English
Eggs are versatile, a low-carb food, and a high protein source. Their GI score is very low. This makes them an excellent protein source for diabetic patients. The ADA considers eggs a superb option for diabetics. This is due to the fact that one large egg comprises around ½ grams of carbs. Hence, it is seen that they won’t elevate a person’s blood sugar.
Also, eggs contain high levels of cholesterol. One huge egg comprises about 200 mg of cholesterol. There is a debate going on whether or not this has a negative impact on the body. Regular cholesterol monitoring is a must for any diabetic. As diabetes is a major risk factor for heart problems.
Also, increased cholesterol levels in the blood may elevate the risk of developing cardiac issues. However, dietary consumption of carbs fails to exert an impact on blood levels. Thus, it’s vital for diabetics to understand and lessen other heart disorder risks.
Nutritional Value of Egg
Eggs are a nutrient-packed food product. This implies that they contain rich amounts of nutrients and lesser calories. The egg is an absolute protein. This means that eggs comprise all the 9 amino acids that the body fails to produce itself. Also, diet offers these amino acids to a person’s body. Protein-rich food items like eggs may make a person feel fuller. This might assist diabetics to maintain a healthy weight.
A huge poached egg delivers the following nutrients:
- 72 calories
- 6.25 grams of protein
- 4.74 grams of fat
- 0.35 gram of carbs
- no dietary fibre
Mostly, protein in an egg is available from the white part. Egg yolk packs vitamins A, E, K, D, B12, healthy fats, and antioxidants like lutein. Also, eggs pack minerals like zinc, iron, and copper. There is one more ingredient in eggs and that is choline. Choline is important for many body processes like mood and memory. Also, it plays a key role in the brain development of the fetus during pregnancy.
Diabetes and Eggs: Is Egg Good for Diabetic Patient
Diabetes may have an effect on the balance of HDL and LDL cholesterol in a person’s body. A person with diabetes is at a higher risk of cardiovascular problems. Few individuals are anxious that consuming eggs can elevate their cholesterol levels. In turn, increasing the risk of heart disorders.
The ADA propose that individuals must consume below 300 mg of cholesterol in a day. Eggs contain high cholesterol levels, with huge eggs comprising 200 mg of cholesterol.
The biggest risk is eating food products rich in saturated fat content. This may increase cholesterol levels. These foods can be:
- candies
- cookies and cakes
- bacon
- processed snacks.
A study also recommends that regular consumption of eggs may improve fasting glucose levels in prediabetic or type 2 diabetic patients. Also, the study suggests that consuming one egg daily may lower the risk of diabetes.
Also, the study recommends that prediabetics or type 2 diabetics fail to experience a negative variation in lipid profile following an egg-rich meal. Researchers advise that having a meal rich in eggs is healthy for diabetics.
Summary
Protein-rich eggs play a crucial role in maintaining blood glucose and diabetes management. One serving of two huge eggs consists of 13 grams of protein. This makes eggs an outstanding option to add in snacks and meals.
Benefits of Eggs For Diabetics
Eggs are a healthy protein source. Other nutrients present in eggs can be:
- Vitamins A, D
- Biotin
- Potassium
- Antioxidants
Together these nutrients help in:
- brain working
- improving vision
- improving the working of body organs like lungs and kidney
- boosting immunity
- defending the body against free radicals.
Also, eggs contain rich amounts of potassium. This mineral helps in promoting nerve and muscle health. Also, it aids in balancing the sodium levels in a person’s body and improving heart health. Eggs obtained from chickens contain high amounts of omega-3s. These are found to be beneficial fats for diabetic patients.
Eggs also contain other nutrients like lutein and choline. Lutein guards a person’s body against ailments, and choline works to improve brain health. Egg yolks comprise an important nutrient, biotin. It is vital for maintaining the health of skin, hair, and nails, and the production of insulin. Thus, eggs are versatile and people can make them in diverse ways to suit their tastes.
Summary
Generally, eggs constitute various health benefits for a person’s overall health. Also, eggs are beneficial for diabetes patients. Eating eggs in breakfast helps in controlling the blood sugars for diabetics all over the day. Eggs are very healthy and diabetics must eat them in moderation.
Cholesterol Concerns of Eggs For People With Diabetes
Eggs were once bad as they were thought to contain high cholesterol. They were not considered as a part of a healthy diet. Things have now changed.
The greater danger about the cholesterol levels is foods rich in saturated fats and trans fats. Still, eggs must not be eaten in excess if a person is diabetic. The recent suggestions propose that a diabetic patient must have just 200 mg of cholesterol per day.
For a person who is non-diabetic, he or she may eat up to 300 mg in a day. One huge egg contains approximately 186 mg of cholesterol. Studies propose that high levels of egg intake might elevate the risk of heart problems and type 2 diabetes. The link seems unclear, still researchers think that too much consumption of cholesterol (animal sources) might enhance those risks. And, as egg’s cholesterol is in its yolk, a person can have egg whites. Person must not worry about how they’re having an effect on his or her daily intake of cholesterol.
A number of restaurants provide egg white substitutes to whole eggs in their meals. Also, a person may purchase zero-cholesterol egg alternatives available in the stores prepared with egg whites. Remember, that the yolk is an exceptional home of important egg nutrients. Roughly, all the vitamin A in egg comes from the yolk. Similar is true for most of the omega-3s, choline, and calcium in an egg.
Also Read: C-Reactive Protein or CRP Normal Levels Chart For Adults
What is the Suggested Number of Eggs for a Type 2 Diabetic?
Latest studies have described that consuming up to 12 eggs per week has minimal effect on the levels of:
- fasting blood glucose
- cholesterol
- triglycerides
- insulin.
All such studies incorporate eggs as part of a healthy and nourishing diet. This diet packs all the fruits, veggies, healthy fats, whole grains, and lean protein.
Summary
The egg is an exceptional source of superior protein playing a useful role in controlling blood glucose for diabetics. People enjoy up to 12 eggs per week as part of a healthy diet. It contains veggies, whole grains, fruits, lean protein, and lesser of processed foods.
Breakfast Options Using Eggs For Diabetics
A diabetic patient must restrict his or her egg intake to three per week. If a person is only having egg whites, he or she may feel calm having more. It is important to be cautious about what a person consumes with eggs. One moderately healthy egg can turn unhealthy if frying is done in butter or unwholesome cooking oil is used.
One great option for having an egg is boiling it. A hard-boiled egg is a high-quality protein source for any diabetic person. The protein aids in keeping a person full without having an effect on their blood sugars. Protein helps in delaying the process of digestion. Also, it slows down glucose absorption. This is indeed useful for a diabetic.
Consumption of lean protein at each meal is a smart move for any diabetic. Just as a person knows about the glucose and carbs content in several foods, he or she must also take note of the saturated fats and cholesterol levels in foods. If that signifies substituting a few whole eggs for egg whites or tofu, well, this would just be an excellent way to enjoy protein. This allows a good reduction in a person’s health risks.
Summary
Diabetic people may add in eggs as a part of a diabetic-friendly, healthy diet. Studies propose that having eggs in limits must not have a negative impact on a person’s heart problem. Also, eggs in moderation might improve the levels of fasting blood sugar. For diabetics, poached, boiled, or scrambled eggs are healthy. Consistent physician consultations are important to understand a person’s risk of each condition. And, it is important to add in some changes to diet and lifestyle is essential.
FAQs:
What is the GI score of egg?
Similar to all pure protein sources, eggs too contain a GI value of 0. Also, eggs may improve a person’s satiation and lowers their cravings.
Why is it not safe to have excessive eggs?
Too many eggs intake relates to cardiovascular issues. It appears understandable, and it is: eggs contain rich cholesterol. Its high intake enhances heart problems and stroke, increasing the risk of mortality.
Do eggs elevate the levels of blood pressure?
Egg intake has no considerable effects on the systolic and diastolic blood pressure in adults.
Does insulin gets triggered by eggs?
Although high protein, no-carb food items such as eggs or meat have low GI, they measure high on the insulin index.
References:
- https://www.healthline.com/health/diabetes/eggs
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324522
Last Updated on by Dr. Damanjit Duggal
Disclaimer
This site provides educational content; however, it is not a substitute for professional medical guidance. Readers should consult their healthcare professional for personalised guidance. We work hard to provide accurate and helpful information. Your well-being is important to us, and we value your feedback. To learn more, visit our editorial policy page for details on our content guidelines and the content creation process.
