Eggs are OK to eat again, and they may even prevent diabetes

Over the past decade or so, eggs have gotten a bad rap.

Once touted as a source of healthy protein, experts have since retracted that theory, calling them a no-no because of their high cholesterol content. But new research has shown that eggs may not be so bad after all--and they just might help prevent diabetes.

Published on Eurekalert, the study found that whole eggs helped to improve cholesterol in people who had metabolic syndrome--a disease that encompasses a variety of risk factors for things like diabetes and heart disease.

The study

The 12-week study included middle-aged men and women with metabolic syndrome. Some of the participants ate three whole eggs daily, while others ate the equivalent amount of an egg substitute every day. Besides this varying factor, both groups followed the same low-carb diet that focused on weight loss.

After three months, while all of the participants were found to have better lipid profiles, the group that ate eggs had a higher increase in HDL cholesterol--the "good" cholesterol--and greater reductions in the LDL/HDL cholesterol ratio than the other group.

"Eating egg yolks was actually associated with enhanced health benefits in these high-risk individuals," said Maria Luz Fernandez, lead study author.

Go organic

Experts note that the quality of eggs is an important factor, given that organic and free-range eggs have less cholesterol and fat. Combined with a healthy diet and an exercise program, eggs can provide the kind of healthy protein needed to assist at-risk individuals in losing weight and beating metabolic syndrome.

"Management of chronic disease takes a coordinated effort with diet and lifestyle," said Dr. Dixie Harms, a diabetes care specialist. "A balanced breakfast including high-quality protein plus regular physical activity can help put individuals on a path to a healthier lifestyle."

Source: Examiner