Who doesn’t love eggs? Have it sunny-side up, scrambled, boiled or poached, it’s the perfect breakfast food to wake up to. It’s the easiest to whip up first thing in the morning when you are still groggy with sleep. It’s cheap, versatile and delicious. More importantly, eggs are also incredibly nutritious. It’s been recognised as a functional food due to the many health benefits it provides. It’s a great source of protein, fats and micronutrients. It also has one of the foods with the lowest energy to nutrient density ratios. Egg protein is also considered superior to red meat protein. October 12 is celebrated as World Egg Day. If you love eggs, here are 7 more reasons why you will love it more.

1 Prevents Chronic, Infectious Diseases

Eggs may be delicious. But that’s not all that they are good at. It’s rich in bioactive components, which help in preventing chronic, infectious diseases. 8 Health Benefits of Ghee That Will Make You Ditch Butter and Oil.

2 Reduces Blood Pressure

Eggs are hypotensive (reducing blood pressure) in nature. That’s because they are a great source of protein, which works towards lowering blood pressure.

3 Antimicrobial

Uncooked eggs can give you salmonella. But did you know that if properly cooked, they can exhibit antimicrobial properties? Lysozyme, an ingredient in eggs, helps get rid of gram-positive bacteria. Ovotransferrin, another protein present in egg, is also well known for its antibacterial properties.

4 Good for Eyesight

Eggs are also a good source of antioxidants which helps in preserving eyesight. Lutein and zeaxanthin in eggs are antioxidants that accumulate in the retina and provide protection against cataracts and macular degeneration.

5 Weight Loss

Eggs are a great source of protein, one which has a very favourable energy to nutrient density, which makes it one of the best weight loss foods. Eating a single egg as a snack between meals is not just good for health but also great caloriewise.

6 Anti-Cancerous

Eggs contain rich reserves of the anti-inflammatory ingredient Omega 3 fatty acids. Since cancer is an inflammatory disease, Omega 3 helps in reducing inflammation in the body and preventing cancer from forming.

7 Nutrient Rich

Eggs are an affordable option for people who want to meet their protein requirements. Egg whites are a rich source of protein and B2. The yolks are rich in vitamins A, D, E, and K. It also contains good amounts of selenium, vitamin D, B6, B12 and minerals like zinc, iron and copper.

Still need more reasons to love egg? Eggs are much more than a boring breakfast food. It’s a nutritional powerhouse, great for maintaining and improving health, and preventing diseases. All you egg lovers, whip up an omelette and celebrate World Egg Day!

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 12, 2018 08:36 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).