This will now be a 3-part post. I decided to add a couple more articles ("Cholesterol Myths Debunked – Go ahead, eat those shrimp & eggs…" & "Coconut Oil Myth – Debunked") to this page since I recently deleted a website of mine and decided to combine the related posts together before I spread the rest of the content out amid multiple blogs of mine, etc. But back to the subjects at hand...
Part 1: "Eat Eggs for Protein"
Recently, I wrote a post about how protein is overrated. However, it is still very important. On that particular blog entry, I spoke about how it is asinine to think that you need an excessive amount of protein shakes, pills, and supplements, and that, unless you are taking steroids or on growth hormones, your body can only handle and/or need so much protein at one time. Anyway, that's enough about how the marketing world has ruined the perspective of protein, and that is another reason why I'm speaking about the incredible, edible egg.
Yes folks, just like the old days, we're talking about eating eggs for protein. Don't even bother thinking about those cholesterol myths, unless you already have an existing medical problem. If you'd like to read why I say such things, visit my "Cholesterol Myths Debunked" post that I wrote on a website of mine a while back, for more information. [Since I no longer own that website, I'll just re-post it at the end of this one.]
Now, back to the subject... Eggs, when consuming both the egg whites and the yolk, are a complete source of protein and provide loads of essential amino acids. Plus, the egg yolks, due to the sulfur content, also help detoxify the body. Speaking of "back in the day" when you would see or hear about how bodybuilders drank raw eggs, I would definitely pass on that option of intake. The risks for getting salmonella nowadays, in my opinion, would be higher due to the mass demand for egg production and the way many chickens are raised in crowded, stressful conditions. There is no need to drink raw eggs, and there are so many delicious ways to prepare them. One minor suggestion, is that if you have a few extra cents, go ahead and try to purchase the eggs that contain the Omega-3 fatty acids; it's just another added benefit to the already healthy, nutritious egg. By the way, eggs are not only good for protein, but they are packed with key nutrients that help keep your body strong and healthy.
In addition to all of this, eggs are also a good source of the amino acid Taurine. If you'd like to read about why this is important, visit the blog post "Health Benefits of Taurine."
Okay, now that we realize that this stuff is not bad like many wannabe health gurus often try to tell ya, how do like 'em? A quick & easy way is to simply fry them up in a healthy Omega-3 rich oil, such as Canola oil. Many people like to scramble their eggs; just make sure you butter the pan before you go to fry your scrambled eggs. Personally, I add a little seasoned salt, pepper, hot sauce, and milk to my scrambled eggs before pouring them into the frying pan, and it comes out rather tasty and unlike the typical, basic scrambled eggs that usually hit people's breakfast plate. If you're watching your calories and are looking for the lowest calorie version, hard-boiled eggs are the way to go. Just put the eggs in a saucepan filled with water, boil for about 7 to 10 minutes; replace the hot water with cold to cool them off; crack and peel the shell; season to taste and enjoy.
Now, there are a few things you can do with hard-boiled eggs. One, is the way I just mentioned prior. Two, you can pickle them in a jar to enjoy at a later date, and three, you can prepare deviled eggs. I love deviled eggs, and I used to only eat them during the holidays when my granny made 'em. But this last Christmas I got to thinking, "you know, these things appear to be simple to make, yet I've never even tried to do this." Let me just say, they are no problem at all to make and if you're on a diet that requires excellent sources of protein, the recipe below may be just what you're looking for - especially if you are getting tired of eating eggs prepared the same old ways (boiled, fried, scrambled).
Quick & Easy Recipe for Deviled Eggs:
"Classic Deviled Eggs" [Great for any occasion; serve chilled]
6 boiled eggs, 3 tablespoons mayonnaise or salad dressing, 1 tablespoon sugar, 1 teaspoon mustard, 1 teaspoon vinegar, 1/4 teaspoon salt & pepper.
---Side Note: I usually replace the teaspoon of vinegar and tablespoon of sugar with a couple tablespoons of sweet relish.
To hard cook eggs, place eggs in enough cold water to cover completely and bring to a rolling boil over high heat; reduce heat to a lower boil and cook an additional 12 minutes (I rarely cook them over 10 minutes, but that's what the recipe says). Promptly chill the eggs in ice water to help keep the yolks bright yellow.
Remove shells from eggs and halve lengthwise with a knife. Carefully remove the yolks and place in a medium bowl. Mash yolks with a fork. Add remaining ingredients; mix well. Lightly spoon mixture back into egg white halves. Garnish with a light sprinkling of paprika (optional). Refrigerate until served.
Well, there you have it... Now, go eat some eggs for protein; they're good for you!
---End of Part 1
Part 2: "Cholesterol Myths Debunked – Go ahead, eat those shrimp & eggs…"
Sometimes, supposed facts end up turning into fiction; be prepared to turn your existing knowledge about cholesterol into the myth department, and here’s why:
I’ve gave this some thought a long time ago, but never really researched it. I didn’t have to, really; blame it on intuition, it doesn’t matter. But, to make my point more sound & solid, I’ll give a good reference below along with an intro from this page:
“People with high cholesterol live the longest. This statement seems so incredible that it takes a long time to clear one´s brainwashed mind to fully understand its importance. Yet the fact that people with high cholesterol live the longest emerges clearly from many scientific papers.”
Interested yet? Okay… Click Here to continue reading.
The article goes on to talk about the protective properties of cholesterol and basically the benefits of high cholesterol. The main point being made on that page, other than debunking a few myths, was that older people with high cholesterol live longer. In general, younger people do not need as much cholesterol, and so on.
In contrast to the high side, I’ve recently read several studies that have linked low cholesterol levels with depression, cancer, and lowered immunities.
With all the drug pushers and products out there saying otherwise, no wonder a lot of health-conscious people are scared to eat eggs or shrimp (a couple foods high in this waxy steroid metabolite) along with many other foods that are an excellent source of protein, etc.
A few things that do disturb me, is that these so-called “experts” and educated individuals should know that the body can produce all the cholesterol it needs. And if you consume less, your body will just make more and vice versa, but they persistently push their “miracle diets” and many other senseless scams. True, a healthy diet may put your levels in optimal range or it may not – depends on the problem, but we don’t need to constantly see your adverts! For the pseudo-intellectuals pushing the statin drugs: They should also know that this waxy substance shows up in excess for a reason. It could be an indicator of a problem elsewhere, but it is not the bad, artery clogging villain that some people make it out to be. The point is, all this hype about cholesterol is just that… all trying to sell you drugs or asinine products to lower something your body produces for a reason.
Now, I’m not saying that things don’t go haywire and your liver, for example, supposed to regulate the proper levels. Cholesterol, in itself, is not the problem and it may also be an indicator of overall health. When your body is stressed, for example, the production increases.
Cholesterol is absolutely necessary for your life, and it exists in all of the cell membranes in your body; the brain typically contains 25% of your body’s supply. Why would anyone want to take drugs to get it “super low?”
Eggs are good for you, duh!
Conclusion:
Go ahead and eat foods that are low in fat and high in cholesterol, such as eggs, shrimp, and so on. You’re actually doing your body a favor, since that will be less it has to manufacture on its own. Now of course, if you’re on a special diet due to existing medical conditions, this doesn’t apply.
---End of Part 2
Part 3: Coconut Oil Myth – Debunked
Sure, we know that moderation is good and that there is a limit to things we need to do while being health conscious.
But why does it seem like there is an enormous number of pseudo-intellectuals and wannabe health gurus, flooding the screens of media?
Aside from money, the motive may simply be, well…okay, it’s money.
In this particular case, it could be some health-related writer trying to earn a day's pay by typing senseless babble, an advertiser promoting a rival product or supposed healthier food, and so forth.
With double-edge marketing strategies that are often geared to build up and tear down products, while providing information, remedies, quick-fixes, etc., it’s often a confused mess amid the consumers.
I’m not going to waste time on the multiple marketing facets of fluster; I’ll keep it pertinent to the subject at hand.
Coconut Oil Myth
Under scrutiny due to its high saturated fat content, many health experts want to wield their college degree around in the air while saying the “Coconut Oil in Theater Popcorn is worse than eating 4 fast-food burgers and 2 large fries,” etc. I’ve heard random claims with variable comparisons, but these collegiate scholars (or whoever) are merely looking at the surface, and nothing more. Many so-called experts have deemed this as an unhealthy oil.
Sure, it is very high in saturated fat; anybody that can read a label knows that.
That’s their case; this is all they got: too much saturated fat can cause artery plaque, heart attacks, et cetera.
This is where the myth gets debunked
Something to remember: Not All Saturated Fat is Created Equal
First of all, let's clarify a possible misconception... I’m talking about non-hydrogenated coconut oil in its natural form.
The molecular structure in this natural oil is different, consisting mostly of medium chain fatty acids. MCFAs react differently in your body, doesn’t linger in the bloodstream like long chain fatty acids (LCFAs) and is readily converted into energy within the body. Most people primarily consume LCFAs in their diet, as most fats are, which is another reason coconut oil is a healthy alternative – of course, within reasonable amounts. The main difference in MCFAs is the way this fat starts its travel inside the body; much like short chain fatty acids that are found in cow milk, medium chain fatty acids quickly enter into the portal vein to be processed by your liver. The circulatory journey of LCFAs within the body is much longer and takes a totally different route.
For example, there has been studies on the Polynesian people who consume large quantities of saturated fat from coconut oil, and it showed that they had a very low incidence of heart disease.
Another advantageous aspect of this particular saturated fat is its stability at high temperatures, which retards the oxidizing process and makes it ideal for high-heat situations. Less stable oils can break down at high temperatures and form harmful free radicals, oxidize quicker, etc. This oil is also an excellent source of Lauric Acid, which several studies have made claims about this fatty acid for its immunity-boosting effects.
What does all this mean?
It means Theater Popcorn is not the culprit, when it comes to the ingestion of unhealthy fats.
If you’re cutting calories, then simply do that…but don’t fall for all the put-ons and deception.
If you don’t or rarely go to theaters and want some tasty theater-style popcorn, go ahead and grab a chunk of coconut oil, kernels, desired amount of salt & seasoning, and get to popping……preferably, guilt free.
This oil is obviously not limited to popcorn and is an excellent, durable, multi-purpose lipid. Regardless of all the hype about saturated fat, hopefully more people will realize in due time that the common, highly processed oils (vegetable oils, corn oil, etc.) that are found at your local market are, in fact, worse for the body than eating lard, coconut oil, real butter, etc.
In addition: Health-conscious people need to research more and believe less, especially if there is a sales pitch involved. Search for proof; don’t solely take one resource for granted and do your homework.
---End of Part 3
---End of Post "Eat Eggs for Protein - Cholesterol Myths Debunked + Coconut Oil"
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