Research Points to Benefits of Eggs

US - This week at Experimental Biology (EB) 2013, scientists from around the world are gathering to share research on a variety of topics, including nutrition and health. Given the growing global burden of chronic disease, there is particular interest in the important role of diet and nutrition in overall health.
calendar icon 26 April 2013
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Several studies presented at the conference looked specifically at the role of whole egg consumption in high-risk groups, including those with metabolic syndrome and heart disease, as well as the satiating effects of high-protein breakfast consumption for overweight adolescents.

Evidence to support eggs as part of a heart-healthy diet

Research from Yale University explored the impact of daily whole egg consumption in men and women with coronary heart disease. The subjects were randomised to consume either two eggs, ½ cup of egg substitute or a high-carbohydrate breakfast for six weeks as part of their typical diet.

The subjects who ate either whole eggs or egg substitute did not experience any negative impact in total cholesterol, blood pressure, body weight or endothelial function. The researchers concluded that whole eggs can be a part of a heart healthy diet, even in those with existing coronary heart disease.

Subjects followed a carbohydrate-restricted diet, and consumed either three eggs per day or an equivalent amount of egg substitutes. After 12 weeks, subjects consuming whole eggs experienced improvements in HDL (good cholesterol) composition and ability to remove cholesterol from the blood.

High-protein breakfast results in decreased daily calorie intake

Researchers at University of Missouri presented data comparing the effects of a normal-protein cereal breakfast (15 per cent meal calories), high-protein egg and pork breakfast (40 per cent meal calories) and no breakfast on satiety in overweight/obese adolescents who normally skip breakfast.

No significant differences were seen in weight between groups; however, breakfast skippers were found to have significant increases in percent body fat mass compared to those who ate the normal and high protein breakfasts.

This study supports the benefits of a high protein breakfast as a weight management strategy among overweight and obese adolescents.

"This year's EB program showcased cutting-edge nutrition research with wide-reaching public health implications," says Mitch Kanter, PhD, Executive Director of the Egg Nutrition Center.

"Furthermore, many studies underscore a positive role for eggs in the current chronic disease challenges we face."

For more information about egg nutrition research and the benefits of egg consumption, click here.

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