Bodybuilder and fitness influencer Eddie Abbew has once again been going viral after revealing a ‘mistake’ that many make when it comes to their diets. Here’s what he does instead
A bodybuilder has shared the secret behind his muscly body – and it’s not consuming a load of protein shakes.
Eddie Abbew prefers to get his protein in a more natural way – so guzzles down at least 10 eggs per day. He was turned onto the food after being recommended them by the former British body building champion Johnny Fuller and has acted on the advice for nearly 40 years.
Now sharing his slightly bizarre daily diet to his more than 1.2 million followers Abbew has made a name for himself as an egg advocate. Taking to TikTok, he slammed those who rely on whey products instead of just eating eggs.
He said: “What I learnt about eggs is this, an egg is nutrient dense. It’s got every vitamin in there apart from vitamin C. Now in the fitness industry you get these buffoons who tell you about whey protein. Don’t eat whey protein eat eggs and meat.”
“Eggs are the best protein on the planet, your body can absorb it, your body can recognise it, whey is not food.” before telling his finds to “wake the f*** up” and eat more eggs.
Before you get the hot water on and boil a dozen for your dinner, some dieticians have warned of possible negative effects of excessive egg eating. A study by Northwestern University collected data from six US studies, and involving 29,615 people showed that people who eat more eggs have a higher risk of heart disease and death.
Commenting on the research Victoria Taylor, senior dietitian at the British Heart Foundation advocated for a more balanced approach: “There has been much debate about the role of eggs in relation to heart and circulatory disease. This study suggests that people who ate more eggs were at a greater risk of heart disease because of the cholesterol in them.
“However, this type of study can only show an association rather than cause and effect and more research is needed for us to understand the reasons behind this association. Eating healthily is all about balance. If you’re eating too much of one thing it leaves less room in the diet for other foods that may have more health benefit.”
How the egg is prepared is also said to have a big effect on its health benefits, adding: “Eggs are a nutritious food, while this study focuses on the amount that we’re eating it’s still important to pay attention to how the eggs are cooked and to the trimmings that come with them. For example, poached eggs on wholegrain toast is a much healthier meal than a traditional fry up.”
Abbew, unfazed by any criticism has continued to promote the benefits of egg eating and quickly dismissed any research surrounding potential negative impacts. Adding: “Please don’t worry about the cholesterol. We’ve been lied to about all the cholesterol in them. The cholesterol in the eggs is actually better for you.”
What does the NHS think?
The NHS promotes the inclusion of eggs as part of a wider diet and have stressed the importance of still eating plenty of fruit and vegetables alongside protein. A balanced diet includes:
- eat at least 5 portions of a variety of fruit and vegetables every day
- base meals on higher fibre starchy foods like potatoes, bread, rice or pasta
- have some dairy or dairy alternatives (such as soya drinks)
- eat some beans, pulses, fish, eggs, meat and other protein
- choose unsaturated oils and spreads, and eat them in small amounts
- drink plenty of fluids (at least 6 to 8 glasses a day)