TO BE EGGCENTRIC EGGCEPTED OR EGGNORED

Prone to being eggcentric?

The ongoing debate over the pros or cons of eggs has stumped both doctors and dieticians. Perhaps that’s why medical professionals take the safe route and ask you to cut your egg consumption down to three or less a week. For those of us who have grown up with the mandatory breakfast egg, it’s difficult to make the adjustment. Particularly as eggs are the most versatile of foods and can be prepared in a number of ways. Plus, they constitute what one might term economical protein. With the rising cost of other meats, eggs seem a healthy and cost effective source of protein and other nutrients.

You can’t eggnore the facts

The fact is, there is a new take on eggs every little while. The most daunting component of an egg is cholesterol. But consider this – one large egg yolk has 200 mg of cholesterol, making it one of the richest sources of dietary cholesterol (different from cholesterol in the blood). Apart from this, an egg contains additional nutrients that may help lower the risk of heart disease. The moderate amount of fat in an egg is around 5 grams, and this is largely monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fat. One medical professional opines,

“High levels of ‘bad’ cholesterol in the blood, which has been linked to heart disease, is still a health concern. What’s changed is that many researchers and physicians now believe that eating cholesterol-rich foods like eggs, may not affect the cholesterol in your blood.” If you have been diagnosed with Diabetes or a heart problem, however, then consult your Doctor about how many eggs per week you are allowed.

What’s eggceptable and what’s not

•          Some studies have found that up to one egg per day is not associated with increased heart disease risk in healthy individuals.

•          Recent research shows that, for most people, cholesterol in food like eggs, has a smaller effect on blood levels of total cholesterol and harmful LDL cholesterol than does the mix of fats in the diet.

•          If you need to control your total and LDL cholesterol, you need to be cautious about eating egg yolks, and only choose the egg whites.

•          If you’re keen on a healthy diet, reduce your intake of eggs and opt for plant-based proteins instead.

We may as well eggcept the inevitable - The debate is ongoing, which means there is nothing conclusive either with regard to the pros of eggs or cons. Perhaps it’s best to listen to your grandmother who has always advocated eating everything in moderation, while exercising daily; keeping stress levels down and taking time for some spiritually uplifting and mentally calming activity.