"Eggs are one of the quickest and least expensive protein foods to prepare at home," says registered dietitian Lynn Paul, a food and nutrition specialist at Montana State University Extension in Bozeman, Montana. Spending just a few minutes whipping up a batch of scrambled eggs will provide your body with many essential nutrients necessary for good health and energy.
Protein
Because of the essential protein in eggs, eating scrambled eggs at the beginning of the day can help reduce your daily calorie intake by preventing snacking between meals. According to the American Egg Board, one egg provides approximately 6g of protein, which amounts to 12 percent of your recommended daily value. The high-quality protein found in eggs provides all of the essential amino acids your body needs, allowing you to stay energized and feel full longer. Egg protein may also help build muscle strength and prevent muscle loss. The American Egg Board says that egg yolks contain nearly half of the protein in eggs. For increased nutrition, include the egg yolk in your scrambled eggs.
Fetal Nutrition
Eggs provide nutrients essential to the development of healthy babies in the womb. Two eggs provide approximately 250mg of choline, about half of the daily intake recommended for pregnant and breastfeeding women, says the Montana Department of Health and Human Services. Choline, a nutrient found in egg yolks, helps prevent birth defects and contributes to fetal brain development. The United States Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Research Service also says that eggs contain folic acid, an essential B vitamin specifically recommended for pregnant women.
Antioxidants
Scrambled eggs -- with egg yolks -- provide antioxidants that contribute to eye health and help aid in the prevention of age-related blindness. According to the American Egg Board, lutein and zeaxanthin, two antioxidants found in egg yolks, help reduce the risk of cataract development as well as age-related macular degeneration, a progressive eye disease that causes distorted or blurred vision.
Cholesterol and Fat
While eggs once had a bad reputation due to their cholesterol levels, the Montana Department of Health and Human Services says that current research has shown that for most people, eggs will not raise their blood cholesterol levels. In fact, B vitamins found in eggs may help promote heart health. The USDA also says that eggs contain "heart healthy" unsaturated fats that help lower cholesterol levels. Most healthy people can safely eat one to two eggs a day, though if you need to limit your cholesterol, leave out the yolks and make scrambled egg whites instead.
Vitamins and Minerals
The American Egg Board says that just one 70-calorie egg contains a total of 13 essential vitamins and minerals. The antioxidant selenium helps protect the body against chronic diseases, while riboflavin produces cell energy. Vitamin B12 supports nerve cell function and digestion, iron assists in oxygen transport and red blood cell production, and phosphorous contributes to healthy teeth, bones and cell membranes. Other essential vitamins found in eggs include calcium, vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin B6 and zinc.
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