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5 side effects of eating too many eggs

Published on:20 August 2024, 06:00pm IST

While eggs are one of the most nutritious foods, they can lead to side effects if not eaten in moderation. Know the 5 side effects of eating too many eggs and how much you can eat to avoid complications.

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Eggs are healthy but can have side effects

Eggs are a staple breakfast food around the world! From poached to scrambled to a good old omelete, eggs are enjoyed for their versatility and rich taste. Plus, it is a protein-rich food that helps you morning be nutrition-filled and healthy. While they are healthy and delicious, eating too many eggs can lead to some serious side effects. Know the side effects of eggs to avoid any complications. Image courtesy: Adobe Stock

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Digestive issues

Consuming too many eggs can lead to digestive issues such as stomach pain in some people. Some people also experience indigestion, gas and bloating. People who are intolerant to eggs may experience more gastrointestinal problems so they should avoid eating too many eggs. You may also experience symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) such as diarrhea. Also, eating eggs along with other high-fat foods can trigger constipation, so limiting your intake is better. Image courtesy: Adobe Stock

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Allergies

Did you know eggs are one of the most common allergy-causing foods? It can cause allergic reactions, including severe anaphylaxis. If you experience any symptoms such as hives, swelling, rash, eczema, gastrointestinal symptoms, difficulty breathing, runny nose, red or watery eyes, nasal congestion, dizziness, or chest tightness, consult your doctor immediately. Avoid eggs if you have ever experienced allergies after eating eggs. Image courtesy: Adobe Stock

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Foodborne illnesses

Raw or undercooked eggs may carry the risk of salmonella infections which can cause symptoms including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain. This bacteria is commonly spread to eggs through chickens and other poultry. This is more common when the eggs are not handled, stored or cooked properly. So, use pasteurized eggs or make sure the eggs are cooked through to lower this risk. Image courtesy: Adobe Stock

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Increases cholesterol

Eggs contain dietary cholesterol, which can elevate high blood cholesterol levels in some people. One large egg is believed to have 186 milligrams of cholesterol, which is majorly found in the yolk. However, research has found that eggs do not increase LDL "bad" cholesterol so much but increase HDL "good" cholesterol more. So, a person with high cholesterol levels should avoid eating too many every day. However, a person with a healthy cholesterol level and not at risk of heart disease can eat eggs in moderation. Image courtesy: Adobe Stock

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Elevates diabetes risk

While eggs are a nutritious food that contains several vitamins, minerals and essential amino acids, they also contain biotin which is important for insulin production. Eating eggs in moderation may help manage your blood sugar levels but too much intake can increase your risk of developing diabetes. A study published in the journal Diabetes Care found that men who ate seven or more eggs per week were at a 58 percent higher risk of type 2 diabetes and women were at a 77 percent higher risk as compared to people who did not consume eggs. Image courtesy: Adobe Stock

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How many is too many eggs?

As per the data by Harvard Medical School, a healthy person suffers no harm if they eat up to seven eggs per week. However, some people should avoid eating too many eggs to avoid risks. People with high cholesterol levels should limit their intake to 2-3 eggs per week, people with heart conditions should not eat more than 3-4 eggs per week. People with diabetes should also limit their intake to 5 eggs per week. So, how many eggs you can eat depends on different factors. If you have an underlying disease, you should check with your doctor to avoid any complications. Image courtesy: Adobe Stock

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