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Now that our backyard chickens are laying eggs, our kids are more interested than ever in eating these little orbs.  They are full of nutrition, taste great and in our case, are super fresh.  But the true nutrition content of eggs can be confusing, as we realized during a conversation at the table during Passover.  It went something like this:  Mom-to-Toddler: “No, don’t pick out the yolk.  If anything, eat the yolk and leave the white.  The yolk is where all of the protein and nutrients are.”  Me-to-other-mom, “I’m not sure about that – I think that the white has a lot of protein.”  Other-mom-to-me.  “No – the yolk has to have the protein since that’s how the chick grows.”

Before I continue, I need to point out that I hate conflict.  I try not to engage in arguments unless I know that I have a valid point.  So, as usual, I backed down, saying that I would look it up.  And when I say “look it up,” I mean that I would ask my friend Liz, who is a nutritionist and co-author of Meal Makeover Moms.  I knew that she would know the answer!

She didn’t disappoint, of course.  Turns out that over 1/2 of an egg’s protein is in the Albumen (or white).  That’s what makes egg white such an attractive food to athletes who are trying to increase their protein intake.  But the majority of remaining nutrients are found in the yolk.  Liz supports consuming the entire egg, because there are a host of beneficial nutrients in the yolk: antioxidants, omega-3s (If you buy omega-3 eggs), monounsaturated fat, vitamin A, vitamin D, etc.  And she says that lots of new research is emerging on the brain health benefits of a nutrient called, Choline.  Some people are reluctant to consume egg yolks because they are concerned about what it will do to their cholesterol levels.  But Liz says that although eggs contain cholesterol, they are very low in saturated fat (which is what raises blood cholesterol levels).  She also points out that there are more heart-healthy monounsaturated fats in the yolk than saturated fats.  So have at it (unless your doctor tells you not to, of course).

Some egg-fun:

• Love Numbers and Data?  Here is an interesting chart that breaks down the nutrient content of an egg.
• Want to learn more about the science of eggs?  Check this out, from the Exploratorium, and you will learn how to cook and play with eggs.
• Try making these recipes from Liz:  Cowboy Breakfast Wraps and Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Pancakes
  

By talking about a little biology at breakfast, my kids become more engaged with their meal.  Both of my children love to eat eggs, but this would be a useful tip with foods that they might not be as excited to eat.  I wonder what other fun facts we can learn about our food.

Do you have any fun food facts that have engaged your kids?