“This food is rich in symbolism in many cultures”

MOTHER NATURE’S NATURAL HEALING GIFTS – A-Z OF EVERYDAY FOODS AND THEIR AMAZING HEALTH BENEFITS

The Everyday Food discussed in this article is the versatile Egg. The Encyclopedia of Food and Culture mentions that “Eggs have been known to, and enjoyed by, humans for many centuries. Jungle fowl were domesticated in India by 3200 B.C.E. Records from China and Egypt show that fowl were domesticated and laying eggs for human consumption around 1400 B.C.E., and there is archaeological evidence for egg consumption dating back to the Neolithic age. The Romans found egg-laying hens in England, Gaul, and among the Germans. The first domesticated fowl reached North America with the second voyage of Columbus in 1493.”

Most nutritional studies on eggs are done of course on the everyday chicken egg, but other eggs are also eaten by different cultures around the world; i.e. duck, quail, ostrich to name a few.

The egg is rich in symbolism in many traditions and customs and the most common would be that it is a symbol of fertility, birth, renewal and rebirth. In pre-Christian time eggs were decorated and used in spring-time festivals. Of course in Christianity, the egg is a symbol of Easter and the resurrection of Christ. In China a “Red Egg and Ginger” party is held about 1 month after a baby is born to symbolise the beginning of new life and fertility.

The egg has many nutritional benefits as well. It is a very good source of protein and choline. Our bodies can produce some amounts of choline, but is unable to create enough to make up for an insufficient supply in our diets. Choline deficiency may also cause a deficiency of the B vitamin, Folic Acid which is vitally important for good health. Choline is an important nutrient that is beneficial to regulate the nervous system, brain function and the cardiovascular system.

As well as the above, eggs are also good sources of:

Selenium; iodine, phosphorous, molybdenum

Eggs are important for eye health, and may help protect against Macular Degeneration as the yolk is high in vision-protective carotenoids, especially lutein and zeaxanthin. Eggs may also assist in the prevention of blood clots which may lower the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

Not only are they high in nutritional content, eggs are such a versatile ingredient used in cooking. They provide many egg-ceptional functions in different recipes – they bind, they emulsify, they foam and brown.

Organic, free range eggs are the perfect food for breakfast – either poached, boiled, scrambled or as an omelette; they keep hunger away longer than eating packaged cereals which may help promote weight loss -An egg-tra special way to start the day!

Yours in Health

Dedicated to Improving Your Wellbeing and Committed To Helping You Achieve Abundance

From the Team at the Hervey Bay Wellbeing, Anti-Aging and Longevity Centre.