The Nutritional Value of an Egg

There has been much debate over whether eggs are harmful or beneficial. Though they are high in saturated fat and cholesterol, eggs do contain a number of health benefits.

Protein

• Eggs are a source of protein, with one large egg equaling 6.3 g or 13 percent of the daily nutritional requirement.

Riboflavin

• Eggs contain large amounts of riboflavin, a B vitamin necessary for growth and red blood cell production. In fact, one large egg delivers .3 mg of riboflavin or 15 percent of the daily nutritional requirement.

Selenium

• Eggs are a source of selenium, a mineral that helps keep cells happy and reduces the likelihood of developing cancer. One large egg contains 15.4 mcg of selenium or 22 percent of the daily nutritional requirement.

Amino Acids

• Eggs contain 18 amino acids, which are necessary for metabolism and many other bodily processes. The amino acids found in the greatest amounts in eggs are glutamic acid, aspartic acid, leucine, serine, and lycine.

Other Vitamins and Minerals

• Eggs contain a number of other vitamins and minerals, including Vitamins A and E, beta carotene, thiamin, folate, Vitamins B6 and B12, pantothenic acid, calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorous, potassium, sodium, zinc, manganese, and fluoride.