Discussions about the benefits and harms of egg yolk have been going on for many years. Sometimes scholars claim that finally a point in the dispute is set and the truth is discovered. But then a new discovery follows, and everything starts all over again. As a result, someone carefully counts the number of eggs eaten per week. While others each morning start with a magnificent omelet and feel great.
What is the yolk made of?
Ancient people considered the yolk a symbol of the sun. They had no idea about the chemical composition, but were completely confident in its healing properties. Eggs were intensely fed to the sick, and they often recovered. In gratitude, they presented a gift to the pagan gods of domestic hens.
Modern scientists have laid eggs into components. We divided them into categories. The ratio of the benefits and harms of the egg yolk was determined. They calculated the amount of cholesterol and began to scare them adherents of a healthy diet.
Many people are sure that the yolk is continuous cholesterol, there is nothing useful in it. Without regret, they throw this part of the egg, eating only proteins. They make a mistake by robbing their body. The composition of the egg yolk includes a huge amount of useful substances:
- polyunsaturated fatty acids (for example, the most valuable linoleic);
- vitamin B12;
- iron;
- phosphorus;
- selenium;
- monounsaturated fatty acids;
- vitamins E, A; D;
- biotin;
- saturated fatty acids;
- beta carotene;
- potassium.
The only thing the yolk can be a threat to is the figure. This is the most nutritious part. The calorie content of the egg yolk in one egg is about 65 kcal. While the protein is only 16 kcal.
Benefits for the body
The yolk contains antioxidants. They successfully fight free radicals, protect cells from aging and negative external factors. And cholesterol, which many nutritionists scold, is necessary for the production of the main male hormone - testosterone.
The yolk contains an antisclerotic substance - lecithin. It nourishes the brain and nerve tissue, improves memory. Lecithin is indispensable for pregnant women, as it is responsible for the normal development of the fetus.
The yolk contains beta-carotene and lutein. Regular use of these substances is an excellent prevention of cataracts. In addition, the yolk prevents aging. It includes the hormone melatonin, which plays a huge role in the process of rejuvenation. He is responsible for building new cells. Especially useful for skin and hair.
The phosphorus included in the yolk preserves the health of the gums and teeth. Selenium protects against pesticides, tobacco smoke, exhaust fumes and radiation. Choline supports the work of the heart and nervous system.
Possible harm
Studying the composition of the egg, scientists found that the yolk contains about 250 milligrams of cholesterol. For a long time it was believed that this product is the culprit of the stroke. Scientists claimed that the use of yolks leads to the formation of cholesterol plaques on the vessels and narrowing their lumen.
Currently, American researchers have concluded that the eggs were accused undeservedly. They found that lecithin in the yolk prevents cholesterol levels. This was confirmed by experiment: daily, for a week, a group of volunteers were fed eggs.
Each person ate at least 15 yolks per day. At the end of the experiment, scientists found that only two participants had cholesterol. Three experimental subjects decreased. All other people remained unchanged.
The yolk is an allergen, it can cause a rash and itching. Therefore, it should be introduced into the diet of babies carefully, in minimal portions. Exclude the yolk from the diet only for medical reasons. For example, with liver diseases and the development of allergic reactions.
It turns out that the benefits and harms of the egg yolk are not comparable. This is a unique product containing a huge amount of minerals and vitamins. As well as the most important omega-3 and -6 fatty acids.
Yolk face rejuvenation
One yolk is able to replace a lot of face cosmetics. It contains everything you need to keep your skin young, supple and supple. The most valuable are the following substances:
- Fatty acid. Of particular value are linoleic, oleic and linolenic. All of them are involved in the renewal of skin cells.
- Biotin. Nourishes the skin and activates metabolic processes.
- Choline. Strengthens cell membranes, stimulates regeneration.
- Niacin. Supports lipid metabolism in cells.
While some women talk about the benefits and harms of the egg yolk for the face, others have successfully used it to preserve beauty and rejuvenation. The product is suitable for the preparation of nourishing, anti-aging masks, as well as products with a lifting effect.
Depending on the needs of the skin, the yolk is mixed with liquid vitamins, vegetable oils, honey, juices and cream. In addition, cottage cheese, mashed avocado and banana are often added.
You can cook a simple universal mask. It is suitable for any skin except problem skin. Pour a tablespoon of olive oil into the yolk and mix. Such a mixture can even be applied to the delicate near-orbit area. The composition is applied to a cleansed face and left for 15 minutes. Then wash.
The benefits of eggs for children
The benefits of egg yolk for a child are huge - it is a complete source of all the necessary nutrients. It contains lecithin, which regulates fat metabolism. As well as ensuring the full functioning of brain cells. Substances that prevent the development of anemia and rickets in large quantities are in the yolk.
Cholesterol is essential for a growing body. He is the main participant in fat metabolism. In addition, it is a solvent for hormones. Useful cholesterol is necessary for the full development of the hormonal system. It has a beneficial effect on the immune status of the child.
Thanks to lecithin, even excessive intake of bad cholesterol does not harm the fat metabolism of the peanut. It can be dangerous only for adults with obesity and metabolic diseases, since the calorie content of egg yolk is 352 kcal per 100 grams of product.
A hard-boiled yolk is introduced into the child’s diet after seven months. Giving it is recommended with vegetables at lunchtime. During the first intake, the amount of yolk should not exceed half a pea in volume. Then, if negative reactions do not occur, its number is gradually increased. In a year, the baby can eat half the yolk five times a week.
Myths about Salmonella
Everyone knows about the dangers of salmonellosis associated with eating chicken eggs. There is a theory that you can completely protect yourself from infection if you carefully wash the shell, since the bacterium is on it, and not inside. Unfortunately this will not help.
The eggshell consists of pores through which bacteria successfully enter. Of course, washing removes chicken droppings and salmonella on the surface. But those bacteria that are inside can kill only heat treatment.
Coloring Myths
Many housewives are sure that only saturated domestic yolks can be found in domestic chicken. And in those laying hens that sit in cages and do not see the sun, this does not happen. In fact, the color of the yolk depends on the feed, and not on the sun. A rich shade gives canthaxanthin. This is a food supplement, which is often used for trout to give the fillet a red color.
Many buyers try to buy brown eggs, considering them better and more delicious. In fact, the composition of the products are exactly the same. The only difference is that the dark shell is stronger. Its color does not depend on the nutrition or health of the chicken. Only the breed of bird plays a role. Most Asian chickens lay dark eggs, and European - light.
Myths about eggs and singers
There is a belief that eggs are useful for singers, as they help the voice become cleaner and stronger. They say that even Fedor Ivanovich Chaliapin liked to use cognac and nogogol before their concerts.
Lutein, which is found only in raw eggs, is believed to be beneficial for the vocal cords. In a cooked product, it is destroyed. Ostensibly, therefore, it is necessary to drink raw eggs, which, getting on the ligaments, soften them.
In fact, the vocal cords are deep in the larynx. They are not intended to be watered with something. The fact is that during eating or drinking the esophagus opens, and the part where the ligaments are located overlaps. Therefore, “moisturize” them will not work. But even if someone succeeds in swallowing an egg in such a way that it gets into the ligaments, a very strong cough reflex will work.
Speaking about the benefits and dangers of the egg yolk for singers, we can say for sure that eating raw eggs is risky. The concert may end in the hospital with a diagnosis of salmonellosis.