Are Eggs Good for Bodybuilding?

As any bodybuilder knows, protein is critical in the muscle-building process. Every tissue in the human body, including muscle tissue, consists of proteins that are constantly being broken down and need to be replaced. Eggs are one of the best sources of protein for bodybuilders; they contain all of the amino acids a bodybuilder needs to gain size and strength. In fact, the protein from eggs is even used in some types of protein powders.

woman bodybuilding in gym (Image: prudkov/iStock/Getty Images)

Protein

case of brown eggs (Image: SeanvanTonder/iStock/Getty Images)

There are two main types of proteins, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The first is called high-quality proteins, and this is the category eggs fall under. These are the most desirable proteins for bodybuilders, because they contain all 20 essential amino acids. Amino acids are the building blocks of protein. The second type of protein is called incomplete proteins, which simply means these proteins don't contain all 20 amino acids. Rice and beans fall within this category.

Egg Nutrition

one egg cooked sunny side up (Image: YelenaYemchuk/iStock/Getty Images)

A single large chicken egg contains many desirable nutrients a bodybuilder needs. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's nutrient database, each egg contains 6.28 grams of protein, 72 calories, 4.75 grams of total fat, and small amounts of vitamins and minerals. The protein helps to increase muscle size and minimize damage to muscle after a workout. It also contains a relatively high level of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids, which are desirable because they help control hormone regulation and cellular growth in the body.

Recommendation

hand holding one egg (Image: cmeder/iStock/Getty Images)

Eggs are a good source of protein, but there is no need to consume too many of them to build up muscle. The Better Health Channel explains that muscle is built up through exercise, not simply through protein intake. To maintain adequate protein stores within the body, BHC recommends eating a high quality protein with a carb soon after exercising.

Safety

skillet with scrambled eggs (Image: adrian825/iStock/Getty Images)

You must prepare eggs properly to avoid getting sick. If you eat raw eggs, it's possible you could get salmonella poisoning. You can avoid this danger by cooking the eggs, either by scrambling, boiling, frying, baking or steaming. It's also important to avoid consuming too many eggs each day. The fat and cholesterol content of eggs may be harmful when consumed in excess. Egg whites contain no saturated fat, while the egg yolk does. You can limit your saturated fat and dietary cholesterol intake by consuming more egg whites than egg yolks.