Common food
Photo: Wikipedia
The whole cooked egg is a nutritional powerhouse, featuring a firm, springy white and a creamy, rich yolk with a savory, umami-rich flavor. Its high-quality protein and healthy fats make it a satisfying and versatile staple, while its simple preparation highlights its natural, comforting taste.
People love eggs for their incredible versatility and comforting, savory flavor that forms the backbone of countless meals from breakfast to dinner. They are a cultural staple worldwide, symbolizing nourishment and simplicity in cuisines from Chinese tea eggs to French quiche.
As a common allergen, eggs can trigger reactions in some individuals, and the yolk contains dietary cholesterol, which may be a concern for specific health conditions. To manage intake, pair eggs with fiber-rich vegetables, and those with allergies should avoid them entirely and seek alternatives.
A single egg contains about 6 grams of high-quality protein, and the yolk holds almost all of the egg's vitamins and minerals, including 100% of the fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K.
| Water | 72.4 g |
| Energy | 176 kcal |
| Protein | 11.8 g |
| Total lipid (fat) | 13.9 g |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 0.92 g |
| Fiber, total dietary | 0.00 g |
| Total Sugars | 0.19 g |
| Calcium, Ca | 46.0 mg |
| Iron, Fe | 1.6 mg |
| Magnesium, Mg | 11.0 mg |
| Phosphorus, P | 176 mg |
| Potassium, K | 126 mg |
| Sodium, Na | 195 mg |
| Zinc, Zn | 1.2 mg |
| Copper, Cu | 0.00 mg |
| Selenium, Se | 29.7 ug |
| Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid | 0.00 mg |
| Thiamin | 0.06 mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.38 mg |
| Niacin | 0.00 mg |
| Vitamin B-6 | 0.06 mg |
| Folate, total | 51.0 ug |
| Folic acid | 0.00 ug |
| Folate, food | 51.0 ug |
| Folate, DFE | 51.0 ug |
| Choline, total | 256 mg |
| Vitamin B-12 | 0.78 ug |
| Vitamin B-12, added | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin A, RAE | 172 ug |
| Retinol | 171 ug |
| Carotene, beta | 0.00 ug |
| Carotene, alpha | 0.00 ug |
| Cryptoxanthin, beta | 12.0 ug |
| Lycopene | 0.00 ug |
| Lutein + zeaxanthin | 480 ug |
| Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) | 1.8 mg |
| Vitamin E, added | 0.00 mg |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3) | 2.4 ug |
| Vitamin K (phylloquinone) | 4.7 ug |
| Fatty acids, total saturated | 3.6 g |
| SFA 4:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 6:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 8:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 10:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 12:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 14:0 | 0.03 g |
| SFA 16:0 | 2.6 g |
| SFA 18:0 | 0.90 g |
| Fatty acids, total monounsaturated | 5.3 g |
| MUFA 16:1 | 0.24 g |
| MUFA 18:1 | 5.0 g |
| MUFA 20:1 | 0.03 g |
| MUFA 22:1 | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated | 3.4 g |
| PUFA 18:2 | 2.9 g |
| PUFA 18:3 | 0.20 g |
| PUFA 18:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:5 n-3 (EPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:5 n-3 (DPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:6 n-3 (DHA) | 0.00 g |
| Cholesterol | 392 mg |
| Alcohol, ethyl | 0.00 g |
| Caffeine | 0.00 mg |
| Theobromine | 0.00 mg |
Is the cholesterol in eggs bad for you?
For most healthy people, dietary cholesterol from eggs has a minimal impact on blood cholesterol levels. Current guidelines no longer set a strict limit, but those with specific heart conditions should consult a doctor.
How can I tell if an egg is cooked through?
For a hard-cooked egg, the yolk should be fully set and pale yellow. For a soft-boiled egg, the white is firm but the yolk remains runny. The spinning test can help: a cooked egg spins smoothly, while a raw egg wobbles.
Why do some eggs have brighter orange yolks?
The yolk color comes from the hen's diet, specifically pigments called carotenoids. Hens fed a diet rich in plants like marigold, alfalfa, or corn will produce eggs with deeper orange yolks.