EGGS ARE OK, NUTRITIONISTS SAY!

The reputation of eggs as a valuable food item has been in the doldrums for decades. Eggs were portrayed as the villains, purveyors of bad cholesterol, fats and toxins. Now they say all this is bunkum cooked up by pharmaceutical companies to promote sale of drugs produced by them for controlling cholesterol.

According to the latest research findings, if you eat eggs you will be healthier, your brain will function more efficiently and you will minimise chances of suffering from dementia. And if we avoid eggs, there will be more children with lower intelligence quotients and more patients with nerve and brain problems and disorders.

They say eggs contain essential amino acids, minerals and vitamins that are good for the brain and the nervous system. Choline and folate are essential components for normal functioning of cells, the nervous system, brain development and memory enhancement. Eggs will also protect your eyes from damage caused by ultraviolet light and reduce risk of cataracts.

The present medical opinion is that say eating an egg every day will quicken your mind and make you feel fresh. If you eat two eggs daily at every age that will be a good prophylactic against dementia. Dr. Sant Hathirat, a professor emeritus at Mahidol University points out that cholesterol is not as bad as previously through and that it is a fundamental element that the body needs to form cell membranes, manufacture certain hormones, produce vitamin D and insulate nerve fibris.

Doctors now advise that we eat eggs and maintain an active lifestyle.

[Based on article "Eat your eggs" in Bangkok Post of September 16,2002]