Are eggs beneficial or harmful for those trying to prevent type 2 diabetes?
### Are Eggs Good or Bad for Preventing Type 2 Diabetes?
There has been a lot of debate about whether eggs are good or bad for people trying to prevent type 2 diabetes. Some past studies suggested that eating eggs could increase the risk of developing the disease. However, new research indicates that eating one egg a day is safe and does not appear to affect your chances of developing type 2 diabetes.
In a study published in December 2018 in the journal *Molecular Nutrition & Food Research*, researchers found that certain substances in the blood, known as metabolites, were linked with type 2 diabetes. Interestingly, these metabolites were found in people who ate fewer eggs but not in those who ate more eggs. The study involved people who consumed an average of one egg per day.
Dr. Jyrki K Virtanen, the lead author of the study, noted that previous research had mixed results regarding egg consumption and diabetes risk. His earlier study, published in May 2015, suggested that moderate egg consumption (one egg a day) might even lower the risk of type 2 diabetes.
Eggs have often been considered unhealthy due to their high cholesterol content. However, recent research shows that dietary cholesterol has a minor impact on blood cholesterol levels for most people. Eggs also contain essential nutrients like protein and vitamins A, E, D, and K, making them a nutritious food choice.
While some studies have shown conflicting results, the consensus is that moderate egg consumption is generally safe for people managing diabetes or prediabetes. However, excessive egg intake, such as eating two eggs a day, could contribute to heart disease due to the cholesterol and fat content. People with high blood cholesterol or existing diabetes might want to limit their egg intake to a few eggs per week.
In summary, eating one egg a day is unlikely to increase your risk of developing type 2 diabetes and can be part of a balanced diet. As always, it's essential to consider your overall diet and health condition when making dietary choices.