Here's How Much Protein Is Really In Eggs
Eating eggs for breakfast is a great way to jump-start your day. That's because eggs are high in protein and have been linked to a number of important health benefits. But exactly how much protein does one egg contain?
The average egg contains around 6 to 7 grams of protein each, but the precise amount of protein in a single egg can vary depending on the size of the egg (via Healthline). For example, a small egg contains around 4.9 grams of protein, while a jumbo egg contains 8.2 grams of protein.
Although egg whites tend to get all the credit when it comes to protein content, egg yolks also contain a decent amount of protein. In fact, egg whites only contain slightly more protein than the yolk by just 1 gram. In an egg containing 7 grams of protein, 3 of those grams come from the yolk, and the white of the egg is responsible for the other 4 grams. Egg yolks also contain most of an egg's fat and nutrients.
The health benefits of eggs
In addition to being a great source of protein, eggs are full of vitamins and nutrients that can provide numerous health benefits. For instance, eggs have been shown to help improve brain function (via Good Housekeeping). That's because they're high in choline, an essential nutrient that your brain needs in order to regulate memory, mood, and muscle control. Getting enough choline in your diet may help prevent the onset of dementia and other cognitive impairments.
Eggs can also promote eye health. Eggs are full of carotenoids like lutein and zeaxanthin, which give egg yolks their yellow pigment. Studies have shown that lutein and zeaxanthin can also impact eye health by preventing age-related vision loss and the formation of cataracts. In addition, eating eggs can help support bone health. Eggs contain a decent amount of vitamin D, which can help increase the absorption of calcium, and both calcium and vitamin D can help build stronger bones.