Whole eggs are generally shunned by those trying to follow a healthy diet and maintain a low body fat percentage. After all, that is exactly what is needed for a set of six pack abs. Eggs are known as a high source of protein, which is essential for strength training and muscle building. However, the common conception is that it is the egg whites where all the nutrients are included. The egg yolk, being all fat, should be strained and thrown out. Right? Wrong, actually.
The egg is perfect as it is created--whole. The whole egg, both the white and the yolk, works together to create a powerful, healthy part of a diet and is actually extremely important in the development of ripped abs.
Contrary to the thought that the egg white is the healthiest part of the egg, the egg yolk is actually the best part with the highest nutrients. The list of positive nutrients is incredibly long. It includes protein; fat; cholesterol; calcium; magnesium; iron; phosphorus; potassium; sodium; zinc; copper; manganese; selenium; thiamin; riboflavin; niacin; pantothenic; folate; vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, B12, D, E, and K; DHA and AA; and carotenoids.
In fact, only the egg yolk contains all the vitamins A, D, E, and K, as well as carotenoids and DHA and AA. Over ninety percent of the calcium, iron, phosphorus, zinc, thiamin, vitamins B6 and B12, and folate are found in the egg yolk, as well. When an egg yolk gets thrown out, the vital part of the egg is discarded, too, consequently robbing one of the numerous benefits which can be gotten from an egg. There is no possible way one can logically eat just an egg white and consider themselves getting the nutrients they need.
One of the big concerns about egg yolks which frequently gets raised is the level of cholesterol found in them. However, this is a misconception which needs to be addressed and eliminated! First, it is important to realize that not all cholesterol is bad. In fact, the body needs cholesterol in order to function properly. A study by the University of Connecticut discovered that eating whole eggs daily actually had no negative effects on cholesterol. Other studies have also shown that eggs help raise the good cholesterol (HDL), helping to balance out the battle of cholesterols inside the body.
Another concern regarding egg yolks is the high level of fat contained in them. Whole eggs only contain five grams of fat--the good fat. Only 1.5 grams of the egg is actually saturated fat, making it an excellent source of food to get healthy fat. Fat is an essential part of a daily diet. It provides energy and makes the body function properly. Additionally, with all the other nutritional benefits contained in the yolk, the caloric/fat count is negated.
To get the most benefit out of every whole egg, it is best to purchase organic eggs, rather than those from the supermarket. Chickens that are allowed to graze on natural foods and are raised out in the fresh air lay far more nutrient laden eggs than those who are crammed inside windowless coops and fed corn and soy based feed.
Perhaps one of the best parts about eggs and getting a six pack is the fact that eggs, with their yolks, contain six grams of protein. Plus all the amino acids. Very few foods pack in that much protein and all the amino acids into one. Protein and amino acids are essential for muscle definition and fat loss. Making whole eggs one of the best foods to add to a six pack ab diet.
Filed under Food by