Eggs are a rich source of nutrients including high-quality protein equally distributed between the white and the yolk. The perception that egg yolks contain dietary cholesterol has either limited egg consumption or resulted in a selective preference for egg whites when most of the nutrients and other beneficial components are located in the yolk. The egg yolk contains the carotenoids, lutein, and zeaxanthin, and is a good source of choline and fat-soluble vitamins, selenium, and iron. This article will discuss the nutrients in eggs and the presence of other egg components with beneficial effects that go beyond meeting basic nutritional needs by protecting against chronic disease.