And which is the worst way?
Eggs might grace your brunch plate in a show of health, but is the way you’re cooking your eggs really that good for you?
Could it be that what you’re adding is undoing all the goodness of the egg itself? We decided it was time to find out.
“Poaching or boiling is probably the healthiest method just because you’re not adding those extra fats. You’re just cooking them in water,” says accredited practicing dietitian and spokesperson for the Dietitian’s Association of Australia, Joel Feren.
Essentially, the egg itself is healthy but a lot of the things we cook them in and add to them are not.
“Scrambled eggs would be one of the least beneficial because of the different recipes. There are things like milk, extra butter, cream and crème fraiche, so you’re not only getting the calories from the egg – which are fine – but you’re getting extra fats.”
Likewise, frying isn’t the healthiest option either, but there are ways to make it slightly less fatty. “I just cook my eggs using oil spray to minimise the amount I use. You really just need a non-stick surface; you could even brush some oil on instead of pouring.”
When choosing your oil of choice, Feren recommends going for something natural like an olive oil and avoiding butter.
Salt is another thing to be mindful of. “I think Himalayan pink salt is the flavour of the month, but salt is salt and it’s likely to affect your blood pressure.”
However, it’s not all doom and gloom on this breakfast of champions. Feren says that even fried or scrambled eggs can be a good choice.
“It’s still a healthy option, eggs are fantastic for us. It’s just about being mindful of those extra ingredients.”
As for the eggs themselves, Feren notes that they contain 11 essential vitamins and minerals. “Eggs are pretty unbeatable,” Feren says, asking that we mind the pun. “They’re high in protein and vitamin B12, high in monounsaturated fats, phosphorus which is important for bone health, iodine for healthy thyroid function, folate and vitamin A as well. They’re also naturally low on salt and sugar.”
If you’re looking to spice up your olive oil scrambles you could always try some wilted spinach or barbecued tomato for a little extra flavour.
Source : bodyandsoul.com.au