Eggs Be Healthy?

Eggs provide many health benefits, as they are packed with nutrients essential for young animal development, according to Walter Willett, MD, a professor at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. They also contain vitamin D for strong bones and immune system health and choline for metabolism and liver function, notes the American Heart Association.

 Egg Whites Vs. Egg Yolks

Eggs are a rich source of protein, containing about 6 grams in a single large egg, making them “nature’s perfect protein,” according to Audra Wilson, MS, a bariatric dietitian. The protein in eggs is uniquely bioavailable, meaning the body absorbs nearly all of it. The egg white and yolk contain protein, with the white having almost 11 grams per 100 grams and the yolk containing almost 17 grams per 100 grams.

Can Eggs Help You Lose Weight?

Due to their high protein content, eggs are a popular diet food because they are filling, nutrient-dense, and can be beneficial for weight management, says Audra Wilson, MS. Moreover, eggs contain very few calories, with the yolk containing only 55 calories and the whites containing 15 calories, making them about 70 calories per egg.

Eggs Are Safe To Eat Every Day, Right?

While eggs have many benefits, it is important to note their disadvantages, such as their high cholesterol content, as Walter Willett, MD, explains. Many guidelines, including the American Heart Association, suggest limiting egg consumption to one per day or two egg whites per day due to their cholesterol and saturated fat content.