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Why you should eat more eggs for better health, nutrition

Experts say eggs can combat common nutrient deficiencies that often go unaddressed

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by agatha Ngotho

News14 October 2023 - 02:49
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In Summary


  • • The International Egg Commission says one large egg contains 13 essential vitamins along with 6g of protein.
  • • This makes eggs a valuable and cost-effective dietary addition suitable for individuals of all ages, worldwide. 
A customer buys eggs at a supermarket in Kenya

Kenyans are consuming fewer eggs yet they are an important part of nutrition.

A veterinary has urged farmers to increase egg production and to dive deeper into keeping layers to contribute to the food security in the country.

Dr Lynn Namarome, chairperson of Kenya Pig and Poultry Veterinary Association (KePPoVA) noted that the cost of production is high in Kenya hence the flooding of imported eggs reported from the neighbouring countries including Uganda.

She said they are trying to engage farmers on the aspect of economising the production to help reduce the cost of eggs and increase the consumption of eggs.

She spoke during World Egg Day which is celebrated on the second Friday of October every year.

According to the International Egg Commission (IEC), World Egg Day was established in Vienna in 1996 to highlight the nutritional value and versatility of eggs which is a symbol of nutrition and health.

“The annual event honours the remarkably versatile and highly nutritious egg, highlighting the vast range of unique nutritional benefits it brings to human health and its scope for combatting common nutrient deficiencies, ultimately contributing to a healthy future for all,” the commission said.

“Renowned for their protein and nutrient density, eggs stand among the most nourishing foods on the planet. One large egg contains 13 essential vitamins along with 6g of protein, making it a valuable and cost-effective dietary addition suitable for individuals of all ages, worldwide."

Importantly, eggs can combat common nutrient deficiencies that often go unaddressed but are crucial for maintaining optimal human health and performance.

Eggs contain an array of essential nutrients, including choline, which aids in brain development and function; vitamin A which promotes eye health, resilient skin and a robust immune system and vitamin D which plays a pivotal role in bone health. Furthermore, eggs are packed with high-quality proteins essential for the strengthening and repairing of muscles and tissues.

Namarome said the day seeks to celebrate the aspect of eggs being an important aspect of nutrition, and that they are creating awareness on management from production level to when it gets to the plate.

“Our mandate is to ensure that the food we produce is safe and the welfare aspect even in production and management is taken care of. On this day, we want to create awareness on the importance of good management, good welfare for rearing chicken because it will translate to having quality eggs and safe food,” she said.

She also noted that there has been a misconception and myths that there is too much cholesterol in eggs.

“We want to clear the myth and say that eggs are an important part of nutrition and we need to increase our intake of eggs. We are encouraging farmers keeping layers to consider the management and welfare of the bird,” Namarome said.

Dr Victor Yamo, Farming Campaigns Manager at World Animal Protection Africa said they play a vital role in raising awareness about the health benefits of eggs.

He said World Egg Day highlights the fact that eggs are nutritious and can easily be utilised to reduce malnutrition and ensure that people are getting nutrients.

He said it is easy to cook eggs by either boiling or frying.

“An egg a day would be good for everybody because it is highly nutritious and is commonly found,” Yamo said.

The World Egg Day underscores the role of eggs in supporting overall health, including benefits for brain function, eye health, and immune support.

“Like the rest of the world, the Kenya Pigs and Poultry Veterinary Association will be running the process of celebrating the day. There has been a series of meetings for the last two days, with nutritionists talking about the benefits of eggs,” he said.

KePPoVA will hold the main celebration on Saturday in Eldoret where there will be a procession followed by a farmers’ engagement to ensure that farmers are producing high-quality eggs that are fit for human consumption.

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