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Common breakfast staple can significantly improve your bone health, shows study
A recent study has revealed that a commonly consumed breakfast item is important to maintain good bone health.
A balanced diet improves not just your physical health. We told you about a super ‘brain food’ that can contribute to your mental well-being, too. And now, there’s a breakfast staple to keep your bones strong.
Study shows whole eggs keep your bones healthy
There are a lot of benefits associated with eggs and a new study shows it can significantly improve your bone health when consumed whole.
The recent publication on Food & Function shows the results of a study conducted on 19,208 people from the U.S. and egg consumption data obtained from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) over the last few years.
The research aimed to understand the link between eggs and bone mineral density (BMD), and found improved bone health in participants who ate whole eggs over 3.53 ounces per day in their diet.
At the end of the research, participants were found to have elevated BMD levels in the femur and lumbar spine.
In layman’s terms, “higher whole egg consumption is positively related to an increase in the BMD scores of both the femur and lumbar spine among the U.S. population,” as the study notes.
Similarly, studies from earlier linking eggs to bone health determined lower fracture risk among older people.
The link between eggs and sturdier bones
Eggs may not be rich in calcium and consist of a moderate amount of calcium, but they are said to activate a group of enzymes called alkaline phosphatase, which strengthen bones.
The author of the study, Weihong Chen, told Health: “Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) is a group of enzymes mainly existing in the liver, bones, kidneys, etc., which is a biomarker of bone metabolism and is not a part of the egg.”
The consumption of whole eggs could affect the production of ALP, which significantly affects the bone mineral density of both femur and lumbar spine,” she explained.
Furthermore, eggs are rich in Vitamin D, which is essential for absorbing calcium for stronger bones.
As for concerns about eggs being high in cholesterol, registered dietician nutritionist Kathryn Piper says, eating about two eggs a day is great for bone and heart health.
