(BPT) – Many of us enjoy adding eggs to our daily diets, appreciating the fact that they’re nutritious, satisfying and delicious in a wide variety of sweet and savory dishes.

Still, some people may be missing out on the full nutritional value from their eggs by leaving the yolks out of their recipes and eating just the whites. Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Dalina Soto shares five health benefits of eating the entire egg, including the nutrient-rich yolk.

1. Support your eye health

Studies show that egg yolks allow your body to absorb lutein, which is essential in protecting against age-related eye diseases and promoting overall eye health. By adding the whole egg into your diet and making sure your body gets a healthy amount of lutein, you can lower your risk of not only age-related eye diseases but also heart disease and cancer.

2. Boost your body’s immunity

Vitamin D is a vital component in fighting off harmful bacteria we may encounter on a day-to-day basis. Making simple swaps in your diet to incorporate foods like eggs with high amounts of Vitamin D will ensure you prioritize overall wellness and build a strong immune system.

3. Provide a natural energy boost

When life gets busy and you’re constantly on the go, it is important to eat wholesome, nutritious foods that will provide a natural boost to keep you energized throughout the day. The whole egg contains Vitamin B12 to help maintain energy, which is necessary when you are incorporating exercise into your health routine as well.

4. Support lower blood cholesterol

While some people steer clear of egg yolks in fear of raising their cholesterol, eating the whole egg actually has benefits for your heart health. Specifically, Eggland’s Best eggs contain 25% less saturated fat compared to ordinary eggs, which can be added into any meal to promote a heart-healthy diet. In fact, Eggland’s Best eggs also contain six times more Vitamin D, more than double the Vitamin B12 and Omega-3s, ten times more Vitamin E and 38% more lutein compared to ordinary eggs.

5. Promote healthy skin

Having healthy skin isn’t just about the products you use or the amount of sleep you get. To achieve skin that glows from within, you must be mindful of the foods you’re putting into your body. Vitamin E, which is found in eggs, is known to help nourish and protect the skin against aging, inflammation and sun damage.

To take advantage of all the positive health effects of whole eggs, try this delicious, nutritious and hearty Springtime Casserole recipe. Perfect for breakfast, lunch or dinner, this eye-catching entrée for four is a wonderful option for vegetarian diets, is made with affordable ingredients and is easy to create in just 45 minutes.

Springtime Casserole

Ingredients:

1 dozen large Eggland’s Best eggs, beaten

2 cups fresh spinach

1 medium red onion, sliced

3 large white mushrooms, sliced

1 clove garlic, minced

Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation:

Sauté spinach, onion, mushrooms and garlic until spinach is wilted and onion is translucent.

In a greased 8 x 8 pan, combine that mixture with the beaten eggs and bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes or until firm. Can be served with salsa for extra color.