Egg yolks also have many health benefits. Several studies have shown that egg yolks contain cholesterol that can harm the heart. But others found no harmful effects of cholesterol when consumed in normal amounts, and by a healthy person.
Egg yolks contain more vitamins, both the type and number compared with the egg white. Each egg yolk contains seven vitamins, such as vitamin B6, B-12, A, D, E, K, and folate. Vitamin A, D, E and K are only found in egg yolk only, not in the egg whites.
Such as vitamins, minerals are crucial micronutrients required by the body. Minerals are essential nutrients that are used to manage functions such as balancing the body's electrolytes. Egg yolks and egg whites have 13 types of minerals, including from calcium, magnesium, iron, potassium, sodium, and selenium. Although both parts are equally eggs contain minerals, but the egg yolk contains a lot more for each mineral. For example, 90 percent of the calcium contained in the egg are in egg yolk; 93 percent iron content in eggs is in the yolk, and only 7 percent is in the whites.
Nutrition Fact of Egg yolk
The yolk makes up about 33% of the liquid weight of the egg; it contains approximately 60 calories, three times the caloric content of the egg white. The yolk of one large egg (50 g total, 17 g yolk) contains approximately: 2.7 g protein, 210 mg cholesterol, 0.61 g carbohydrates, and 4.51 g total fat. (USDA National Nutrient Database)
All of the fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K) are found in the egg yolk. Egg yolk is one of the few foods naturally containing vitamin D. Egg yolk is a source of lecithin as well as egg oil for cosmetic and pharmaceutical applications. The yellow color is due to lutein and zeaxanthin, which are yellow or orange carotenoids known as xanthophylls.
Health Benefits of Egg yolk
Here are some of the healthy benefits of egg yolks when consumed normally and not excessive:
1. Increase Testosterone
Egg yolk contains a concentrated zinc. Zinc (zinc) and trace minerals are not easily available in food sources. So, eat egg yolks can help men increase the level of male hormones.
2. Prevent Blood Clotting
During this time you may just hear that egg yolks are high in cholesterol and therefore not healthy for the heart. However, the protein in the egg yolk may delay the formation of blood clots.
3. Anti-inflammatory (inflammation)
Egg yolks contain choline which is an anti-inflammatory agent. This means that people who have pain or inflammatory diseases such as osteoporosis or arthritis, can consume egg yolks to reduce pain.
4. Good for healthy Eyes
Carotenoids in the egg yolk, especially the carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin, are very beneficial for eye health. According to the researchers, these carotenoids, which is the pigment that gives color to the yellow color of egg yolk, can lower the risk of age-related degeneration and cataracts. This substance acts as an antioxidant for the eyes, fight free radicals that can damage parts of the retina that can affect the eye's ability to focus.
5. Sources of Vitamin B12
Egg yolks are the most popular source for vitamin B12. This vitamin is essential for the proper functioning of the nervous system.
6. Prevent Muscle Degeneration
One of the major health benefits of egg yolk is to stop muscle degeneration. Nutrients present in the yolk helps the muscles to relax and contract.
7. Iron Rich
Egg yolks are rich in iron so it is good for pregnant women. Women in general have a tendency to have a low amount of hemoglobin. So, eating a raw egg yolk a day may be a good idea for women.
