Get Crackin!

Pity the poor egg: It gets cracked, scrambled, and whipped—not to mention unfairly maligned as the villain of the breakfast world. That's because there's a misguided belief that the cholesterol in eggs (found in the yolk) raises the cholesterol levels in your body and puts your ticker at risk. But good news, frittata fans: Research supporting the health bennies of eggs is piling up. And several studies—including a recent one in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition that found no link in healthy people between eggs and either heart attack or stroke—have debunked the bad-egg myth. Four reasons eggs rock:

They may reduce your risk of cancer.

Whole eggs are one of the best sources of the nutrient choline (one large egg has about 30 percent of your RDA). A study published this year found that women with a high intake of choline were 24 percent less likely to get breast cancer. Note: Choline is found mostly in the yolk, so feel free to ditch the egg-white omelets.

Eggs keep your peepers peeping.

Yolks are also high in lutein and zeaxanthin, two antioxidants that have been shown to ward off macular degeneration — so you'll still be able to eyeball hotties from afar when you're 80!

An omelet a day can shrink your waist.

Louisiana State University system researchers found that obese people who ate a two-egg breakfast at least five times a week lost 65 percent more weight and had more energy than women who breakfasted on bagels. Eggs are more satisfying than carbs, keep you feel full longer.

Your abs eat them up.

These little orbs contain a certain sequence of amino acids that makes egg protein easy for your body to absorb. Which means a hard-boiled grade-A is an ideal muscle-repair food after a butt-busting workout.

Which eggs are best?

All eggs contain the same basic good stuff, and the large ones pack only 72 calories each, so you really can't go wrong. But depending on your eating habits, special eggs may be worth the extra cash.

Labels to look for:

• Organic: These eggs were laid by chickens that aren't fed nasty slaughterhouse byproducts, antibiotics, or certain additives.
• Cage-Free: These little chickens are actually able to run around, like a happy chicken should. They aren't kept in cages from the moment they hatch and injected with "stuff" so they grow and produce a lot of eggs per day. They are generally happier and healthier chickens.
• Omega-3 Enhanced: Buy these to snag more of the heart-healthy fatty acids.

Just a note, I get my eggs from the Amish farm that has grass fed chickens, and they are delicious! There is a huge difference in the integrity of the yolk and the albumin (white of the egg). The yolk, is bright orange which means it is incredibly nutrient dense. Try to buy the best eggs possible and eat them often!

All is well,

Dr. M