(malangkota.go.id) – Eggs as animal protein content can actually function to increase body immunity. Animal-based food ingredients such as milk, eggs, fish, and meat contain high protein and produce bioactive components to increase body immunity, which is known as Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA).
Lecturer of Animal Product Technology, Faculty of Animal Husbandry, Brawijaya University (Fapet UB), Dr. Ir. Manik Eirry Sawitri, MS, revealed that CLA is a fatty acid containing conjugated double bonds.
"The double bond on the C9 atom is cis and the C11 atom is trans, with the criteria of natural food, so it can be consumed as daily food and provides a positive role for health," said Manik, Wednesday (15/04/2020).
In the current limited family economic situation, according to him, eggs are the right priority alternative choice. Because the price is affordable compared to other animal protein sources.
Eggs contain water, carbohydrates, fat, protein, various vitamins and minerals, as well as trace elements others that function to synergize the body so that eggs are called wonderful food. In addition to being nutrient dense, these eggs also contain fat in the yolk, which is called High Density Lipoprotein (HDL), which has long been known as a good fatty acid. As well as Omega 3, Omega 6, even Omega 9 which accumulates in the yolk and can improve the immune response, "explained Manik.
He further said, various vitamins contained in eggs have various functions in supporting the improvement of the body's immune system, namely Vitamin A: able to maintain healthy skin and the immune system. By consuming two eggs per day can meet the needs of 14 percent of daily vitamin A.
Vitamin D in eggs, especially in the yolk, plays a role in the absorption of Calcium and Phosphorus, contributing to a healthy immune system and muscle function. Eating two eggs per day can meet 82 percent of the recommended intake of vitamin D, Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) which helps produce vitamin D.
"Vitamin B12 in eggs is needed by the body to form red blood cells (Hemoglobin), maintain the immune system and nerves and it must also be remembered that the body cannot synthesize vitamin B12 itself. Consuming two eggs a day can meet 15 percent of daily vitamin B12 needs," he explained.
Meanwhile, iron in eggs serves to carry oxygen to all body tissues and consumption of one egg is identical to 0,9 mg of iron. While the vitamin E content in eggs has antioxidant properties that can withstand free radical attacks, prevent certain Ca, and maintain heart health.
"In addition, it can also improve the immune system, reduce eye disorders and slow down cognitive decline due to age and aging, consuming two eggs is known to produce 20 percent of the daily vitamin E requirement," added Manik.
Folate in eggs produces new cells, forms healthy red blood cells, maintains immunity and consuming two eggs daily can meet 49 percent of folic acid needs.
Selenium in eggs prevents free radical damage or acts as an antioxidant, increases immunity, is found in small amounts in eggs. Consuming two eggs can meet 41 percent of selenium needs.
Although it is described that consuming two eggs a day is more appropriate for consumers of productive age or toddlers and toddlers in their growth period as well as for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers. "However, for the elderly, consuming three eggs a week is enough, because the bad effects of less friendly cholesterol always accompany," concluded Manik. (UB/say/yon)
