High consumption of eggs may cause brain cancer, expert warns

PUNCH

A nutritionist and dietician, Olusola Malomo, has warned Nigerians against high consumption of eggs, noting that it may increase the risk of having brain cancer and hypertension.

The expert explained that eggs are the main source of dietary cholesterol, advising that they must be consumed moderately.

According to him, one egg per day is recommended for children from six months to five years, stressing that people who are older and overweight should not eat more than three eggs in a week.

Falomo, who is an assistant Chief Dietitian at Ajeromi General Hospital, Ajegunle, in an exclusive interview with PUNCH Healthwise, added that individuals with a BMI of 25 and above should be cautious and embrace other protein alternatives.

He noted that when the elevation of cholesterol is not controlled, people can be predisposed to hypercholesterolemia and some other forms of cardiovascular diseases.

He said, “The standard recommendation is 3 eggs per week, our concern about excessive intake of eggs in Africa and indeed Nigeria is the elevation of cholesterol particularly the unhealthy one (LDL)lower density Lipoprotein. When uncontrolled, you can predispose to hypercholesterolemia, some other forms of cardiovascular diseases, aside from high blood pressure.

“Egg may not play a role in lowering blood sugar as it is not a carbohydrate-based food item.