Don't Overdo It, 5 Side Effects of Eating Too Many Eggs

JAKARTA - Eggs are one of the most nutritious foods and are a favorite breakfast menu in various parts of the world. From boiled eggs, poached eggs, scrambled eggs, to omelets, this food is loved for its delicious taste and high protein content. Eggs also contain various vitamins and minerals that are good for the body.

However, even though it is healthy, excessive consumption of eggs can cause a number of side effects. Here are five effects you need to know so that you can consume it wisely, as reported by the Healthshots page.

1. Digestive Disorders

Eating too many eggs can cause digestive disorders in some people. Symptoms that often appear include abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, and stomach disorders.

People who have an intolerance to eggs are usually more prone to digestive problems. Moreover, in some cases, excessive consumption can trigger symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) such as diarrhea.

In addition, eating eggs along with other high-fat foods can also cause constipation. Therefore, it is important to limit the daily intake of eggs.

2. Allergic Reactions

Eggs are one of the foods that most often cause allergies. The allergic reaction can be mild to severe, to the point that in certain cases it can cause dangerous anaphylaxis.

Symptoms of allergies include itching, rash, swelling, eczema, digestive disorders, runny nose, red or watery eyes, shortness of breath, dizziness, to a tight chest. If you have ever had an allergic reaction after eating eggs, you should avoid this food and immediately consult a doctor.

3. Risk of Bacterial Infection

Raw or half-cooked eggs are at risk of containing Salmonella bacteria. This bacterial infection can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.

Transmission usually occurs from chickens or other birds, especially if eggs are not stored, handled, or cooked properly. To reduce the risk, it is best to use pasteurized eggs or make sure the eggs are cooked until they are completely cooked.

4. Increase Cholesterol Levels

Eggs contain quite a high amount of cholesterol, especially in the yolk. One large egg contains about 186 milligrams of cholesterol. Even so, some studies show that eggs tend to increase good cholesterol (HDL) more than bad cholesterol (LDL).

However, for people who already have high cholesterol levels, egg consumption should be limited. Meanwhile, people with normal cholesterol levels and no risk of heart disease are generally safe to consume eggs in reasonable amounts.

5. Increases the Risk of Diabetes

Eggs are rich in vitamins, minerals, essential amino acids, and biotin which play a role in insulin production. Moderate consumption can help keep blood sugar levels stable.

However, excessive consumption is associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes. A study published in the journal Diabetes Care found that men who ate seven or more eggs per week had a 58 percent higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes. While in women, the risk increased by 77 percent compared to those who did not eat eggs.

According to data from Harvard Medical School, healthy people generally do not experience problems if they consume up to seven eggs per week.

But for certain groups, the restrictions are tighter:

- People with high cholesterol: 2-3 eggs per week

- Heart disease sufferers: maximum 3-4 pieces per week

- Diabetes: maximum 5 eggs per week

The safe amount of egg consumption can be different for each person, depending on their health conditions. If you have certain diseases, you should consult a doctor to determine the appropriate consumption limit.

In the end, eggs are still a high-nutrient food. The key is not to overdo it and still maintain a balanced diet so that the benefits can be felt without posing health risks.