Bord Bia today launched a national campaign aimed at raising awareness of the fact that ‘an egg a day is ok‘¹ as part of a healthy balanced diet. The launch coincides with World Egg Day which takes place tomorrow (Friday 12th October).
Recent scientific studies on the effect of eggs on blood cholesterol levels conclude that there is no evidence to show that eating eggs as part of a healthy balanced diet raises blood cholesterol levels and that a healthy adult can eat up to seven eggs a week.
Consultant nutritionist Paula Mee and TV Chef Louise Lennox teamed up with Bord Bia today to celebrate World Egg Day Day. “Many people will be surprised to learn that two thirds of the fat found in eggs is the healthy unsaturated kind. The main fat found in eggs is monounsaturated which has the capacity to lower LDL cholesterol (the bad type) and raise HDL cholesterol (the protective type). So those on a cholesterol lowering diet can still enjoy 4-6 eggs a week²” commented Paula Mee. “Eggs are high in protein and vitamins A, B, D and E and provide a good source of iron, zinc, selenium and phosphorus”.
For those interested in weight loss, research also indicates that increased protein and reduced carbohydrate intake can help stabilise blood sugar between meals and reduce snacking. Eggs are a very useful lower calorie food that provides large amounts of essential vitamins and minerals. Their protein content and lack of carbohydrates can keep weight conscience consumers satisfied and feeling fuller for longer between meals.
“Bord Bia want to inform consumers that a healthy individual can enjoy seven eggs a week or ‘an egg a day’ as part of a healthy balanced diet,” said Teresa Brophy, Ireland Market Manager, Bord Bia. “Eggs are simple to cook, healthy, versatile and also very cost effective. Results from a recent tracking study undertaken by Milward Brown IMS with 1,200 grocery shoppers nationwide indicate that 91% of consumers are eating eggs. However with the majority of these (51%) eating eggs 2-3 times per week, there is potential for shoppers to increase their egg consumption. Bord Bia has a wide range of recipe booklets providing quick and easy meal ideas for eggs that are available free of charge.”
Figures released by TNS Worldpanel Ireland in September 2007 estimate annual Irish retail sales of eggs at €63million. This represents an annual market value growth of over 11% and a volume growth of over 3%. Market growth is driven by a combination of more households buying eggs more frequently.