The Mighty, Dyeable Egg

One of the quintessential signs of spring is the Easter egg, particularly the dyed or decorated variety. Perhaps you dye eggs with your family each year, but have you ever wondered how this tradition came to be? And while we're on the subject, what is there to know about the health benefits of eating eggs regularly?

Interestingly, no one really knows how the practice of dying eggs started, and origin theories vary by culture. While some consider dyeing eggs a springtime rite to welcome fertile fields, the Christian tradition often incorporates the story of the death and resurrection of Jesus—which is why many eggs were first dyed red. Cambridge University researchers even found evidence people decorated eggs in Sub-Saharan Africa as many as 60,000 years ago. Other explorers found gold and silver eggs on the graves of early Sumerians and Egyptians.

While who exactly started the egg-dying trend is debatable, what's more well known is the sunnier side of consuming them regularly. Here are three essential things you should know about incorporating eggs into your diet.

Eggs-traordinary Fact 1: Eggs are packed with nutrients.

Eggs are rich in protein (six grams), low in calories (about 77 calories), and filled with calcium, iron, vitamin A, vitamin B12, vitamin B2, vitamin B5, vitamin B6, vitamin D, vitamin E, vitamin K and zinc. Eggs also contain lutein and zeaxanthin, which aid eye health and reduce risks for macular degeneration. Another nutrient, choline, benefits brain development, memory, mood, muscle control and nervous system function. The National Institutes of Health report that one large hard-boiled egg has 27% of the choline we need daily.

Eggs-traordinary Fact 2: There's a debate about how eggs affect cholesterol.

Studies clash when it comes down to eggs and the impact on our cholesterol numbers. A single, large egg can account for two-thirds of our daily cholesterol limit. While some studies indicate eggs are bad for us, a 32-year study recently published in The BMJ disagrees. Their findings showed no real impact on cholesterol for those who ate between one and four eggs per week. Instead, the problem lies with overall lifestyle choices—not just eggs. Researchers noticed that people who ate more than one egg per day also had higher body mass indexes, were sedentary, smoked, had diabetes, and were more likely to make unhealthy dietary choices. They consumed more calories and foods like processed meats, refined grains, potatoes, whole milk and sugary beverages.

In addition to eating eggs in moderation, the study also suggested replacing whole milk, unprocessed red meat, or processed red meat with eggs could lower cardiovascular disease. Other studies report that eggs boost HDL levels (the "good" cholesterol).

Eggs-traordinary Fact 3: Eggs can aid in weight loss.

Protein helps you feel fuller longer, but it also can speed up your metabolism and help you burn up to 100 calories per day. The Journal of Nutrition reported that women who ate a high-protein diet had reduced hunger and did less late-night snacking. In fact, their cravings for fast food went down by 15%. However, poached, soft-boiled or hard-boiled are the healthier ways to go. Frying your egg can add up to 50 calories due to the butter or oil it's cooked in. If you can, opt for omega-3-enriched eggs for five times the nutrients of traditional eggs.

Since eggs help you look your best, why not return the favor? Make custom, beautiful colors for your eggs using our recipe for natural dye. Unlike pre-made kits, this method is free because it uses the food you already have around the house!

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