Health benefits of an egg a day

Sue Bedford (MSc Nutritional Therapy)

Is asparagus dipped in a runny boiled egg for you? Both asparagus and eggs are a great combo in any IVF diet plan as they are full of fertility friendly nutrients. Start your day off in a nutritious way and help to balance your blood sugar levels at the same time!

Keeping blood sugar under control is essential for optimizing the chances of pregnancy through fertility treatment (or naturally) as fluctuating blood sugar levels have a knock-on negative effect on many hormones associated with fertility such as insulin and progesterone. This then leads to imbalances. For example, in the case of Poly Cystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). Aim to eat some good quality protein with carbohydrate at each meal as this combination helps to reduce the ‘spiking’ of blood sugar levels.

Eggs are packed full of vital vitamins fat and are low in carbs. Infact they provide all vitamins, with the exception of vitamin C, as well as other minerals, and are a great source of high-quality protein, fat, and calories. Asparagus boasts an impressive nutrient profile – it is also low in calories too! Asparagus is particularly high in folate (Vitamin B9) which is important in the prevention of neural tube defects – vital prior to conception and onwards. Did you know that roughly 130g of asparagus provides half of your daily folate requirements and all of your vitamin K daily requirement?

Per person:

2 medium eggs

5 Asparagus spears

Parmesan shavings (optional)

Pepper to season (optional)

Very easy to make:

Place your eggs (kept at room temperature) into a pan containing cold water, bring to the boil. Gently boil for 3 minutes for a runny yolk! Remove from pan and place into egg cups. Meanwhile boil or steam the asparagus for a couple of minutes, drain and place around the eggs. Season with pepper and sprinkle over some parmesan shavings if you wish and enjoy! Happy dunking!