Yummy Magazine Vol 6 - Easter Fun | Page 48

WELLNESS TEXT AMY SELBACH EGG TASTIC! Amy Selbach is the owner of Taut Body Studio in Village Market. She is a holistic health coach, personal trainer and Pilates instructor and creator of the Taut Body program that has helped hundreds of her clients lose weight and change their health completely. She also leads life-design and business incubator workshops for entrepreneurs. Follow her at www.tautbody.com or email [email protected] Cultures around the world celebrate Easter with eggs as the predominant symbol of rebirth, rejuvenation and immortality. Historically, eggs during Lent were forbidden and eaten as a celebratory treat during Easter. In a traditional Easter egg hunt, eggs are considered a lucky treasure to find as they are associated with great riches. The history and the symbolism of eggs are now taken for granted as they have become a mainstay of everyday life and so are their health benefits. They are also a nutritional treasure. Having been demonised in the past for containing high amounts of cholesterol, we know now they contain the “good kind” which raises HDLs and can actually help to lower overall cholesterol. Farmed and caged chicken eggs have fewer health benefits than cage-free and free range chickens, so if you can, raise chickens at home or 48. buy organic, pastured eggs. Generally speaking, the more yellow the yolk the more nutrients the egg contains and the more well rounded the diet of the chicken that laid them. Chickens are naturally omnivores not purely grain eaters. They are also highly satiating which means two eggs for breakfast can usually keep you full until lunch. 5 reasons to celebrate eggs as a health food: They are rich in beta-carotene and two antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthine, which specifically have been linked to protecting against common eye diseases such as macular degeneration and cataracts. They are a great low calorie protein-filled food that you can eat many different ways either on the go or sitting down to a nice meal. Eggs are approximately 75 calories each. The contain Choline which is vital for brain development and heart health. They are therefore great to eat during pregnancy and to combat heart disease. They contain selenium, vitamin D, B6, B12 and minerals such as zinc, iron and copper. Things like vitamin D, B12 and iron are hard to get from vegetarian sources and are usually found in higher quantities in red meat. Just another reason to celebrate these vitamin packed powerhouses Pastured chicken eggs (depending on their diet) can even be a great source of Omega-3s which are crucial for brain health, digestion, and excellent anti-inflammatories.