The humble egg has an enduring reputation of being incredibly edible in all kinds of prepared presentations from decadently scrambled and elegantly served or hard-boiled for a quick and healthy snack on the run. In addition to their versatility in cooking and eating, eggs have built-in superpowers. They are jam-packed with nutrients that are really good for us, including antioxidants and high levels of lutein, a form of carotenoid.
Worried about spiking your cholesterol by eating too many eggs? You can rest easy because our bodies apply complex methods of incorporating all the best stuff in eggs. Experts in the field presented results of studies showing that eating just one egg a day increases levels of lutein and zeaxanthin with no adverse change in cholesterol.
But it gets even better. Those unassuming little eggs pack a punch in the beauty department as well. They do wonders in delivering loads of benefits all on their own or in tandem with other healthy ingredients and you can savor the advantages of eggs simply by eating them or applying their topical form directly on hair or skin. Yes, they are messy and don’t smell nice but that’s a small price to pay for what you get in return. Let’s take a closer look at the beauty magic inside an egg and how to use it.
Nature’s hair care product
Eggs are your hair’s superfood. Egg whites and yolks each have many benefits to keep hair shiny and healthy. Egg yolks are densely packed with vitamins A, D, E, and K, as well as folate and lecithin. Eggs also come with more than 8 grams of protein, half of which is found in the white and half in the yolk. Egg whites are powerhouses of selenium, calcium, magnesium, potassium, and phosphorous.
All put together, eggs deliver copper, zinc, iron, and all kinds of hair-loving B vitamins for flexibility, strength, and overall healthy hair including vitamins B1, B2, B5, and B7. The B7 vitamin is especially beneficial for hair growth and if you choose grass-fed or free-range eggs, you also get omega-3 fatty acids. In one little oval-shaped vessel, you have more than 20 vital nutrients tailor made for healthy hair.
Yolks or whites?
An egg’s two-act show brings a variety of natural rewards for hair and skin. The natural fats in yolks offer moisturizing benefits without using artificial creams or chemicals. Egg whites contain enzymes that gobble up bacteria, keep your scalp clean, and remove excess oil and grease. Application depends on hair type; for example, use blended whites and yolks for normal hair and for oily hair, apply the whites to your scalp and the yolk on the ends of your hair.
Eggs are great for boosting the protein in hair as well. Our entire bodies are made of protein and hair is composed of one of those proteins known as keratin. The protein we eat is broken down into amino acids which are then turned into proteins. Hair follicles create keratin that initiates hair growth, so protein is very important for healthy, vibrant hair. An egg mask 1-3 times a week and a diet rich in eggs keeps your protein levels high and your hair in top shape.
Eggs and your skin
Just like the benefits for hair, eggs are a great nourishing boost for your skin as well. The lutein in eggs provides hydration and elasticity for skin and accompanying protein helps repair tissue and keeps skin firm. Egg yolks in particular are loaded with fatty acids that add moisture to skin while egg whites include albumin, a simple protein that tightens pores and removes excess oil. For a quick and effective skin treatment to close pores, try this egg-centric approach:
Separate and beat two egg whites and add 1 teaspoon of fresh lemon juice. Mix well and apply to your face, let it dry, and then wash off with lukewarm water.
The go-to skin benefit with eggs is its ability as a water-binding agent that locks moisture into your skin cells for a soft and supple feel. Nutrients in egg yolks combine to hydrate, nourish, and moisturize dull skin. In fact, egg yolk face masks are commonly used for a variety of skin treatments, including antibacterial aid for acne-prone and aging skin.