Eggs - part of a healthy diet
The Australian Egg Corporation (AECL), the primary egg industry body, has implemented a major promotion to encourage all Australians to eat up to six eggs a week as part of a healthy diet.
This is the result of the major review done by the Heart Foundation this year about dietary fats and their impact on health. The review has found that up to six eggs a week can be included as a part of a healthy balanced diet. This confirms the Foundation’s decision in 2006 to award eggs the Heart Foundation Tick.
According to the Heart Foundation, a large 52g egg includes around 5 g fat of which only 1.5g is saturated and no trans fats. With only low amounts of saturated fat, eggs will not contribute to an increase in blood cholesterol and therefore do not impact on the risk of heart disease.
AECL’s Managing Director, James Kellaway, said, “There have been long-standing yet inaccurate beliefs around a link between blood cholesterol and eggs. Much research has been conducted to disprove this and the latest review by the Heart Foundation only further reinforces the nutritional goodness of eggs and provides us with clear guidance around how many eggs can be consumed each week. Australians can, if they don’t already, look to include an egg a day for six days or two eggs in three meals a week, as part of a healthy and balanced diet.”
The AECL promotion is the “six reasons to enjoy six a week” -
1. Eggs are a nutrient dense food, containing 11 naturally occurring vitamins and minerals.
2. Eggs contain the highest quality protein of all food sources. Just one serve provides over 20% of the recommended dietary intake of protein.
3. Eggs are a great source of antioxidants and long chain omega-3 fatty acids.
4. Eggs are an essential part of a healthy diet and carry the national Heart Foundation Tick for being a highly nutritious food.
5. Eggs have a high satiety factor, meaning you feel fuller for longer.
6. Eggs are convenient, cost effective and easy to prepare, making them a healthy ‘fast food’ option.
For more information about eggs and the new promotion, go to www.eggsaseasyas.com.au