Spotlight Ingredient - Egg-cellent

Excuse the cheesy post title but eggs really do deserve superfood status! 

In the past eggs have been given a bad rap with health scares linked to both salmonella and cholesterol. But its safe to say that strict codes of practice, high standards of food safety and hygiene and thorough scientific studies have practically eradicated any need to worry about eggs produced in the UK. 

It's true that eggs do contain cholesterol but research has provided that cholesterol naturally found in food (dietary cholesterol) does not increase the risks of heart disease in most healthy individuals. Since the 1990's guidelines on egg consumption have been relaxed by both the government and UK heart advisory groups and the egg has (rightfully) been accepted as a sound staple in a balanced diet.

So why are eggs so amazing you ask? Well... 

1. Eggs are a great source of protein – a medium egg provides approximately 6.4g
2. They’re naturally rich in B vitamins (namely B2 and B12, folate and biotin), vitamin A, vitamin D, iodine and selenium and essential minerals
3. Eggs contain a mix of all fats - unsaturated, saturated and omega 3 fatty acids – remember, some fat in our diet is good!
4. A medium egg contains only around 70 kcal
5. They’re cheap
6. They’re quick to cook
7. They’re delicious
8. They’re SO versatile –poach, scramble, boil, fry or bake, make omelettes, frittatas, pancakes, soufflés or, if you’re feeling fancy, homemade mayonnaise! They’re used in cakes, biscuits, pastry, quiche, salads, pies, meringues, noodle dishes and tortillas, ice cream, custard, even drinks…! 
9. You can whip something up for breakfast, lunch or dinner...or just enjoy one a a snack
10. Best of all, almost any dish can be improved with the addition of a perfectly poached egg*

* This is my opinion, but I accept it as fact :P