HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Happy New Year from all of us at The Turnip Truck! We wish you all a very happy and healthy 2012!

 

INCREDIBLE, EDIBLE EGGS...

Eggs are an excellent source of protein- one egg white contains 5.5 grams of protein and about 70 calories. Their yolks contain vitamins A, E and K and also supply the body with iron. Eggs are also one of the richest sources of choline. Choline is an essential nutrient similar to the B vitamins. Although our bodies can produce some choline, research has shown that we cannot make enough so it is important to also get choline in our diet. Choline is particularly important for good brain function. Choline is an important molecule in a cellular process called methylation. Many important chemical events in the body are made possible by methylation. Choline is also a key component of acetylcholine which is the body's primary chemical means of sending messages between nerves and muscles. Choline has also been shown to protect the liver from certain types of damage, and can help reverse damage that has already occurred. Additionally, it may help lower cholesterol and homocysteine levels associated with cardiovascular disease, and may also help protect against some types of cancers. Iowa State University researchers have found that more than 90% of Americans are choline-deficient. Because choline is so necessary for brain and memory development in the fetus, The National Academy of Sciences recommends higher daily intake of choline for women who are pregnant and breastfeeding.

Eggs are also a good source of vitamin B12, which plays a key role in the normal functioning of the brain and nervous system, and vitamin D, which is important in bone strengthening and improving immunity. Also present in the nutrient content of eggs is sulfur which together with protein, helps in the promotion of healthy hair and skin. Eating eggs may help support healthy vision, as well. Research has shown that eggs contain very high amounts of lutein and carotenoid which are thought to help prevent age-related macular degeneration and cataracts.

Eggs are high in cholesterol but nutrition experts have now determined that people on a low-fat diet can eat one or two eggs a day without measurable changes in their blood cholesterol levels. What researchers have found is that saturated fat in the diet, not dietary cholesterol, is what influences blood cholesterol levels the most. The latest research suggests that eating whole eggs may actually result in significant improvement in one's blood lipids (cholesterol) profile- even in persons whose cholesterol levels rise when eating cholesterol-rich foods. Eating eggs may also help lower risk of a heart attack or stroke by helping to prevent blood clots.

The most important things to consider when eating eggs is where they came from- at The Turnip Truck, we have several varieties of eggs from local, organic, and free-roaming chickens- and how you prepare the eggs, paying close attention to your intake of saturated fat. Here are a few of our favorite egg recipes - some healthier than others - but we think you will find all to be quite delicious!

ALSO…
If you work out and you would like the benefits of egg proteins without actually eating eggs, our supplement department has a vanilla flavored egg protein by a company called, Biochem. This is an excellent ingredient for smoothies and energy shakes. Anyone in our supplement department can assist you with any questions you may have.

FEATURED BLOOMY RIND CHEESE
OF THE MONTH

In our quest to offer more of our region’s amazing artisan edibles, we have been partnering with the Bloomy Rind. Each month, The Turnip Truck features one Bloomy Rind cheese pick of the month. January’s pick is an amazing soft-ripened, ashed pyramid of goat cheese called ELLINGTON from Looking Glass Creamery, a small, family owned and operated creamery located in the mountains of Western North Carolina.

This delicate cheese ripens over a period of 3 to 4 weeks.  It reaches its peak flavor when it is 6 to 8 weeks old.  The curds are cut and drained into molds, hand salted, and turned every day as they age and develop. The interior is immaculate white wrapped in a pencil thin layer of ash that is then coated in a velvety white rind. Cooking Light Magazine named this cheese in their 2011 Taste Test Awards as some of the best cheese around. We feel so lucky to have it featured at The Turnip Truck this month. Come get some while you can!