Eat And Share An Egg For Nourishment

Recent studies have shown that egg contains Lutein and Zeaxanthin which lowers the risk of age-related eye diseases such as cataracts. Egg has been proven to reduce the risk of breast cancer by 40 per cent (www.international egg.com). Intake of high protein and low carbohydrate meals stabilises blood sugar, leading to reduced snacking in-between meals.

What a Scientific way to lose weight! Eggs can be eaten any time of day. It is very important in the diet of women - particularly pregnant women and children - and recommended by the Ghana Health Services and the Council for

Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) as a means of decreasing protein-malnutrition.

The CSIR-Animal Research Institute continues to generate technologies needed by farmers to increase local production and make eggs readily available and affordable for all.

Did you know that the World Egg Day is celebrated every year on the second Friday in October. On World Egg Day, events are held across the world celebrating the egg.

The first World Egg Day was celebrated in 1996 and since then a variety of wonderful events have taken place internationally, with people enjoying and celebrating the wonderful versatility of the egg. There is so much to celebrate – Eggs play a vital role in feeding people around the world, in both developed and developing countries. They are an excellent, affordable source of high quality protein, with the potential to feed the world.

This year, the 17th celebration of World Egg Day fell on October 12. As we join the world to celebrate this day, we honour and appreciate all the efforts that poultry farmers are making towards improved nutrition and food security in Ghana. We also salute the numerous private organisations and researchers who are contributing towards the achievement of these goals.

There is also the need to organise events for school and pre-school children and encourage children to have fun with eggs, while teaching them about the nutritional benefits.

School/community cooking competitions could be organised to reward those who can create the best recipe incorporating eggs, or cook the tastiest dish.

By: Matilda Ayim-Akonor

The writer is with the CSIR-Animal Research Institute