Antioxidants in laying hen eggs

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The significance of dietary antioxidants in prevention of chronic diseases and/or promotion of general public health has been well documented in literature. Two aromatic amino acids, tyrosine and tryptophan, were recently characterized for the first time as the major antioxidants in egg yolk. The overall objective of the project is to further establish evidence that eggs are a rich source of antioxidants. In the project, a protocol for extraction and analysis of antioxidants in eggs will be established. Effect of cooking methods and mimic gastrointestinal digestion on the fate and antioxidant activity will be determined. As a protein rich food commodity, antioxidant amino acids and peptides may be generated during gastrointestinal digestion of cooked eggs and therefore further enhances the antioxidant activity of eggs. The Canadian egg industry contributes approximately $1.4 billion into the economy, but is vulnerable to shifts in consumer attitudes and perceptions about eggs. Consumption of cholesterol-rich foods such as eggs was once indicated as a possible causing factor for cardiovascular diseases; results from the project will establish evidence that eggs are an alternative source of dietary antioxidants that may have benefits for cardiovascular diseases. Results from the project therefore will have a significant impact on the current well-defined knowledge on egg nutrition and might even give rise to a paradigm change in the nutritional evaluation of eggs. Establishing evidence that eggs are a rich source of dietary antioxidants would reinforce the positive image of eggs and can also be used by the egg industry (e.g. Egg Farmers of Canada) to educate consumers about the health benefits of laying hen eggs, thus might promote the consumption of table eggs with far-reaching benefits for a sustainably growing Canadian egg industry. The proposed project will support a profitable and innovative Canadian egg industry that is able to seize any opportunity in responding to market demands and contributes to the health and wellbeing of Canadians.