New research confirms that eating eggs boosts a healthy weight loss plan
PARK RIDGE, Ill., Aug. 5 /PRNewswire/ -- A study published online today in
the International Journal of Obesity shows that eating two eggs for breakfast,
as part of a reduced-calorie diet, helps overweight adults lose more weight
and feel more energetic than those who eat a bagel breakfast of equal
calories.(i) This study supports previous research, published in the Journal
of the American College of Nutrition, which showed that people who ate eggs
for breakfast felt more satisfied and ate fewer calories at the following
meal.(ii)
"People have a hard time adhering to diets and our research shows that
choosing eggs for breakfast can dramatically improve the success of a weight
loss plan," said Nikhil V. Dhurandhar, Ph.D., lead researcher and associate
professor in the laboratory of infection and obesity at Pennington Biomedical
Research Center, a campus of the Louisiana State University system.
"Apparently, the increased satiety and energy due to eggs helps people better
comply with a reduced-calorie diet."
Significant Weight Loss Related to Egg Breakfast
Compared to the subjects who ate a bagel breakfast, men and women who
consumed two eggs for breakfast as part of a reduced-calorie diet: -- lost
65 percent more weight
-- exhibited a 61 percent greater reduction in BMI
-- reported higher energy levels than their dieting counterparts who
consumed a bagel breakfast (i)
The egg and bagel breakfasts provided the same number of calories and had
identical weights (energy density), which is an important control factor in
satiety and weight loss studies. The researchers also found that blood lipids
were not impacted during the two month study. They found that blood levels of
HDL and LDL cholesterol, as well as triglycerides, did not vary compared to
baseline cholesterol blood levels in subjects who ate either the bagel or egg
breakfasts. These findings add to more than 30 years of research that
conclude that healthy adults can enjoy eggs without significantly impacting
their risk of heart disease.
New Emphasis on the Importance of High-Quality Protein
This study adds to the growing body of research which supports the
importance of high-quality protein in the diet. The American Journal of
Clinical Nutrition (AJCN) published a special issue in May 2008, which
contains nine articles that focus on the value of high-quality protein in the
American diet. A major finding was that not getting enough high-quality
protein may contribute to obesity, muscle wasting (loss) and increased risk of
chronic disease. (iii) , (iv)
Jump Start the Morning with Eggs
Jackie Newgent, registered dietitian and chef, stresses the importance of
obtaining adequate high-quality protein when advising consumers about weight
loss. "Eggs are a good source of all-natural, high-quality protein, so they
can help keep you satisfied longer, making it easier to resist tempting
snacks," said Newgent. "Nearly half of an egg's protein, and many of the
other nutrients, are found in the yolk, so make sure to eat the whole egg for
maximum benefits."
Newgent suggests these nutrition tips for a successful weight loss plan:
-- Manic Monday: Make a batch of hard-cooked eggs on Sunday, so you'll
have all-natural, high-quality protein meals for your on-the-go
schedule during the week. Plus, eggs are incredibly affordable. At an
average of $1.93 per dozen (or $0.16 per egg),(v) eggs are one of the
most affordable high-quality protein foods in the marketplace.
-- In-a-Minute Morning Meal: In less than 60 seconds, you can prepare an
egg breakfast to help jump start your day. Simply beat one whole egg
in a microwave-safe mug then cook in the microwave oven on high for 60
seconds. Slide the egg onto a whole grain English muffin. Add flavor
with a sprinkling of fresh herbs, salsa, or cheese. Serve fresh
seasonal fruit slices, like peaches in the summer, on the side for a
balanced meal.
For More Information
-- To receive an educational brochure on high-quality protein and for more
information on the benefits of eggs, visit the Egg Nutrition Center at
http://www.enc-online.org
-- Join the discussion on eggs and nutrition science on Dr. Donald J.
McNamara's blog, http://www.UnscramblingTheScience.com
-- For more protein-rich egg recipes and preparation tips, visit the
American Egg Board at http://www.incredibleegg.org
About the American Egg Board (AEB)
AEB is the U.S. egg producer's link to the consumer in communicating the
value of The incredible edible egg(TM) and is funded from a national
legislative checkoff on all egg production from companies with greater than
75,000 layers, in the continental United States. The board consists of 18
members and 18 alternates from all regions of the country who are appointed by
the Secretary of Agriculture. The AEB staff carries out the programs under
the board direction. AEB is located in Park Ridge, Ill. Visit
http://www.incredibleegg.org for more information.
About the Egg Nutrition Center (ENC)
The Egg Nutrition Center (ENC) is the health education and research center
of the American Egg Board. Established in 1979, ENC provides science-based
information to health promotion agencies, physicians, dietitians, nutritional
scientists, media and consumers on issues related to egg nutrition and the
role of eggs in the American diet. ENC is located in Washington, DC. Visit
http://www.enc-online.org for more information.
For more information, contact:
Egg Nutrition News Bureau
312-233-1211
info@eggnutrition.org
i. Vanderwal JS et al , et al. Egg breakfast enhances weight loss. Int J
of Obesity, published online on August 5, 2008.
ii. Vander Wal, JS, et al. Short term effect of eggs on satiety in
overweight and obese subjects. J Am Coll Nutr. 2005; 24(6): 510-515.
iii. Fulgoni, VL. Current protein intake in America: analysis of the
National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2003-2004. Am J
Clin Nutr. 2008; 87(suppl):1554S-7S.
iv. Layman DK, et al. Protein in optimal health: Heart disease and type 2
diabetes. Am J Clin Nutr. 2008;87(suppl):1571S-5S.
v. United States Agricultural Department, Economic Research Service,
July 16, 2008.
SOURCE American Egg Board
Egg Nutrition News Bureau of American Egg Board, +1-312-233-1211,
info@eggnutrition.org
