ADVERTISEMENT
Get Started
  • About Homebase Tv | Hbtvghana.com
  • Advertise
  • Broadcast Live
  • Disclaimer
  • Privacy & Policy
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Vacancies
  • Contact Us – Connect With Us
Homebase Tv - Hbtvghana.com
  • Home
  • General News
  • Business News
  • Health
  • Life & Style
  • Politics
    • Press Release
    • Parliament
  • Sports
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • General News
  • Business News
  • Health
  • Life & Style
  • Politics
    • Press Release
    • Parliament
  • Sports
No Result
View All Result
Homebase Tv - Hbtvghana.com
No Result
View All Result
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

Eggs, Cholesterol and Easter

Fri, Apr 11 2025 2:32 PM
in Food, Ghana General News, Health
eggs cholesterol and easter
0
SHARES
0
VIEWS
Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on TelegramShare on Whatsapp
ADVERTISEMENT

ReadAbout

This Saturday on Newsfile: Fight against galamsey and IMANI’s GH¢7bn leakage Gold-for-Oil programme

MGL’s Clinton Yeboah becomes only Ghanaian finalist for WAMECA 2025

Women are dissatisfied about their bodies after birth, KNUST study shows

a crate of eggs on a kitchen counter in a minimalist kitchen with a bowl of colourful vegetables nea

A crate of eggs on a kitchen counter in a minimalist kitchen with a bowl of colourful vegetables nea

Eggs are a widely consumed and versatile food, valued not only for their culinary adaptability but also for their high nutritional quality. They are a good source of animal protein with a high biological value, meaning they contain all the essential amino acids.

Beyond protein, eggs are rich in essential nutrients and bioactive compounds, including vitamins, minerals, phospholipids, and antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin. These components play vital roles in health and disease prevention.

However, eggs, especially the yolk, have often been scrutinized for their cholesterol content, raising questions about their role in chronic disease development. As science continues to evolve, so does our understanding of how eggs can fit into a healthy diet.

Around Easter, interest in eggs rises not only for their nutritional value but also for their rich symbolism and cultural significance. This article looks at the nutritional value of eggs, the common health concerns and their symbolic connection to Easter.

Nutritional Value of Eggs

A large egg, weighing approximately 50 grams, is a rich source of nutrients, offering a moderate source of calories, typically ranging from 72 to 78 kcal.

This modest caloric value is accompanied by a substantial amount of high-quality, complete protein, generally between 6 and 6.3 grams. The protein in eggs is evenly distributed between the egg white and the yolk, and it plays a crucial role in building and maintaining strong muscles, a function that becomes increasingly important with age.

The total fat content of a large egg is around 4.8 to 5.4 grams, comprising saturated fats (1.4-1.6g), monounsaturated fats (1.6-2.0g), and polyunsaturated fats (0.8-1.0g). It is noteworthy that much of the fat content is concentrated in the yolk. Eggs are considered a low-carbohydrate food, containing less than 1 gram of carbohydrates per large egg, with minimal amounts of sugar and no dietary fibre.

A significant component of the egg yolk is cholesterol, with a large egg containing approximately 164 to 186 milligrams. Beyond macronutrients, eggs are also a rich source of various vitamins and minerals which perform various roles in the body.

Eggs and Cardiovascular Disease

The relationship between egg consumption and cardiovascular health has been a subject of considerable debate, primarily due to the high cholesterol content found in egg yolks.

For many years, dietary guidelines recommended limiting egg intake based on the assumption that dietary cholesterol directly raised blood cholesterol levels which in turn increases the risk of heart disease.

However, current research has revealed a more intricate connection between dietary cholesterol and blood cholesterol, indicating that saturated and trans fats have a more significant impact on blood cholesterol levels for most individuals.

In light of this evolving evidence, major health organizations have updated their recommendations regarding egg consumption and cardiovascular health.

The American Heart Association (AHA) currently suggests that healthy individuals can include up to one whole egg daily as part of a heart-healthy dietary pattern, and older healthy adults may consume up to two eggs per day.

However, the AHA still advises caution when it comes to high-cholesterol foods for individuals with abnormal blood cholesterol, diabetes, or those at risk for heart failure.

The Ghana Food Based Dietary Guidelines recommend that eggs can be consumed regularly but in moderation as part of a healthy and balanced diet.

While the guidelines do not specify an exact number of eggs to consume per week, they align with general nutrition advice that suggests one egg per day is acceptable for most individuals, including children, adults, and the elderly, especially when overall intake of saturated fat is controlled.

Further eggs should be eaten as part of a variety of protein sources, including legumes, fish, poultry, lean meats, and nuts.

Although the Ghana guidelines caution against excessive intake of animal-based foods high in saturated fat, they acknowledge that moderate egg consumption does not significantly increase the risk of heart disease in healthy individuals.

Eggs can be prepared in various ways such as boiled, scrambled, or included in salads, stews and sauces, ideally with minimal added fat, oil, or salt.

Easter and Eggs

Eggs are a central symbol of Easter, representing new life and rebirth—ideas that align with the resurrection of Jesus Christ celebrated during the holiday. This connection has both pre-Christian and Christian roots.

In ancient pagan spring festivals, eggs symbolized fertility and renewal. Early Christians adopted the egg as a metaphor for Christ’s resurrection, likening it to life emerging from a sealed tomb. In Orthodox traditions, eggs are often dyed red to represent the blood of Christ. During the Middle Ages, eggs were forbidden during Holy Week, but since hens continued to lay them, people decorated and gave them as gifts, a practice that evolved into modern customs like Easter egg hunts.

In Western cultures, these traditions are often celebrated with elaborately decorated eggs and festive games. In Ghana, however, Easter maintains a more spiritual and reflective character.

Although Easter egg hunts are not widely practiced, hard-boiled eggs are still enjoyed during the season, often served with dishes like yam, rice, stew, or as street food in the popular snack known as kosua ne meko (egg and pepper).

In summary

Eggs are a nutrient-dense food that offer high-quality protein, beneficial fats, and a wide array of essential vitamins and minerals.

Once viewed cautiously due to their cholesterol content, current scientific evidence shows that moderate egg consumption does not significantly increase the risk of cardiovascular disease in healthy individuals.

As a result, dietary guidelines, including Ghana’s Food-Based Dietary Guidelines, support the inclusion of eggs as part of a balanced and varied diet, particularly when prepared with minimal added fat, salt, and oil.

However, individuals managing specific health conditions such as diabetes, high cholesterol, or hypertension should seek personalized advice from a registered dietitian or healthcare professional to determine how best to include eggs in their diets.

During Easter, eggs take on an added layer of meaning, symbolizing not only nourishment but also renewal, tradition, and celebration. Whether served on a plate or shared as part of a cultural custom, eggs remain a meaningful and enduring feature of both our diets and festivities.

Click here to join Full Proof Nutrition WhatsApp channel to receive more educative content. Send us a mail on [email protected]

Written by Dr. Laurene Boateng (PhD, RD)
Dr. Laurene Boateng is a Registered Dietitian and Senior Lecturer in the Department of Dietetics, University of Ghana. She is the founder and editor-in-chief of Full Proof Nutrition, a website committed to providing reliable, evidence-based, and practical healthy eating advice. Click here to join Full Proof Nutrition WhatsApp channel and send us a mail at [email protected].

References

  1. FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization). (2020). Eggs: A nutritious food for all.  
  2. https://www.britannica.com/story/what-do-eggs-have-to-do-with-easter2.
  3. https://www.heart.org/en/news/2018/08/15/are-eggs-good-for-you-or-not
  4. https://mofa.gov.gh/site/images/pdf/Ghana_Food_Based_Dietary_Guidelines_2023.pdf

DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.

  • President Commissions 36.5 Million Dollars Hospital In The Tain District
  • You Will Not Go Free For Killing An Hard Working MP – Akufo-Addo To MP’s Killer
  • I Will Lead You To Victory – Ato Forson Assures NDC Supporters

Visit Our Social Media for More

About Author

c16271dd987343c7ec4ccd40968758b74d64e6d6c084807e9eb8de11a77c1a1d?s=150&d=mm&r=g

hbtvghana

See author's posts

Discover interesting ones too

Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs sentenced to more than 4 years in prison over prostitution conviction

Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs sentenced to more than 4 years in prison over prostitution conviction

0
Police launch probe into armed attack, murder of Immigration Officer at Gbintri checkpoint

Police launch probe into armed attack, murder of Immigration Officer at Gbintri checkpoint

1

Police secure 30-year jail term for armed robbery convict at Assin Praso

This Saturday on Newsfile: Fight against galamsey and IMANI’s GH¢7bn leakage Gold-for-Oil programme

MGL’s Clinton Yeboah becomes only Ghanaian finalist for WAMECA 2025

Women are dissatisfied about their bodies after birth, KNUST study shows

The Realities of International Labour Migration: An Evidence-Based Guide for Ghanaian Professionals and Workers

Ghana–DStv settlement sets new regulatory precedent in Africa

GMA urges gov’t to act swiftly to avert Junior doctors’ strike

Nestlé Cerelac celebrates milestone, secures 85% market share in Ghana

  • Dr. Musah Abdulai: If the Chief Justice returns: Will it lead to reset, redemption, or rupture?

    Dr. Musah Abdulai: If the Chief Justice returns: Will it lead to reset, redemption, or rupture?

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • Farewell, River Ayensu

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • OSP declares former Finance Ministry Advisor wanted over SML corruption probe

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • We are coming for you – CID boss tells criminals

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • Ghana and Japan agree to pursue UN Security Council reforms

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

Follow Homebase Tv

  • About Homebase Tv | Hbtvghana.com
  • Advertise
  • Broadcast Live
  • Disclaimer
  • Privacy & Policy
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Vacancies
  • Contact Us – Connect With Us

© 2014 Total Enjoyment & Proper News

No Result
View All Result

© 2014 Total Enjoyment & Proper News

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In
This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Cookie settingsACCEPT
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Non-necessary
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
SAVE & ACCEPT

Add New Playlist

This website uses cookies. By continuing to use this website you are giving consent to cookies being used. Visit our Privacy and Cookie Policy.