Egghead Revisited

by riverstreet, March 11, 2009 | Permalink

I adore eggs. Scrambled, folded over with spinach and feta, fritatta-ed with asparagus and ham, poached, baked, deviled, hard boiled, in egg salad, easy over, coddled, and of course, quiched.

Which is why when I read UC Berkley’s latest research about cholesterol in eggs, then cross-checked it with Harvard’s research on eggs, I was glad to learn that, as it turns out, the cholesterol in eggs, indeed, cholesterol in general, has been given a bad rap. Once thought to cause cardiovascular disease including heart disease, stroke, and Alzheimer’s, scientists have recently learned that cholesterol is not only NOT as bad for you as once thought, it actually contains some good properties. One important property of cholesterol found was that it raises HDL, that is, your “good”choleseterol.” Even in diabetics, cholesterol was found to increase HDL and LDL in a healthy ratio.  Moreover, it wasn’t cholesterol that causes heart and other cardiovascular disease but rather, the saturated fats in the cheese, bacon, and butter SERVED with the eggs. Good to know!

Not only is the cholesterol in eggs not the culprit it was once thought to be, but eggs are a natural source of essential vitamins and minerals. According to the UC Berkley newsletter on eggs, “one large egg contains 6 grams of high-quality protein (in both the yolk and the white). The yolk is also a source of zinc, B vitamins (including riboflavin and foliate), vitamin A, iron, and other nutrients. In addition to lutein and zeaxanthin, egg yolks provide choline, an essential nutrient, which is especially important for fetal brain development. Researchers have also identified other compounds in eggs that may have anti-cancer, anti-hypertensive, immune-boosting, and antioxidant properties.” Sounds like eggs are packed with the good stuff!

Now I can relax when I make a frittata for breakfast on Sunday morning or bring deviled eggs to a picnic. I especially love our brown, uncaged, vegetarian-fed, free-range eggs because the yolks are golden-orange and firmly round. I, for one, will be enjoying more eggs especially during our upcoming Spring Madness sale when our carton of 18 cage-free eggs will be on sale for $1.99!

Is Chocolate a health food?

by riverstreet, January 26, 2009 | Permalink

One could certainly argue, I certainly would, that chocolate is one of the most luxurious foods available. Luxury notwithstanding, recent examination of chocolate has revealed it contains over 1,500 compounds, many of which actually have a positive effect on one’s body.  One of these compounds called flavonoids, act as an antioxidant to help protect the body from free radicals which are believed to play a role in heart disease.  Studies have also shown that the flavonoids in chocolate can lower blood pressure and LDL cholesterol– the “bad” cholesterol.  Consequently I have adapted the motto, ”an apple a day” to “a little chocolate each day can help keep the doctor away.”

Get your fill of flaviniods on Thursday, February 5th from 4 pm - 7 pm as Whole Foods Market located at 340 River Street in Cambridge samples light and dark chocolate in all shapes, sizes, and forms.  And, while you munch on chocolate, pick up some to give to your sweetie on Valentine’s Day!