I am a white box, I have no key or any lid.
Yet there is a golden treasure inside me.
What am I?
If your answer to the riddle is – an egg, then you are absolutely correct. Eggs are indeed a treasure. Nutritionists describe eggs as nature’s large vitamin pill. It is called so because eggs are packed with numerous nutrients such as protein, choline, selenium, folic acid, Vitamin B12, Vitamin E and so on.
Today is World Egg Day and the theme is Eat Your Egg Today and Every day! As we celebrate this superfood, let us look at some eggciting facts and why eggs should be a part of our diet.
Eggs Are Among The Nutritious Foods On Earth
A whole egg contains 6 grams of high-quality protein. Apart from that, eggs have Vitamin A (for good eyes, healthy skin and development of cells), iron (for red blood cell production and carrying of oxygen throughout the body) and choline (for nerves and muscles to function correctly, brain development and memory functioning). Eggs possess the right mix of nutrients needed to live a healthy life.
Eggs Are A Natural Source Of Vitamin D
Vitamin D is required for healthy bones and teeth and it helps with the absorption of calcium in the body. Egg yolks are one of the few foods that are a naturally good source of Vitamin D. If you are the type that eat only the egg whites, news flash – you are missing out on vitamin D and other awesome nutrients.
Egg Can Help Prevent Childhood Malnutrition
Contrary to local belief that giving children eggs increases their likelihood to steal, eggs help reduce the risk of stunted growth in children. Stunted growth happens when children do not meet the expected height and weight for their age. Inadequate nutrition is a direct cause of stunting. Parents should not shy away from introducing eggs in their children meals, even if it is an egg a day.
Boiled, fried, scrambled or poached, enjoy this tasty, filling superfood anyway you want and if you are looking for a nutritious component to go with your favourite meals, simply put an egg on it!
Happy World Egg Day!
Eneh Veronica Ejembi is a digital content professional and public relations executive.