By Sandhya Pandey in
May 26, 2022
Introduction
Protein in eggs can help individuals feel full for a long time, making them less likely to snack between meals. So, in a way, eggs are great for maintaining a diet and losing excessive weight. Protein, a macronutrient, is found in different animal products, and is one of the essential building blocks of the body. Are you thinking of having a high-protein diet? Eggs will then be the first item on your list of protein-rich foods.
Now, the question is, how much protein is in an egg? Offering 6 grams of protein, an egg is a healthy and nutritious choice for individuals looking to adopt the perfect eating regimen.
Getting sufficient protein is crucial for muscle-building, healthy bone density, and maintaining proper overall health. Eggs are a versatile and convenient source of protein for anyone looking to enhance their energy.
Whether scrambled, boiled, or fried, eggs offer high protein levels and minerals, vitamins, and nutrients for keeping the body energised throughout the day.
Protein Content in Eggs
The average egg comes loaded with 6 to 7 grams of protein, but differs by egg size.
- Small eggs contain 4.9 grams of protein
- Medium eggs come loaded with 5.7 grams of protein
- The protein content of a large egg is 6.5 grams
- The extra-large 1 egg protein content is 7.3 grams
- Jumbo eggs offer 8.2 grams of protein
Protein in Egg White and Yolk
When it comes to understanding protein in eggs, you may already know that egg white and yolk are rich in protein content, with the yolk being richer in protein concentration. But because an egg has more white, the white offers more protein than the yolk.
The egg yolk not only contains half of the protein content in an egg but is also loaded with other vital nutrients. A large egg contains 7 grams of protein, wherein 3 grams will come from the yolk and 4 grams from the white. Hence, eating an entire egg, and not just the white part of the egg, is the right way of getting most nutrients and protein.
Can Cooking Affect Protein Quality in an Egg?
How you are preparing the eggs can affect the amount of protein your body can really use. Eating raw eggs seems to offer the minimum amount of protein. Healthy individuals could absorb 94% of the protein from cooked eggs compared to just 74% of protein from raw eggs. Therefore, cooking eggs can make the 6 grams of protein in an egg more accessible and digestible to the body. Additionally, consuming raw eggs carries the risk of food poisoning and bacterial contamination.
Why are Eggs Considered Healthier for Their High Protein Content?
Eggs are considered healthier for their high protein content because they are not just packed with good protein but also contain all the nine crucial amino acids -
- Valine
- Leucine
- Isoleucine
- Methionine
- Threonine
- Histidine
- Tryptophan
- Lysine
- Phenylalanine
The amino acids found in the protein content of an egg are vital for an individual’s health, and they are of great importance because the human body cannot make them on its own.
So, adding eggs to your regular diet can give your body complete protein that further encourages healthy tissue in hair, skin, muscles, and bones.
Eating eggs for breakfast can help in weight loss compared to eating something else like a bagel or breads. Since eggs are loaded with high protein, which is a filling macronutrient, they can effectively reduce an individual’s overall calorie intake, thus helping the individual lose weight subsequently.
Conclusion
An average-sized egg comes loaded with 6 to 7 grams of protein. If you want your body to use as much of this protein content in an egg as possible, it is suggested to consume cooked eggs instead of their raw form. You should ideally eat eggs not just for their high protein content, but also because they are low in calories and have many beneficial nutrients. Keep your health in check - follow proper health guidelines or get in touch with a specialist at https://www.medanta.org/.
Sandhya Pandey
