Washington, Feb 5 (ANI): Here's a reason for egg lovers to savour their favourite food - a study has found that its key nutrients reduce the risk of neural tube birth defects and promote eye health.

There's been an ongoing debate over the health benefits of eggs, but the new study supports the beneficial role eggs play in a healthful diet.

The study suggests that eggs provide high-quality protein for growth, muscle strength and energy and promote weight.

Although the study has also found a link between egg intake and increased incidence of type 2 diabetes, further research is warranted to replicate the finding and to identify potential physiological mechanisms.

In the analysis, participants who reported frequent egg consumption also had higher BMIs, were older, more likely to smoke, reported greater consumption of alcohol, were more likely to have hypertension, and - for women - reported higher total calorie, saturated fat, trans fat and cholesterol intakes.

Therefore, it is important to consider that for the population included in the analysis, egg intake could simply have been associated with less healthful lifestyle behaviours overall.

"Healthy adults can continue to enjoy eggs as part of a healthful diet," said registered dietitian Marcia Greenblum, Director of Nutrition and Food Safety Education at the Egg Nutrition Center.

"Eggs provide many nutrients and make an important contribution to overall diet quality," she added. (ANI)