The researchers hypothesized that consuming eggs for breakfast would significantly lower hunger and energy intake throughout the day.

To judge this hypothesis, the researchers examined two typical American breakfasts --  an egg breakfast and a bagel breakfast -- and the participants' self-reported appetite ratings.

For this, 21 men, aged between 20 and 70 years, were recruited and asked to have two separate test breakfasts, in a random order separated by a week.

Fasting blood samples were drawn at baseline before the test breakfast and at 30, 60, 120 and 180 minutes after breakfast. After 180 minutes, the participants were given a buffet lunch and asked to eat until satisfied.

The researchers analysed plasma glucose, insulin and appetite hormones at each time point.

It was found that men who consumed an egg-based breakfast ate significantly fewer calories when offered an unlimited lunch buffet compared to when they ate a carbohydrate-rich bagel breakfast of equal calories.

In other words, a protein-rich breakfast helped keep hunger at day. Starting the day with a high-quality protein breakfast like eggs was found to be a great tool to promote long-lasting fullness and reduced calorie consumption.

The study supports previous research, which revealed that eating eggs for breakfast as part of a reduced-calorie diet helped overweight dieters lose 65% more weight and feel more energetic than dieters who ate a bagel breakfast of equal calories and volume.

From the June 21, 2010, Prepared Foods E-dition