Another Easter is almost upon us and you what that means:
Eggs, eggs and more eggs.

If you plan on coloring Easter eggs and don’t know what to do with
the excess, you’re in luck.

For far too long, we’ve gotten mixed messages about eggs.
One year, doctors say “they’re great for your health, eat as many
as you like” and then a year or two later, “avoid eggs at all costs-
they’re terrible for your health.”

Well, if you plan on having eggs this Easter, and for the rest of the year,
here are some real (health) benefits you can get from them.

a) Heart Health-
Won’t they (eggs) cause cholesterol to go up?
Yes, but only slightly. Eggs do contain cholesterol, and that’s a good thing
for you, meaning-your body has to make less of it, (cholesterol) and the
less Chol. your body produces, the lower your blood pressure and triglycerides
will be. And if heart health is a concern, you’ll want to make sure these things
remain in the normal or below normal ranges.
Another tip: Eat more egg whites if your blood pressure is high.
Egg whites contain special nutrients that help lower stubborn blood pressure.
Cook some in sesame oil, (a food that also reduces high blood pressure)

b) Hair and Skin-
Plastic surgery is becoming more common than going to the dentist-
and if the price and side effects of it are a concern, you may want to
go with something more natural. More natural like- Eggs.
They’re an excellent source of biotin, a B vitamin that helps
prevent hair loss and selenium and copper, two minerals
that speed skin regeneration.
A Fun Fact: A woman from India moved to the U.S. and was shocked
to see so many teens suffering from acne, her recommendation: an egg yolk mask,
to be used 2 to 3 times a week. (spread the yolk on your face, leave on for 20 mins.
and then rinse off with warm water). She helped dozens of teens overcome the
worrisome and unsightly effects of acne, using inexpensive egg yolks.
And one last tip: many women think egg whites are the best option to avoiding and
getting rid of fine lines-but this isn’t true, again, it’s the yolk that will be provide you with
a youthful complexion, especially as you reach 40, 50 and even 60 years of age.

c) Strong Bones-
Thinning bones (osteoporosis) is a big concern just like Alzheimer’s and cancer,
and if you want to put those fears to rest, start eating more eggs.
Eggs contain vitamin K, which cuts your fracture risk, plus B12, which lowers
risk of osteoporosis and vitamin D, which increases bone density.
Important tip:
Have your eggs with some quality grated cheese, eggs will help you absorb more
of the calcium (from the cheese) providing you with more bone-building power.

d) Build Bigger Brains-
Doctors used to recommend that pregnant women eat more eggs, as they’ll
give your future offspring a head start in brain development.
Well, new research says give babies, kids, teens and even adults eggs to
boost memory, focus and stave off brain woes like Alzheimer’s and dementia.
Eggs contain choline, a neurotransmitter that relays messages to the nerves
and muscles.
An Important tip:
Eat the yolks, the yolks contain more of the nutrient choline.
One or two yolks per day, along with some salmon or sardines, (also great for
for your brain) is all you need to get started on a path to build a genius-level I.Q.

e) Eyesight-
If losing eyesight is another health woe that concerns you,
place those fears on the back burner and start eating more eggs.
Again, the much maligned yolks can protect your eyes from the
Sun’s UV rays, warding off macular degeneration, the top cause
of blindness in adults. Eggs are high in vitamin A, and two
antioxidants, that help protect your eyes as you age.
Important tip:
Eggland’s Best eggs, contain more of the nutrients you need to
prevent eye problems.

f) More Energy-
Do you lack the energy you had -say 3 or 5 years ago?
It may be caused by a lack of iron and zinc.
And to increase your levels of both, eat more eggs.
Eggs contain all 9 essential amino acids-including energizing
tyrosine and muscle-building leucine.
Important tip: Eat eggs and drink some orange juice.
O.J. contains vitamin C, which will help you absorb more of
the iron in eggs.

g) Weight Loss-
Whether you’re a bodybuilder who wants to build muscle,
or a woman who wants to lose 10 pounds of flab around her waist,
eggs may be one of the best natural Rx that’ll help you accomplish
your goal.
Eggs are the best source of protein, and it’s the type of protein that raises
metabolism, which helps you burn more calories.
Another plus: eggs keep you full longer, so make sure to eat them
in the morning, along with good fat, vegetables , and lean meat or fish.
2 buying tips:
Look for eggs that contain omega-3’s (look for eggs from hens that
are fed flaxseed).
And look for free-range eggs from farmers’ markets or health food stores.


That’s it- some current and factual benefits you’ll get by adding more eggs
to your daily menus.

Now, on to some recipes:
Need a recipe (or two) to use up those leftover boiled eggs?

Recipe no. 1-
Pickled Devil Eggs!
To make:
Cook 3/4 cup beet juice, 3/4 cup vinegar, 3/4 water and 1/3
cup sugar over medium heat, for 3 mins.
Place 5 peeled hard-cooked eggs in a jar; pour juice
mixture over and cover. Chill 4 to 5 hours.
Remove eggs, halve. Mix yolks with 2 Tbs. mayo,
2 tsp. mustard and 1/4 tsp. salt; refill the whites.

Recipe no. 2-
Avocado Toasts-
To make:
Toast 2 slices of bread (whole-wheat or gluten-free).
With fork, mash 1 pitted, peeled avocado, 2 Tbs. mayo,
2 tsp. lime juice, 1/4 tsp. lime zest and a pinch of salt;
spread mixture on toast. Peel 1 boiled egg; slice in half.
Place egg halves on avocado mixture.

Recipe no. 3-
Asparagus Salad-
Now is the time to buy asparagus, (it’s plentiful and inexpensive)
To make:
Whisk 2 Tbs; of mayo and 2 Tbs. vinegar and 2 Tbs. of olive oil;
stir in 2 chopped peeled hard-cooked eggs, Season to taste with salt.
In pot of salted boiling water, cook 1 bunch of asparagus until tender;
drain. Top with egg mixture, then Parmesan cheese.
Serve alone or over chicken or fish.

Recipe no. 4-
Low-Cal Deviled Eggs!
This recipe is from celebrity chef Martha Stewart.
Similar to recipe no. 1, but lower in calories.
Ms. Stewart uses half of the mayo and replaces it with
avocado.
To make:
Prepare 5 or more deviled eggs as usual.
Peel the eggs: then cut in half lengthwise and scoop
out the yolks. Puree the yolks, the flesh of 1 avocado,
2 tsp. of lemon juice and 1/4 cup of mayo. Pipe or spoon
the mixture back into egg white halves.
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Sources:
* a) Martha Stewart, Host of The Martha Stewart Show on PBS
* b) University of Conn. Research Dept.
* c) Jonny Bowden, Author of The 150 Healthiest Foods
On Earth!