Eggs have been a favorite breakfast food for centuries. As one of the simplest food sources available during ancient times, eggs quickly became a go-to meal in early civilizations. Now that most of us don’t live on farms anymore, why do we still eat eggs for breakfast so frequently?
Below, you’ll learn about the history of breakfast, why we eat eggs for breakfast, and the top benefits of having eggs with your morning meal.
Today, technological advancements have made breakfast foods more eclectic than ever. While cereal and other prepackaged breakfast foods used to be our go-to for a quick and easy breakfast, modern cooking methods like microwaves and toasters have made it equally convenient to have other foods in the morning, like eggs or a breakfast sandwich. The freedom to experiment with breakfast foods has led to countless culinary creations, such as omelets, strata, and even avocado toast.
From ancient cave drawings to the modern breakfast table, eggs have played a crucial role in almost every culture and every era. People have eaten eggs from various bird species throughout recorded history. The ancestors of the domesticated chickens we rely on today for eggs trace back to South and Southeast Asia before 7,500 BCE. By 246 BCE, the Chinese had already invented duck egg incubators.
Eggs naturally became a breakfast staple because chickens and most other birds lay their eggs in the morning. Breakfast began as a meal for menial workers. These hard workers also needed slow-metabolizing energy sources, such as protein and fat, to power them through their day, which eggs provided. Along with being an excellent source of high-quality protein, eggs were a cheaper alternative to meat.
Eggs’ nutritious and inexpensive nature made them an ideal breakfast choice for the world’s earliest workers. By the 15th and 16th centuries, eating eggs for breakfast had caught on in Western culture, and egg recipes became more widespread. Then, in 1620, an English medical writer named Tobias Venner recommended eating poached eggs for breakfast, causing people to recognize the health benefits of starting the day with eggs.
Later, in 1669, one of the oldest known cookbooks, The Closet of Sir Kenelm Digby Knight Opened, promoted eggs as one of the best breakfast foods. Sir Digby, who was chancellor to Queen Henrietta Maria, suggested having two poached eggs with your morning meal.
These glowing recommendations from prominent public figures helped eggs start earning the appreciation they deserved from society’s upper classes.
THE MODERN EGG BREAKFAST
Once the Industrial Revolution began in the Western world and breakfast, in general, became more popular, eggs once again emerged as an essential breakfast food for providing factory laborers with enough sustenance to get through a grueling workday. However, at this point, eggs also became a highly sought-after breakfast item for the rich as a way to show off their wealth.
In addition, the newly formed middle class began to imitate the habits of the rich by attempting to cook elaborate breakfasts themselves. Omelets were often a staple breakfast dish of the wealthy and those hoping to appear wealthy. The truly wealthy would indulge in multi-course breakfasts prepared by an assemblage of servants.
Despite their newfound role in morning excess, eggs remained a frugal breakfast solution for those of any class. As an elegant yet affordable breakfast food, eggs continued to grow in popularity with thrifty housewives. Even after cereal made its debut as a convenient, prepackaged breakfast alternative, eggs remained a major player in breakfast lineups across the country.
After World War II, egg production became more and more mechanized and commercialized. In addition, diners began offering 24-hour breakfast menus featuring iconic egg dishes. This broader availability and accessibility of eggs led to significantly increased egg consumption among Americans.
Since claiming their spot as a chief breakfast food, eggs have sustained their fair share of bad press, including multiple debates over whether they positively or negatively impact your health. However, eggs have remained steadfast as an essential ingredient for a good morning. Whether you prefer a simple egg-and-bacon breakfast or a more complex quiche, eggs have solidified their spot as a star player on the breakfast menu.
BENEFITS OF EATING EGGS FOR BREAKFAST
Now that you’re an expert on the history of humans eating eggs for breakfast, here are some reasons you should start your day with eggs.
Eggs are nutritious
Eggs provide essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals. Regularly eating eggs can help you maintain a well-balanced diet.
Eggs can help with weight management
Eggs contain the highest-quality protein but not many calories, they can help you maintain a healthy weight. Some studies have shown that people who have eggs for breakfast may lose up to 65% more weight than those who break their fast with bagels.
Eggs raise good cholesterol levels
One study found that eating two eggs per day for six weeks upped HDL levels by 10%.
Eggs can help your memory
The choline found in eggs is an essential nutrient for brain development and function. Choline is a water-soluble vitamin that the body uses to build cell membranes and produce signaling molecules in the brain. In addition, choline may boost memory retention, recall capabilities and general alertness.
Eggs promote good eyesight
Egg yolks offer generous amounts of two antioxidants, leutin and zeaxanthin, that help protect your eyes from damage related to UV exposure.Â
Eggs are filling morning meal
Because eggs are an excellent protein source, having them for breakfast can help power you through your morning. As an exceptionally filling meal, eggs can help keep you feeling satisfied until lunchtime so you can focus on being productive, not your growling stomach. Whether you have scrambled eggs, an omelet, or some other egg-based dish, you’ll be glad you chose eggs for breakfast.
We are sure that after reading this, you would obviously want to pick some healthy beakfast for yourself and absolutely want to satisfy your taste buds with the best Egg dishes. Why not visit us today for the best nutritious breakfast options available in the Jinja City! For any queries or orders or table reservations, do give us a call or drop us a mail at:
+(256) 750 655 683
info@theyellowchilly.com.
Our best-in-class restaurant services offer a wide range of Breakfast item with the facility of dine-in and takeaway options.
Visit us with your loved ones, your family or friends at The Yellow Chilly Restaurant, Plot 54B, Kiira Road, Jinja, Uganda.
