Eggs: Nature’s Perfect Food Is Hard to Beat
After experiencing a really negative rap in the 1970s, eggs are now viewed as a nutritional tour de force. Rich in protein, healthy fats, growth factors and nutrients, a 2-ounce egg has the ideal composition to convert a single cell into an entire chick in about three weeks!
But What About Cholesterol?
Years ago, the cholesterol content of eggs seemed to be a concern for people with heart disease or those who risked developing it. It is now understood that people with genetic disorders like hypercholesterolemia may need to minimize or avoid consuming eggs, but for others, eggs have little to no effect on cholesterol levels. In fact, omega-3 rich pastured eggs can be helpful to actually reduce potentially harmful LDL levels and raise beneficial HDL levels. The amount of choline and lecithin in the egg helps to break down the fats and convert them to useful fuel for tissue-building and energy.
Don’t Skip the Yolk!
Many people have had the idea hammered into their minds that egg whites are good, egg yolks are bad. Please make peace with the idea of keeping those yolks! While there’s nothing the matter with egg whites, they are almost strictly protein with few other nutrients. The beauty of the egg resides in its vibrant, nutrient-dense yolk and it is an essential component of what makes the egg a perfect food. Whole eggs are the best eggs for flavor and nourishment. What’s in an Egg?
The single average Grade A egg contains:
- 6 grams of protein
- 5 grams of healthy fats
- 126 mg choline
- 77 calories
- vitamin B2 - 15% of the RDA
- vitamin B5 - 7% of the RDA
- vitamin B12 - 9% of the RDA
- folate – 5% of the RDA
- vitamin A – 6% of the RDA
- phosphorous – 9% of the RDA
- selenium – 22% of the RDA
- a significant amount of vitamin D, vitamin E, vitamin K, vitamin B6, calcium and zinc
That’s a lot to cluck about. And there’s more: eggs are one of the highest-quality, but least expensive, animal proteins you can purchase. The next time you’re at Marlene’s, look for pastured, free range and organically fed eggs from happy hens. Pick up a dozen and let’s get cracking!
Easy Marinated Eggs
Absolutely delicious and super easy to make, these marinated eggs are perfect as a topping to ramen or pho dishes or as a savory, stand-alone snack! Be sure to reserve the marinade for future batches, as it can be used several times*.
- 6 eggs, boiled to desired yolk consistency
- ¾ cup soy sauce or liquid aminos
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar or white vinegar
- 1 Tbl brown sugar, agave, honey or maple syrup
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1 star anise
- ½ cup water
In a small saucepan, place ½ cup water, star anise, garlic, ginger and brown sugar. Heat to simmer over medium low. Reduce heat to low and allow to simmer covered for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and cool to room temperature. In a large jar or glass bowl, pour mixture through a strainer. Discard solids. Add soy sauce and vinegar. Carefully add peeled eggs, making sure that the liquid covers all eggs completely. Refrigerate and allow to marinate 3-6 hours. Enjoy!
*Marinade can be kept refrigerated and reused up to 3 weeks.






