Eggs, the ultimate “superfood” for your eyes

Eggs – first class protein

Eggs are a first class protein, in other words, they provide all the essential amino acids the body needs, which much be obtained from the diet. One egg will provide all 8 of these essential amino acids.

A lesser-known feature of eggs is the health benefits they can provide for our eye health. The vibrant orange colour of the yolk indicates a rich source of Carotenoids, an antioxidant also found in foods with orange, red and yellow pigments, such as carrots, butternut squash, tomatoes, oranges and yellow/orange peppers.

Within this group of Carotenoids, there are 2 powerful antioxidants called Lutein and Zeaxanthin. Studies have shown these to be particularly effective in protecting your eyes, which are susceptible to oxidative stress from harmful light (computer screens, tablets and phones etc). This can lead to macular degeneration with age and antioxidants can protect against this.

As fat-soluble compounds, Carotenoids are much better absorbed when eaten with fat and as eggs also contain fat, this makes them an ideal vehicle to deliver these powerful eye-protecting antioxidants. There is also evidence to suggest that eating an egg alongside vegetables can further enhance the absorption of these carotenoids as well as providing more of these nutrients in the first place.

What about cholesterol?

If you’re worried about increasing your cholesterol levels by eating too many eggs, the thinking has now changed following recent research and evidence and current advice is that there is no need whatsoever to avoid eggs on this basis.

You can safely eat up to 2 eggs per day, so do include them as part of a healthy balanced diet to help protect your eyes.