The American Council on Science and Health says it is perfectly acceptable for many people to consume one egg a day, and still stay within the cholesterol guidelines provided by the American Heart Association (i.e. no more than 300 mg. per day--one egg contains 270 mg.).
Eggs are extremely high in protein--a whopping 6 grams in a single egg. In addition, eggs are one of the few natural foods rich in Vitamin D. Vitamin D is of paramount importance in the body, since it promotes bone growth by increasing the amount of calcium our bodies can absorb.
The egg, has long been considered a symbol of fertility, creation and new life. In many cultures, eggs symbolize spring. The ancient Persian and Celtic cultures celebrated the spring equinox with the gift of red-dyed eggs. After the eggs were eaten, the shells were crushed as a ritual to drive away winter. If we experienced one more rainy, cold day, I was seriously considering crushing some shells myself.
In the 9th century, the Catholic Church banned the eating of eggs during Lent. During those egg-less days, people collected and saved eggs, and once the fast was over, they enjoyed the eggs during a feast, often making a giant Easter omelet. People began decorating the eggs and presenting them as gifts on Easter Sunday. By the 16th century, decorating eggs was actually an art form at the court in France. Some of the greatest artists of the day used their talents on the oval palettes.
Perhaps the most renowned time for the Easter egg came at the end of the 19th century at the court of the Czar of Russia. The court jeweler, Carl Faberge produced exquisite creations made of gold, crystal, and porcelain, studded with jewels. These priceless eggs have since been considered works of art.
So, whether you are about to scramble some eggs for breakfast, or are sitting down to dye Easter eggs with your children, remember these rather "eggstraordinary" egg facts.
Egg Trivia
The shell of an eggs has over 17,000 pores that allow the egg to breathe in oxygen and breathe out moisture and carbon dioxide
Inside the shell is a thin membrane called the cuticle that keeps contaminants from entering and keeps the egg fresh
Ostrich lay the largest eggs
Ducks only lay eggs in the early morning
About 240 million laying hens produce approximately 5.5 billion dozen eggs per year in the United States.
On average, Americans eat 286 millions eggs per year
Hens with white feathers and ear lobes produce white shelled eggs. Hens with red feathers and red ear lobes produce brown-shelled eggs.
Catfish hatch their eggs in their mouth.
Adlen Robinson is a free lance food writer and columnist. Feel free to send her an email with your questions at [email protected].
http://accesswdun.com/article/2003/4/179896