Are eggs good for people with diabetes?
Eggs are a low-carbohydrate food and have a very low glycemic index score. This makes them a good source of protein for people with diabetes. The American Diabetes Association state that eggs are a suitable food for people with diabetes. Having a low glycemic index score means that they have less of an effect on a person’s blood sugar levels.
People may be concerned about the cholesterol content in eggs. However, experts do not believe that eating eggs in moderation negatively affects cholesterol levels.
What is the link between diabetes and eggs? Diabetes can affect the balance of LDL (bad) and HDL (good) cholesterol in the body. Having diabetes can put person at an increased risk of heart disease. Some people are concerned that eating eggs may raise cholesterol levels, and that this could increase the risk of heart disease. The ADA recommends that people eat less than 300 milligrams of cholesterol per day.
Eggs are high in cholesterol with a large egg containing about 200 mg of cholesterol. However, research shows that cholesterol that is in foods has little effect on raining overall cholesterol levels in the body. Instead, the danger is consuming foods with saturated-fat content, which can lead to elevated cholesterol levels. These foods include cakes and cookies, bacon, candies, and processed snacks, for example.
What are the best foods for people with diabetes? A study from 2018 suggests that regularly eating eggs could improve fasting blood glucose in people with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes do not experience a negative change in lip profile after eating a high-egg diet. Eggs contain choline, which can boost mood and memory.
Eggs are a nutritionally “dense” food, which means that they are rich in nutrients but low in calories. High-protein foods, including eggs, can make a person feel fuller. His may help people with diabetes to maintain a healthy weight.
Eggs are a complete protein, meaning they contain all nine amino acids that the body cannot produce itself, and that people must obtain from their diet.
While most of the protein in an egg comes from the white, the yolk is packed with healthful fats, vitamins A, D, E, and K, and antioxidants, such as lutein. Eggs are also rich sources of vitamin B-12, and minerals, such as iron, copper, and zinc.
Yet another constituent of eggs is choline which is involved in body processes, such as memory and mood, and plays a crucial role during pregnancy in fetal brain development.
The most healthful way to cook eggs is to boil, poach, or scramble them with low-fat milk. If making fried eggs, people can switch the frying oil to one that is more heart-healthful, such as corn, canola, or olive oil.
People with diabetes can include eggs as part of a healthful diet. Research shows that eating eggs in moderation should not negatively affect a person’s risk of heart disease, and may improve fasting blood glucose levels.
Researchers have lined blood pressure and blood sugar to cholesterol, so it is important to pay attention to how the diet may affect these factors. Boiled, poached, or scrambled eggs are healthful options.
Regular doctor visits are a must to know your risk of each condition and to make changes to diet and lifestyle if necessary.