The richness of a velvety, just-cooked egg perched atop silky melted mozzarella, tangy sauce and a crisp crust is a luscious treat you can enjoy at any time of day.

Eggs are a staple in many kitchens, and are included in breakfast menus and other recipes. When you crack an egg, checking for shell remnants and discolorations helps protect you from illness due to contamination from improper handling or a spoiled egg.

A number of frosting recipes call for egg whites as a primary ingredient. Royal icing, for example, is a type of egg white frosting made from egg whites, powdered sugar and cream of tartar. It’s a stiff frosting that dries hard and is ideal for making designs on sugar cookies.

Eggs have a lot of protein, and while that protein is great for nourishing your body, the nutrients in eggs are also great for nourishing skin as well. To reap the benefits of egg whites, separate the whites from the yolks of two eggs and then whisk the whites until they are frothy.

Egg whites have long been used as a folk remedy for treating acne, although it has been passed down more by word of mouth than by scientific documentation.

Eggs do not cause any digestive problems for most adults, unless you have an underlying digestive condition. If you suffer from an egg allergy, egg intolerance or irritable bowel syndrome, you may not be able to consume eggs without developing adverse reactions.

Eggs make welcome additions to many balanced diets, providing several nutrients -- including minerals and vitamins -- that support your health. Their vitamin A, lutein and zeaxanthin contents nourish your eyes, while their beneficial zinc supports your immune system.

Eggs are highly nutritious and full of protein, vitamins and minerals your toddler needs to help her grow. In the past, however, parents have often been cautioned about feeding egg to a baby or toddler, and recommendations to avoid egg whites were common.

A pasture-raised egg has been laid by a chicken that has access to the outdoors where it can range freely, eating any of the grass, weeds, bugs or worms it finds.

Eggs provide a variety of benefits, but swallowing a raw egg might provide special boons for your health, as some nutrients can decrease when foods are cooked. Look to raw eggs for energy and improvements to sperm quality and fetal health, but understand the risks associated with eating them.

Some people such as weightlifters, athletes or people simply looking for extra energy, add protein to shakes and smoothies. One common approach is to mix raw eggs in with the drink. After all, eggs contain high levels of protein along with other valuable nutrients and vitamins.

Your body constantly breaks down and builds up nutrients into forms it can use. One example is tryptophan, an amino acid that your body needs to perform several essential functions. Tryptophan is found in a variety of foods including eggs.