I was very surprised to read recently that in 2007 the British Egg Marketing Board had plans to air once again the iconic adverts of the 50s, 60s and 70s: 'Go to Work on an Egg'. However they failed to get the advertisement past the Broadcast Advertising Clearance Centre because they said the advertisement failed to promote a varied diet. This is crazy!!! The Marketing Board were promoting a 'fast food' rich in almost every nutrient anyone could need. What was there to ban? Eggs are good for us aren't they?
The Nay Sayers
According to the scriptures of many a celebrity (with Gwyneth Paltrow being just one) eggs are a no go. Paltrow asserts in her latest cookery book 'It's All Good' that egg free diets are the secret to her good health. Those on Vegan diets too advocate egg free diets, albeit on ethical grounds.
The Yay Sayers
However, according to British Egg Industry Council which represents eleven trade associations within the British Egg Industry, eggs are a 'nutrient-dense food, containing high quality protein and a wide range of essential vitamins, minerals and trace elements'.
Bord Bia, the Irish Food Board, provides far more detailed nutritional information.They commissioned two scientists to evaluate the role of eggs in the Irish diet. Their 'Overview of the Nutritional Role of Eggs in the Diet' report prepared by Ms Edel Duffy B.Sc. (Dietetics) and Dr. Sinead McCarthy Ph.D (Nutrition) is an interesting read.
Check out the nutritional value of one egg in its whole state:
Calories 77
Fat 5g (2g Saturated)
Omega 3
Omega 6
Cholesterol 212mg (71%)
Vitamins A
Riboflavin (B2)
Pantothenic Acid (B5)
Other: B6, B12, D, E and K (15%)
Minerals - Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorous, Potassium. Sodium, Zinc, Manganese, Selenium (22%), Fluoride.
Wow - what an impressive collection of health bursting nutrients. Not surprising that eggs have been called nature's multivitamin. I think we can safely say, eggs are our friends!
Fastfood
Not only that, but eggs are the ultimate fastfood and there really is nothing else as nutritious that can be cooked as quickly.
Boiling: 4 - 8 Min
Poaching: 4 - 8 Min
Scrambled Eggs: 3 Min
Omelette: Under 8 Min
Variety
Likewise, eggs are delicious eaten on their own, but also when used to create nutritious meals with many other ingredients:
3. Frittata
I say 'Go to Work on an Egg'. In fact these ads returned to British television screens during the 2013 British Egg week.