Among the many sources of nutrition to maintain a child’s health, eggs are one that should not be forgotten. Yes, eggs are a food source rich in protein and contain many essential nutrients for the body.
Eggs are packed with various nutrients, such as vitamins A, B2, B5, B6, B12, D, E, K, folic acid, calcium, selenium, phosphorus, and zinc. Eggs are also known as one of the sources of animal protein and healthy fats that are low in calories. There are even special types of eggs that contain omega-3, which can enhance a child’s brain development.
This food is indeed a favorite for many people. Eggs are easily available and very affordable. The ease of preparation and delicious taste are also reasons why people love this food, whether for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, including for children.
Its bright color and taste can make eggs a favorite food for little ones. Children generally love dishes made from eggs as part of their meals. However, it’s not uncommon for children to only want to eat eggs every day. So, how many servings of eggs should be given to children? And are there any health risks if they consume eggs daily?
Cholesterol Content
Eggs are known to be very beneficial for the body. Consuming one boiled egg can meet the vitamin and mineral needs of the body. However, among the many nutrients it contains, eggs also contain cholesterol and fat, which are quite high.
One egg contains 212 mg of cholesterol. This may seem like a large amount, especially for adults. However, this amount does not immediately cause an excess of cholesterol in the body of someone who consumes eggs.
High levels of bad cholesterol (LDL) generally occur due to genetic disorders or consuming too much high-cholesterol food. Therefore, in addition to giving eggs, Moms also need to limit the intake of foods that are high in cholesterol and saturated fats for little ones.
Is There a Risk of Children Eating Eggs Every Day?
Dr. Lucyana, stated that it is actually fine to give eggs as a daily food for children. However, Moms also need to balance this with other menu variations to avoid making the child bored and ensure they are getting nutrition from other food sources to meet their high-calorie needs.
“If the child likes to eat eggs, it’s fine to give them every day. But the risk is that the child may only want to eat eggs and refuse to eat other foods like fish or meat. So, as much as possible, Moms should balance the child’s daily meals with various menu options for other animal protein sources,” explained Dr. Lucy.
Regarding side effects, Dr. Lucy added that there are no health risks, such as the appearance of boils, if the child eats eggs every day. Allergy symptoms are usually related to the egg white, so Moms can still provide the egg yolk, which is safe for children to consume.
Moms can prepare eggs by boiling, frying, or cooking them with various vegetables to make soup. What’s important is to cook the eggs thoroughly to prevent the risk of Salmonella bacteria, which can cause health issues such as diarrhea and fever in children after consumption.
