Eggs at breakfast may help in reducing overall daily caloric intake- study

12/01/06 Canada, Results of a recently-released study suggest that eggs, an excellent source of high-quality protein, may play an important role in promoting weight loss and satiety. The study, published in the latest issue of the Journal of the American College of Nutrition, found that eating 2 eggs for breakfast, instead of a small bagel, reduced hunger and caloric intake at lunch and over the next 24 hours.

Study participants received one of two breakfasts with the same caloric and weight value: the first group ate two scrambled eggs and two slices of toast with low-calorie jelly, while the second group ate a 3 1/2 inch bagel with cream cheese and a small container of fat-free yogurt. The results showed that the first group, who ate eggs, had an average 163 fewer calories at lunch that day. On average, over the following 24 hours, this group ate 418 fewer calories.

While previous research focused on the effects of protein-based breakfasts studied non-obese subjects, this study group consisted of 28 overweight and obese women with a BMI (Body Mass Index) of 25 or higher (the clinical marker for obesity). The researchers concluded that, "Eggs are an integral and established part of breakfast in numerous cultures and the satiating effect of eggs may be useful in reducing energy intake thereby promoting weight management." The researchers are now testing the long-term effects of egg breakfasts on weight loss.

The Canadian Egg Marketing Agency (CEMA) represents farmers producing eggs on Canada's 1,101 regulated egg farms located in each province and the Northwest Territories. CEMA is dedicated to providing fresh, nutritious, and high quality eggs at reasonable prices to all Canadians.

http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/January2006/11/c1200.html