In our faith, we are called to care for the bodies God has given us as temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19). This includes making thoughtful choices about what we eat, especially in a world filled with overly processed, nutrient-poor foods. Fortunately, God has provided us with simple, wholesome foods that nourish both body and soul. One such gift? The boiled egg.
For Catholics striving to live a balanced, intentional life—whether raising families, discerning vocations, or serving the Church—a boiled egg can be a small but powerful way to honor the gift of health.
Jeremy O’Neal, a board-certified specialist in obesity and weight management with the UI Health Bariatric Surgery Program, explains: “Boiled eggs are considered to be one of the healthiest kinds of eggs to eat.” Why? Because no extra oils or fats are added in the cooking process, making them an excellent source of essential nutrients without unnecessary additives.
How this fits a life of stewardship and virtue
A boiled egg is nutrient-dense and simple—qualities that reflect Catholic values of humility and stewardship. According to O’Neal, “One large boiled egg contains 72 calories, nearly 5 grams of fat and around 1.5 grams of saturated fat.” And beyond calories, God packed these little miracles with what we need: protein, antioxidants, B vitamins, vitamin A, iron, zinc, and choline.
Choline especially plays a vital role. O’Neal notes that it “supports the production of acetylcholine, which helps with muscular contractions.” And Dr. Amar Dave, a lifestyle medicine specialist with MedStar Health, adds that choline is essential “in promoting cognitive function in older adults” and “especially important during pregnancy.”
Just as we must feed our souls daily with prayer and the sacraments, we should feed our bodies with consistency. O’Neal tells us that one boiled egg has “around 6 to 7 grams of protein”—a valuable source of strength, especially for those whose lives demand endurance and resilience. The U.S. RDA recommends at least 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight, or more for those who are active or expecting.
What to keep in mind as faithful eaters
When it comes to incorporating eggs into a Catholic’s daily rhythm of life—perhaps alongside morning prayer or before heading to Mass—it’s good to know what moderation looks like. According to O’Neal, “for most people, it’s perfectly fine to eat two to three boiled eggs per day” within a balanced diet.
That diet, says Dr. Dave, should include a “wide variety of fruits, vegetables, grains, dairy (or soy), healthy oils and protein-rich foods.” Variety helps us honor God’s abundance without falling into dietary scrupulosity or imbalance.
Even for those with high cholesterol, the humble boiled egg may still be appropriate. Though one large egg contains about 200 milligrams of cholesterol, “the association between regular dietary cholesterol consumption, and then high (blood) cholesterol and coronary artery disease, has not been well proven,” according to Dave. In fact, a 2022 Nutrients review supports this nuanced view.
Instead, Catholics concerned about heart health should look more carefully at their intake of saturated fats from processed foods or red meats. If other parts of your diet are balanced, “boiled eggs could (in moderation) be a nutritious, protein-rich addition to your diet,” O’Neal affirms.
In conclusion
As Catholics, we are called to care for our whole selves—body and soul—as a form of gratitude and witness. Incorporating boiled eggs into a balanced diet is one small but significant way to do that.
This simple food—cheap, wholesome, and made without excess—is a beautiful reflection of the Gospel values we strive to live: simplicity, nourishment, and wise stewardship of what God has provided. So next time you boil an egg, give thanks—and eat with intention.
Wow what a great story! Our health and body is one of God’s most precious gifts! Eat a hard-boiled egg daily to get that valuable protein and nutrition we need. How simple! Thank you so much for the reminder.