NEP paper warns against eggs and meat, but here’s what a nutritionist has to say

In a rather shocking development, the panel on National Education Policy (NEP) from Karnataka recently made a few recommendations to the government regarding the ‘ill-effects’ of eating eggs. The panel, in its position paper on ‘health and well-being’, claimed that it can lead to lifestyle disorders, including diabetes, early menarche, primary infertility among others.

The paper stated, “A carefully planned meal with recommended energy, moderately low fat, and zero trans-fat food is needed to address the over-nutrition. Hence, while planning mid-day meals, cholesterol-free, additives-free, such as eggs, flavoured milk, biscuits, should be forbidden to prevent obesity and hormonal imbalance caused by excess calorie and fat. Given the small body frame of Indians, any extra energy provided through cholesterol by regular consumption of egg and meat leads to lifestyle disorders,” the paper stated.

It added that disorders like diabetes, early menarche, primary infertility in India are on a rise and studies conducted across the countries claim that animal-based foods interfere with hormonal functions in humans. Hence, the gene-diet interactions indicate what is best for Indian ethnicity while keeping in mind the natural choice of the race.

The paper was published under the leadership of Dr K John Vijay Sagar, professor and head, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro-Sciences (NIMHANS).

However, Rashi Chahal, a renowned nutritionist, has said that paper cannot be trusted completely since it is not proven scientifically. “The claim that eating eggs or meat can primarily lead to diabetes or other lifestyle disorders cannot be valid as there is no scientific reason behind it. To counter it, I still find eggs to be an important part of one’s diet and should not be excluded from it. In terms of meat, we just need to be careful as a lot of countries are now processing meat by pushing steroids into the animals. But clearly, it is not universal that it should be avoided,” Chahal told Health Shots.

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Also, read: 5 facts about eggs to prove they’re the superfood you need

For the unversed, according to the National Family Health Survey-5, at least 35 percent of children under the age of five in Karnataka are stunted and the numbers are just one percent lower than the national average. Following that, the Karnataka government had announced to introduce eggs in mid-day meals in some districts despite facing criticism from different communities.

So, let us tell you the benefits of eggs and how it is a superfood:

1. Top of the class nutrition profile

Eggs contain essential nutrients and minerals such as vitamin D, omega-3 fatty acids, folate, riboflavin (Vitamin B2) apart from having selenium, vitamins A, E, B5, B12, as well as iron, iodine and phosphorus.

2. Supplements overall well-being and health

They provide us with very high-quality protein, which has all nine essential amino acids in the right amounts. They also help to increase levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL), also known commonly as “good cholesterol”.

Also read: 5 popular myths about eggs busted

3. Helps with weight management

They help you feel full by increasing levels of leptin, a hormone that makes you feel satisfied after eating, thereby enhancing energy levels.

4. Promotes hair health

Eggs is a protein-rich superfood which is beneficial not just to our bodily strength but also to our hair.

5. Improves skin health

Egg whites have huge benefits on the skin and help in tightening it, boosting its repair and removing excess oil and acne.