Dr.Gloria Folson, a nutrition specialist has stated that the consumption of eggs helps reduce the risk of strokes and type two diabetes.
Her comments are in response to the perception among some Ghanaians that eggs are not good for the body and that they increase cholesterol.
According to her “there was a research conducted in 2015 which showed that plant and egg protein intake were associated with a decreased risk of type 2 diabetes, so eggs are actually protective of type 2 diabetes. Eggs are a good addition to a healthy and balanced diet. Egg consumption may reduce risk for stroke and type 2 diabetes.”
Speaking at a media briefing on the nutritional benefits of egg consumption, Dr. Folson highlighted some of those benefits.
“All things in moderation, but a boiled egg is healthier than a fried egg. Eggs do not change levels of cholesterol in the way that people have been made to believe. Eggs are excellent source of choline which is very important for pregnant women for the development of their children through pregnancy and lactation.”
Meanwhile, the Ghana National Association of Poultry Famers bemoaned the low level of consumption of eggs by Ghanaians due to the perception that it raises cholesterol.
According to the Association, this somewhat has an effect on their business.
Also briefing the media on the nutritional benefits of eggs, Vice chairman for the Ghana National Association of Poultry Farmers, called on government to initiate policies aimed at increasing the consumption of eggs to boost the sector and thereby create more jobs.
“It hasn’t been that easy with us as players in the industry for the last 30 years. The eggs we produce per capita consumption is around 14 to 18 pieces per annum. A lot of this is owed to the myth and misconception by the people who live in the country, saying eggs produce cholesterol. We are not eating a lot of eggs, but a lot of people say they have cholesterol that’s why they are not eating eggs, so if you are not eating eggs which you perceive to be the source of cholesterol then how come you have it today.”
“So it’s not the egg that is creating the cholesterol in our bodies, there are other sources. We have been made aware that even the cholesterol from the egg is needed by the body. So if we should be able to improve upon egg consumption, the likelihood that we can help reduce the unemployment rate of this country is high. So we need a poultry policy, and we need the government to work with us as stakeholders to get the policies going.”
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By: Ann-Shirley Ziwu/citinewsroom.com/Ghana