Why the humble egg holds the key to upping your protein game

From omelettes to egg mayo sandwiches, fried, poached, or scrambled, eggs are a staple in many kitchens across South Africa.

They're one of the easiest foods to ensure you're getting plenty of protein for your buck, and their versatility means you'll never be short of meal ideas, whether for breakfast, lunch or your evening meal.

Registered dietitian Dr Monique Piderit explains why eggs should be a consistent part of our diets.

"If nutrition had a superhero, it would be the mighty egg," she quips.

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They may be small, but they pack a real nutritional punch, says Piderit, adding that the protein helps stabilise blood sugar.

"From toddlers to tannies, eggs can support every life stage."

Piderit says the popularity of eggs is seeing something of a resurgence, largely thanks to their high protein content, and protein has become something of a buzzword in the wellness space lately.

The gym-goers love them, notes Piderit.

"When we say high-quality protein, what we mean is we're getting essential amino acids from the eggs; not all proteins are of high quality."

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And it's not just the gym bros and fit chicks who're enjoying the eggsellent benefits of eggs.

Because the protein in eggs can help repair muscle, women going through menopause should also add them to their daily diets, advises Piderit.

"We have a natural decline in muscle mass every decade over the age of 40, which means it's harder to maintain muscle. With training and good protein intake, you can actually mitigate that.'

To listen to Piderit in conversation with CapeTalk's Pippa Hudson, use the audio player below: