Egg Yolk And Its Nutrients
Egg yolk has many nutrients that are very good for the body. People avoid eggs, and the egg yolk specifically because of its high cholesterol content. But egg yolk is a powerhouse of almost all nutrients needed in the proper functioning of the body.
Egg yolk contains fat, protein, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, calcium, copper, zinc, vitamin B1 ( thiamin), vitamin B2 ( riboflavin), vitamin B3 ( niacin), vitamin B5 ( pantothenic acid), vitamin B6 ( pyridoxine), vitamin B12 ( cobalamin), folate, vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin E, vitamin K, omega-3, omega-6, carotenes, selenium, lysine, leucine, tryptophan, threonine, isoleucine, methionine, valine, and phenylalanine.
Egg yolk contains 100% of the carotenes compared to the egg white, and all the essential fatty acids, and vitamins A, D, E, and K. It is an excellent source of DHA, which is a precursor of EPA. DHA is essential for the brain, and for the proper retinal function of the eye.
Egg yolk is lesser in volume compared to egg white. Though greater in volume, egg white contains fewer nutrients.
Many people believe that raw egg yolk is more nutritious when consumed raw. Some mix it with orange juice, fruit juice, softdrinks, or beer. Most testify of the extra energy they acquire when the drink egg yolk mix in juices or beer. But here is a word of caution: never include the egg white in this drink. Egg white should not be eaten or consumed raw. Egg white contain avidin, an anti-nutrient that binds to biotin – a B vitamin, and can cause deficiency of this vitamin. Also, egg white contains trypsin inhibitors, which inhibit the proper digestion of protein. But when cooked, egg white is safe. Cooking destroys avidin and the trypsin inhibitor in egg white.