Many prefer only egg whites to meet their daily protein requirement. However, in an Instagram video, cardiologist Dr Alok Chopra claimed that egg white is an “inflammatory protein. So if you eat it alone, it’s not good for you. It’s only when the egg is combined with the yolk that it becomes a whole food.”
Dr Nadendla Hazarathaiah, consultant surgical gastroenterologist, GI oncology, HPB and bariatric surgery, and advanced laparoscopic surgeon, disagreed with Dr Chopra and said that egg whites, on their own, are not generally considered inflammatory for most people. “They are a rich source of high-quality proteincontaining essential amino acids while being low in calories, cholesterol, and fat. This makes egg whites a popular choice in heart-healthy and weight management diets,” said Dr Hazarathaiah.
Dr Mahesh Gupta, senior consultant, gastroenterology, Dharamshila Narayana Hospital, too, stressed that egg whites are often praised as a lean source of protein. “For most individuals, egg whites are not inherently inflammatory and can be part of a healthy diet. They contain essential nutrients like riboflavin and selenium, which support various bodily functions,” said Dr Gupta.
Here’s what to consider (Source: Getty Images/Thinkstock)
However, for people with egg allergies or sensitivities, egg whites can indeed trigger an inflammatory response. According to Dr Hazarathaiah, egg whites contain proteins such as ovalbumin and ovomucoid, which can cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. “These proteins can cause allergic reactions in susceptible individuals, leading to symptoms like swelling, hives, or digestive issues. In such cases, consuming egg whites can lead to inflammation in the body,” said Dr. Gupta.
As pointed out by experts, inflammation may manifest as digestive issues, skin rashes, or respiratory symptoms. “Moreover, in autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, certain proteins in egg whites may potentially worsen inflammation, but this is more of an individualized response rather than a general rule,” said Dr. Hazarathaiah.
Outside of allergies, Dr Gupta said that there is “no substantial evidence” to suggest that egg whites are inherently inflammatory for the general population. “Their high-quality protein can be beneficial for muscle repair and overall health. As with any food, it’s important to listen to your body and consult a healthcare professional if you experience any adverse reactions after consuming egg whites,” said Dr Gupta.
For most people, though, egg whites are pretty harmless and are even advocated for in low-cholesterol diets, stressed Veena V, chief clinical dietician, Aster Whitefield Hospital, Bengaluru. “Egg yolks, on the other hand, are not quite easy for some people to consume because of the negative perception built around them. Cholesterol and arachidonic acid, which are members of omega-6 fatty acids, are what they contain. Although these constituents may have been the reason for the inflammation, in most cases, when consumed moderately, it does not cause chronic inflammation with the yolk,” said Veena.
Nutritionally, egg yolks also contain vitamins A, D, and E, which, despite constituting poor calories in egg yolk, are beneficial for health. Egg whites are water and some proteins, mainly albumin, which expedite the repair and growth of muscles, explained Veena. “There are several dietary proteins that have virtually no fat and carbohydrates content, and as such, it is suggested for most people who want to increase protein content with no additional calories or cholesterol,” said Veena.
For most people, the experts urged that egg whites are a healthy, anti-inflammatory food option. “If someone experiences symptoms after consuming egg whitesthey should consult with a healthcare provider to rule out allergies or sensitivities. Otherwise, egg whites can be a valuable addition to a balanced diet, providing protein without contributing to systemic inflammation,” said Dr. Hazarathaiah.
*DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.*