Benefits of Egg Whites

Eggs play a prominent role in the American diet -- they are commonly used in breakfast dishes, as well as in cakes, pies, breads and pastas. However, whole eggs are high in saturated fats, cholesterol and calories. Using egg whites, which are the components of eggs left after the yolks are removed, may offer certain health benefits.

Weight Gain Prevention

Egg whites are significantly lower in calories than whole eggs. One large egg contains about 72 calories, while the whites from a large egg contains only about 17 calories, according to the USDA National Nutrient Database. Lower-calorie intake may help reduce your risk of weight gain.

Lower Cholesterol

Dietary cholesterol is a component of foods that may raise "bad" blood cholesterol levels, particularly low-density lipoproteins and triglycerides, according to Phyllis Balch, author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing." These components of blood cholesterol can contribute to the formation of lipids that build up along arterial walls, increasing the workload on your heart muscles and promoting heart disease. A whole egg contains about 186 mg of cholesterol, or about 62 percent of the recommended daily allowance. Conversely, egg whites are cholesterol-free foods.

Protein

Although not as rich in protein as whole eggs, egg whites provide protein in your diet. Protein is necessary for energy and the repair of brain, muscle and bone cells, according to Balch. A whole egg contains about 6.3 g of protein, while the whites from one large egg contain about 3.6 g of this important nutrient. The recommended daily intake depends on your body weight -- you should consume about 0.36 g of protein per day for every pound you weigh, notes the Vegetarian Resource Group.

Selenium

Selenium is a trace mineral that may provide antioxidant benefits, preventing lipids and free radicals from attacking your body, according to Balch. It may also boost immune system function, helping your body ward off bacterial and viral infections. Selenium may also help your skin retain elasticity as you age, inhibiting the formation of wrinkles. Egg whites are abundant sources of selenium -- an egg white contains about 6.6 mcg, or about 12 percent of your recommended daily intake. However, a whole egg contains about 15.3 mcg of this mineral.