Do you consume eggs?

With increasing obesity and inactivity, fatty liver disease has become one of the most important challenges in public health. It is especially common among people with a sedentary lifestyle and a high-fat and high-calorie diet. If neglected, this disease can lead to more serious problems such as inflammation of the liver, cirrhosis and even liver failure. Meanwhile, the role of nutrition in the prevention and control of fatty liver is very vital. One of the widely used and popular food items in the daily diet is **eggs**. But for years, there have been different opinions about its consumption in people with fatty liver; Some consider it a rich source of protein and nutrients, while others warn against its consumption due to the presence of cholesterol in egg yolks. We will examine this issue further. What is fatty liver and what factors aggravate it? **Fatty liver or hepatic steatosis is a condition in which excess fat accumulates in the liver cells**. Normally, there is a small amount of fat in the liver, but when this amount exceeds about 5 to 10% of the liver's weight, a person has a fatty liver. Fatty liver is divided into two main types: **Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD):** which occurs in people without a history of alcohol consumption and has a higher prevalence. **Alcoholic fatty liver (AFLD):** which is caused by excessive alcohol consumption. This disease is usually asymptomatic in the early stages, but if it progresses, it can lead to inflammation, fibrosis, cirrhosis and even liver failure. ### Aggravating factors of fatty liver: 1. **Unhealthy diet:** High consumption of high-fat foods, fast foods, simple sugars and sweet drinks. 2. **Obesity and overweight:** especially accumulated fat in the abdominal area. 3. **Type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance:** These two factors are related to fat metabolism disorders. 4. High cholesterol and triglycerides: Disturbances in blood lipids increase the risk of developing the disease. 5. **Inactivity:** Insufficient physical activity plays an important role in the progression of the disease. 6. **Use of some drugs:** such as corticosteroids, some anti-cancer or anti-depressant drugs. 7. **Genetic factors and family history:** Some people have a more genetic basis for the disease. Knowing these factors can help prevent, control and even cure the disease. In the following, we will examine the role of certain foods such as eggs in the management of fatty liver. Is egg cholesterol harmful for fatty liver? **No, the cholesterol in eggs alone does not cause damage to fatty liver, especially if it is consumed in moderation**. New research shows that for most people, dietary cholesterol has no significant effect on blood cholesterol. In fact, eggs are a good source of choline, which is beneficial for liver health. Of course, people with advanced fatty liver or high blood fat should adjust its consumption with the doctor's opinion. How many eggs are allowed for people with fatty liver? The permissible amount of egg consumption for people with fatty liver depends on the severity of the disease, blood lipid status, and other metabolic conditions. In general, the recommendations are as follows: **mild to moderate fatty liver:** - Consuming **2 to 4 eggs per week** is allowed. - It is preferable to use boiled or cooked without oil. Egg yolk contains choline, which can be useful for liver function. **Severe fatty liver or with high cholesterol:** - The consumption of eggs should be limited to **1 egg per week or less** (in consultation with the doctor). - In this situation, ** consuming only egg white (without yolk)** is a healthy and safe option. Eggs do not cause problems for people with fatty liver if consumed correctly. It is better to use boiled or steamed instead of frying in oil or butter. This food should be included in a low-fat, low-sugar and high-fiber diet. Combining eggs with healthy fats such as olive oil or nuts, drinking enough water and having regular physical activity will help control fatty liver. The best methods of cooking eggs for fatty liver patients The way eggs are cooked has a big impact on liver health, especially in people with fatty liver who should avoid consuming unhealthy fats. Choosing the right cooking methods can prevent excess fat from entering the body and preserve the nutritional value of eggs. #### 1. **Boiler:** **Cooking eggs in boiling water is one of the healthiest methods, because it is done without the need for oil or butter and its nutrients are preserved.** #### 2. **Half-baked or honey:** In this method, eggs are prepared without oil and it is a suitable option for those who like softer texture. #### 3. **steamer:** Steaming, especially in the form of steamed omelets or steamed scrambled eggs, is a gentle and healthy way of cooking that doesn't add extra fat. #### 4. **Cooking in a non-stick pan without oil:** If you like omelette, using a non-stick pan and removing the oil or using very limited olive oil can be an acceptable option. #### 5. **Cooking in the microwave:** Using the microwave to prepare eggs (for example, omelets or scrambled eggs in a special container) is also a quick and fat-free method, provided the temperature is right. **Frying eggs in a lot of oil, butter or margarine** should be seriously avoided, because these saturated fats increase liver inflammation and the development of fatty liver disease. Is choline in eggs harmful to fatty liver? **No, the choline in eggs is not only not harmful for fatty liver, but it is beneficial in most cases.** Choline is an essential substance for the body that plays a key role in **metabolizing fats** and preventing **accumulation of fat in the liver**. Choline deficiency can cause or aggravate **non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)**. Egg yolk is one of the best food sources of choline. Therefore, a balanced consumption of eggs can help provide this substance and prevent the development of fatty liver. However, if a person has **high blood cholesterol** or **advanced fatty liver**, it is better to limit the consumption of yolk with the doctor's advice. In such cases, you can use **egg white** (without yolk), which is cholesterol-free but still a good source of protein. Summary Eggs, especially due to the presence of a substance called **choline**, can play a positive role in controlling and preventing fatty liver. Contrary to old belief, the cholesterol in egg yolks is not a problem for many people, especially if it is **balanced** and part of a healthy diet. It is very important to choose low-fat cooking methods such as boiling and avoiding frying. Finally, for people with fatty liver, **controlled consumption of eggs with the advice of a doctor** can be a beneficial part of the diet, not a risk factor. Finally, consumption of eggs for people with fatty liver is not only not harmful, but can also be beneficial if the balance and proper cooking method are followed. However, adjusting the dosage should be done based on the individual's condition and with the doctor's opinion