Eggs

Eggs are making a bit of a comeback! A recent Harvard research study has shown that moderate egg consumption, up to one a day, does not increase heart disease risk in healthy individuals. While it's true that egg yolks have a lot of cholesterol and, therefore may slightly affect blood cholesterol levels, eggs also contain nutrients that may help lower the risk for heart disease, including protein, vitamins B12 and D, riboflavin and folic acid. So, when eaten in moderation, eggs can be part of a healthy diet.

People with diabetes, should probably limit themselves to no more than two or three eggs a week, as the Nurses' Health Study found that for such individuals, an egg a day might increase the risk for heart disease. Similarly, people who have difficulty controlling their blood cholesterol may also want to be cautious about eating egg yolks and choose foods made with egg whites instead.

The protein in egg whites in particular is unsuitable for children under 12 months, so it is advisable to either avoid eggs or just use the egg yolk until the baby reaches this age.

Emma Buckley B.Sc