Essential Amino Acids Proteins in eggs

What is the complete source of 22 essential amino acids in eggs?
(October 14, 2010)

Given the fact that we lead such busy lifestyles means that a lot of us cannot take the time to ensure that we feed our bodies the right kinds of food. Instead, we tend to rely on the convenience of fast foods like burgers and hot dogs that, although very tasty, contain absolutely no nutritional value. These foods contain none of the nutrients, vitamins and minerals that our bodies need in order to function optimally. Moreover, they are completely packed with empty calories that serve absolutely no purpose and are immediately converted into fat cells and stored within the fatty layers straight after consumption.  Another very important component of healthy eating is amino acids.

Understanding the role that amino acids play in the development as well as maintenance of the body will also help you understand why they an important part of a balanced diet.


Amino acids are essentially the construction blocks with which the body is able to produce the protein that it requires in order to develop muscle cells. There are a total of about 23 amino acids, of which 9 are considered to be essential amino acids as the body is unable to produce them out of anything apart from the foods we consume. The other amino acids are considered to be dispensable amino acids as the body is able to synthesize them from other amino acids. Muscle growth in the human body is highly dependent on a combination of exercise, hormones, nutrients and an adequate supply of amino acids. One of the reasons why fitness enthusiasts are advised to consume eggs is in fact because of the high presence of amino acids in eggs. Other amino acid benefits include ensuring that the body is able to endure higher levels of resistance training and fight against muscle degradation. There are a number of sources of food from which these amino acids can be obtained. Amino acids in eggs are known to be very wholesome as the egg contains all of the essential amino acids that our bodies require. Apart from amino acids in eggs, some of the other foods with amino acids include fish, milk, cheese and meat.

Because of the high content of amino acids in eggs, all medical experts around the world suggest a regular and high intake of eggs to maintain the body in a healthy state. Both, the egg white as well as the yellow of the egg are known to be potent sources of protein that help significantly in overall growth and development of the body. Studies show that a medium sized egg contains as much as about 78 kilo calories and consumption of a single egg on a daily basis will help account for about 3% of the body’s overall daily requirement. However, on the negative side, eggs are also known to contain considerable amounts of fat – meaning that consuming high quantities of egg will require you to undertake an exercise regime to ensure a balance within the body. Eggs are also known to contain substantial quantities of vitamin A, vitamin B and vitamin B along with the protein that can be easily absorbed into the system.

By essential amino acids you are referring to an amino acid which cannot be synthesized by humans. These amino acids, therefore, need to be supplied by the food that we eat. It is absolutely essential that we include food items that can provide us the essential amino acids in our regular diet. There are eight amino acids which are essentials for humans and since our body does not synthesize them, we need to take extra precautions to eat foodstuffs that contain these. Due to this, health organizations recommend daily amounts of essential amino acids that humans must include in their diet. Amino acids can be obtained form plants and so vegetarians need not fear that their diet does not provide the sufficient amount of amino acids. Food that we get from animals, like meat, eggs, fish, milk and cheese provide us with all the essential amino acids.

Eating egg regularly is the best way to ensure that you stay healthy. Egg provides the body with all the nine essential amino acids. Therefore eggs are a good source of protein. Both the egg white and the egg yolk contain protein and an egg gives you all the essential amino acids necessary for growth and development. In addition to this, the protein quality contained in an egg is far higher than the protein quality that any other food can provide you with. Although, eggs are part of a healthy food diet, it is interesting to note that the nutritional requirements of eggs can vary from men, women and children. This requirement for eggs also varies with time.

Did you know that a medium sized egg contains a value of 78 kilocalories? Eating one egg every single day accounts for 3 percent of the average energy requirements. An egg is also a very good source of protein. An egg contains over six grams of proteins. The protein that an egg provides you has the highest biological value. It contains all the essential amino acids that our body needs.. Despite this, an egg does not contain a very high amount of fat. An egg also contains a large number of vitamins. Interestingly, the egg contains most of the vitamins except vitamin C.

Eating an egg not only ensures that you get vitamin B but also vitamin A. both Vitamin D and E are also provided. Interestingly, although there are other sources of essential proteins, none of them can be absorbed in the body as easily as the protein provided by eggs.