Eggs have been consumed by humans for thousands of years. The eggs of the most common choice are produced from the chickens.
Eggs are considered to be nutritious and a good part of a healthy diet. While being one of the best sources of protein, eggs also contain several essential nutrients including:
• Vitamins A, B-2, B-12, B-5, D, E.
• Biotin
• Choline
• Folic acid
• Iodine
• Iron
• Selenium
Around 12 percent of the edible part of the egg is protein. Fat, which is mostly unsaturated is present in the yolk. Eggs also contain a rich supply of omega-3 fatty acids, which are vital for healthy brain function and good eyesight.
Eggs are versatile and can be consumed in many ways. They can be fried, hard boiled, poached, scrambled or made into omelets. Eggs are one of the main ingredients in the breakfast items such as pancakes and waffles and baked dishes such as cakes and cookies. They are also used in main dishes such as quiches and meatballs and as coating around fried or baked meat, poultry and fish dishes.
Chicken eggs can be found in either white or brown color. While brown eggs are priced higher than white eggs, there is little to no nutritional difference in them. The difference is in the color of the shell and is dictated by genetics. White eggs are said to be produced by breed of chickens with white ear lobes whereas the brown eggs are laid by breed of chickens with red ear lobes.
Eggs also have non-food uses. Egg whites are used to produce influenza vaccine. They are also used as ingredients in facial cleansers because of their protein-rich nature. And combined with olive oil, eggs are used as natural hair conditioner. One of the most unusual uses of eggs in the history was as a medium to contain pigment for fresco paintings by artists like Michelangelo, Raphael and Botticelli.
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