The fridge doesn’t feel complete when it isn’t stocked with at least a dozen eggs. I use them just about every day, whether it’s making these delicious on the go taco muffins or my quinoa egg scramble, there is always something I am using eggs for. But why eggs? What is their role nutritionally?
Egg Nutrition
One large egg has varying amounts of 13 essential vitamins and minerals, including choline plus the antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin, all for 70 calories. Eggs are one of the only foods that naturally has vitamin D (1 mcg or 41 IU per large egg), a nutrient of public health concern and critical for building strong bones. Protein: One large egg has 6 grams of high-quality protein (12% of the recommended Daily Value (DV) and all 9 essential amino acids. Nearly half of the egg’s protein is in the yolk, so eat the whole egg for all of the protein.
Eggs play an important role in just about all stages of life.
Pregnancy:
For women during pregnancy, choline is an important nutrient that helps the baby’s brain and spinal cord development. One large egg provides 150 mg of choline – all of which is found in the yolk. Another nutrient found in egg yolk is lutein. Lutein has long been associated with eye health but research has discovered lutein may play a role in cognition as well. So, both choline and lutein are found in eggs and are important nutrients for brain health!
Infancy:
Did you know … Eggs are a great complementary food for babies as it provides nutrients critical to infant brain development and has been linked with reduced risk of egg allergy? Based on recent research, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) now suggests the introduction of food allergens, like eggs, to an infant’s diet between 4 and 6 months of age as it lowers the child’s risk of developing an allergy to that food. Plus, the choline and lutein in eggs is important for brain development.
Kids & Teens:
Eggs are one of the ONLY foods that naturally have vitamin D (41IU), a nutrient, along with calcium, that is critical for building strong bones. And most of us know eating breakfast has been linked to better nutrient intake, so it’s great to keep eggs on hand for breakfast to shine throughout the day! Teens these days are spending a lot of time in front of screens using phones, computer, video games, etc. The antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin found in egg yolks can help protect eyes from blue light!
Adults:
Choline also supports health among adults. Wanting to learn more about eggs? Check out this informational video I made with the Egg Nutrition Center! Now that we know why eggs are so good for us, let’s talk about how easy it is to make these egg taco breakfast muffins! Follow my step by step photos above to see how simple it is to make. (makes 24 small muffins)
Step one: Crack your eggs in to a large bowl. Step two: Add in all the mix-ins! Cooked ground beef, bell peppers, jalapeños, tomatoes, cheese, black beans and cilantro. Step three: Whisk it up! Step 4: Place into a prepared cupcake tin. I like to use silicone cupcake liners, or you can spray with non-stick cooking spray. Step five: Bake ‘em! Step 6: Add your favorite taco toppings: sour cream, avocado, cilantro, hot sauce, etc.
These Taco Egg Breakfast Muffins are:
Packed with nutrition and flavor Are customizable. Example: add in red bell peppers instead of the green! Easy to make Fun for kids (and adults too!) Great for meal prep for on-the-go busy mornings Contain simple, fresh ingredients Are gluten free Can easily be made vegetarian (just ditch the ground beef!) Are great for a brunch or even a mid-afternoon snack Have plenty of protein to keep you satisfied
More easy breakfast recipes:
Cranberry Orange Breakfast Bread Quinoa Egg Breakfast Muffins Pumpkin Pie Overnight Oats Bacon, Basil, & Sun-Dried Tomato Egg Muffins Instant Pot Cinnamon Steel-Cut Oats
PIN THESE EGG TACO BREAKFAST MUFFINS FOR LATER!!
