Full list* of press releases below. More information and press releases can also be found on our general BEIS web site at www.britegg.co.uk

12/04/01
Egg Yolks Protect The Eyes Of Older People

Potent nutrients found in egg yolks, known as carotenoids, could help to prevent or even reverse the age related eye problem ‘Macular Degeneration’ (MD), according to research emerging from Britain and the USA.

MD is one of the leading causes of blindness in the western world and occurs naturally as a consequence of the ageing process. However, research in this area suggests that this damage need not be an inevitable part of old age.

The macular portion of the eye is primarily made-up of powerful antioxidants, Lutein and Zeaxanthin. The disease MD occurs when the macular portion of the eye, which provides protection for the light sensitive retina, is destroyed. Research shows that by providing Lutein and Zeaxanthin in the diet, the density of the macular portion can be increased, thus affording increased protection for the eyes.

Consultant Nutritionist, Dr Juliet Gray said: ‘This is an exciting area of research. Lutein and Zeaxanthin are abundant in egg yolks and can offer real benefits, which means that eating eggs can help to provide protection for the eyes. And of course, the myths around the relationship between dietary cholesterol and cardiovascular disease have also now been dispelled. The restriction of foods containing cholesterol is no longer justified. This is especially true for foods such as eggs which, while containing dietary cholesterol, are low in saturated fat and therefore present little disease risk for most of the population who can happily eat an egg a day".

Just in time for Easter, this good news comes at a time when annual sales have increased for the first time in recent memory, following years of decline in the egg industry. It follows a year of good news stories for the egg industry, including the debunking of the eggs and cholesterol myth and the return of the Lion mark to eggs as a symbol of quality and food safety.

Andrew Parker, Chairman of the British Egg Industry Council said: "The rises that we’ve seen in the egg market over the past twelve months reflect a growing confidence in the market. With more information available on the positive health benefits, consumers now have even more reason to return to eggs, particular Lion Quality eggs that are now among the safest in the world".

For further information, please contact Cath MacDonald or Kevin Coles on 020 7370 7411

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