Eggs Improve Metabolic Syndrome, Boost Satiety

SAN DIEGONew studies presented at Experimental Biology 2012 this week reveal eating the incredible edible egg not only provides need nutrients to power through the day, but also may help increase satiety and help improve high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol in patients who suffer from metabolic syndrome.

A University of Connecticut study suggests eating eggs may have favorable effects on HDL metabolism in men and women with metabolic syndrome. Participants in the study followed a carbohydrate-restricted diet with some individuals eating three whole eggs per day and others eating an equivalent amount of egg substitute. After 12 weeks, the group eating whole eggs experienced an improvement in HDL measures showing significantly greater increases in the number and size of HDL particles. HDL or "good" cholesterol scavenges for fat throughout the bloodstream and returns it to the liver, making it less likely that fatty deposits will build up in the blood vessels and lead to atherosclerosis.

In a separate study, University of Missouri researchers found teen girls reported greater feelings of satiety and experienced improved hormone responses related to hunger and satiety after consuming a higher-protein breakfast, containing about 35 grams of protein from egg or beef-based foods. Teen girls who consumed a high-protein breakfast also ate fewer snacks, especially those higher in fat, later in the day.