London: We all know that egg is one of the
most nutrient-dense foods, but now a new study claims eating
one egg daily can help fight obesity.
The British study, which analysed 71 research papers on
the nutritional composition of eggs and their role in diet,
found that eggs are packed with vitamin D, vitamin B12,
selenium and choline that could also play a significant role
in dieting and weight loss.
According to the researchers, a medium-sized egg has
fewer than 80 calories and provides more than 20 per cent of
the recommended daily allowance.
Dr Carrie Ruxton, an independent dietitian and lead
author of the report, said: "There are clear nutritional
benefits to eating eggs on a regular basis. Emerging evidence
suggests that eggs may be beneficial for satiety, weight
control and eye health.
"With previous limits on egg consumption lifted, most
people would benefit from a return to the days of going to
work on an egg."
The study confirmed that eggs contain the richest mix of
essential amino acids -- crucial for children, adolescents and
young adults since a balance of them is required for proper
growth and repair, the Daily Mail reported.
It also claimed that the high levels of antioxidants
found in eggs could even help prevent age-related muscular
degeneration, a leading cause of blindness.
The research team highlighted data from studies in the
US which found that people who ate eggs had higher intakes of
nearly all nutrients compared with non-egg eaters.
Low levels of vitamin D have been linked with a host of
medical conditions including poor bone health, cancer, heart
disease, multiple sclerosis, immune disorders and mental
health problems.
The study, which will appear in the June issue of journal
Nutrition and Food Science, identified specific groups which
could benefit from eating more eggs, including the young,
heavy meat-eaters and those who shun milk.
Dr Ruxton added: "The health benefits of eggs would
appear to be so great that it`s perhaps no exaggeration to
call them a superfood -- they are one of the most
nutrient-dense foods available.
"Eggs are not only low in calories but are packed with
nutrients that are essential to healthy living. They are an
ideal food at every stage of life, as well as being easy to
cook and enjoyable to eat."
PTI