When it comes to a protein-rich diet, eggs are often considered to be an ideal fit, which can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, and even dinner. But, have you ever thought of how much egg is food for you and are there any side effects of eating eggs too? Well, a recent report says that consuming a few eggs a week can increase chances of cancer by 19 percent. Shocked? Scroll down to find the details.
As per a news report published by Nutrition Facts website, the way you cook eggs decides the side effects of this protein-rich poultry source. An article published on the site states that eggs can be a source of carcinogenic chemicals that are formed during high temperature frying. It also states that boiled eggs are safer over fried eggs, which may double the risk of cancer. The same report also states that even just a few eggs a week may be associated with a 19 percent greater risk of colorectal cancer, but if you hit three or more eggs a week, the increased risk may be as high as 71 percent.

Egg and cancer
As per the video titled How Our Gut Bacteria Can Use Eggs to Accelerate Cancer by Nutrition Facts website, eggs are high in choline and this choline when interacts with gut bacteria, it is converted into trimethylamine (TMA), which, after being oxidized by our liver into trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO), which further promotes inflammation and results in cancer progression. It is said that TMAO levels may promote inflammation, oxidative stress, and tumor growth, potentially accelerating cancer progression, especially in colon and liver cancers. Another study conducted by the National Library of Medicine, titled Egg consumption and the risk of cancer: a multisite case-control study in Uruguay, where they conducted a case-control study of 11 cancer sites in Uruguay between 1996 and 2004, including 3,539 cancer cases and 2,032 hospital controls, they found an association between higher intake of eggs and increased risk of several cancers.

Should you stop eating eggs?
Well, as per experts, just like any other food, moderation is the key with eggs too. It is said that maintaining a balanced gut microbiome through probiotics, fiber-rich foods, and limiting processed foods can help regulate TMAO levels.
How much egg is good for the human body?
As per Harvard Medical School, one should not eat more than one or two whole eggs per week. reason is the high amount of cholesterol in egg yolks — approximately 200 milligrams (mg) per egg. The previous cholesterol guidelines recommended no more than 300 mg of dietary cholesterol per day. But, as per the latest update, eating up to seven eggs per week is safe. On the other hand, another school of thought says that there is no specific number of eggs that a person should eat as part of a healthy diet, it totally depends on the lifestyle and needs of an individual. Hence, it is always advisable that one should limit the eggs consumption only after consulting a certified medical practitioner or a nutritionist.

Other side effects of eating eggs daily
As per the same website, while dietary cholesterol of eggs have less impact on blood cholesterol for most people, those with heart disease, diabetes, or cholesterol sensitivity should limit intake of eggs. Overeating eggs may also contribute to weight gain if paired with high-calorie foods like butter or processed meats. Additionally, undercooked or raw eggs pose a risk of Salmonella infection. Some individuals may experience allergies or digestive discomfort, and may also develop the increased risk of diabetes.
Thumb and Embed Images Courtesy: istock