Eating the yolk has its benefits

According to the newest U.S. Department of Agriculture Dietary Guidelines, eating one egg a day, including the yolk, is no longer viewed strictly as an unhealthy habit. While the egg yolk is one of the most concentrated sources of cholesterol in the diet, there is recent debate over how high-cholesterol foods really impact blood cholesterol, the type that causes heart disease. Studies show that the relationship is complex and highly individual, and there is no definitive evidence that one egg a day can raise your risk for heart disease. In addition, the egg yolk contains many important nutrients. Lutein and zeaxanthin are highly concentrated in the yolk, and these carotenoids preserve good eyesight and prevent vision loss. High levels of lutein and zeaxanthin are associated with the lowest incidence of cataracts and age-related macular degeneration. The yolk also contains essential fatty acids, vitamins A, E, D, and K, as well as calcium and iron. As a result, one shouldn’t shy away from eating an egg yolk, for throwing it away also leads to a loss of nutritional value. Eating one full egg per day as part of a healthful eating plan can have positive benefits.*