How Many Eggs Can A Diabetic Eat Per Day?

Dr. Purushothaman
January 9, 2019

Eggs are an excellent breakfast option as it is loaded with proteins, carbohydrates, fat and it helps provide the body with the necessary energy in the morning. Most people also enjoy eggs as they taste amazing and are versatile and can be prepared in a number of ways. However, it is not sure of diabetics should have eggs on a daily basis and should they avoid high consumptions. The answer is both. Eggs have some good as well as bad health effect on a diabetic person. It is important to know both to include them in the diet, but ensure that one does not have a high quantity of them. Healthy habits are as important as a good diet.

Health benefits if egg for a diabetic patient

The health benefits of egg consumption are as follows:

  • Keeps craving under control- A diabetic patient may have multiple craving as that is what the diseases does to the body. These hunger pangs might lead to changes in diabetes level and cause harm to the patients. So, egg consumption good as they are a heavy food items and thus helps one keep full for longer. Leading a healthy lifestyle will always help any diabetic.
  • Protein source- Protein is important for diabetic people and it is clear that eggs contain high levels of protein. But, too much of protein can lead to weight gain and that is not good for a diabetic patient as an obese body is a host to diabetes and its highest levels. Obesity has a direct relation with diabetes and it is only better to keep weight in check.
  • Boosts glucose metabolism- The glucose metabolism rises with egg consumption and the diabetics can directly benefit from the good levels of metabolism.
  • High omega 3 content- Omega 3 is great for the diabetic as they are packed with good health benefits and might help in keeping diabetes under control.

Cons of eggs for a diabetic

  • Fat content- As stated earlier, egg yolks can lead to quick weight gain and that cannot work for a diabetic patient. Therefore, it is only better to avoid excess egg consumption and to consult a nutritionist if one really wants to have eggs.
  • Affects the blood cholesterol levels- While eggs help in raising the glucose metabolism, they also bring down the blood cholesterol levels in the body, any diabetic patient must not have very low blood cholesterol level as that will lead to an increase in the diabetes and make one feel more sick and a lack of energy.

People having diabetes need to consume eggs in a limited manner, mostly four eggs in a week. Eating egg whites would be fine, but care should be taken not to eat more. Eggs can be poached and consumed, as poached eggs do not have extra oil. When butter or oil is used to cook eggs, it becomes unhealthy. Hence consumption of eggs without fats should be preferred if you prefer to stay healthy and strong.
The egg has all the vital nutrients that are necessary for the body. It contains Vitamin A, calcium, choline and omega-3s.

Conclusion

It is safe to conclude that egg consumption in controlled portions is the safest thing for anyone who has type 2-diabetes. There is no need to omit the eggs from the diet completely, but it is not advisable to eat them every day. The best thing to do is to avoid the egg yolk and go for whites as the fats are extremely bad for a diabetic. A nutritionist will give good health tips that will help to keep diabetes under control.

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