Glucose reaction to Scrambled Eggs/salt-cured bacon?

by Leo
(Managua,Nicaragua)

QUESTION: Dear Dr. Alba,

What would be the glucose reaction if I eat 2 scrambled eggs with 2 slices of salt-cured bacon and one slice of wholegrain toast?

I understand that the eggs being protein would slow down the digestion, but bacon being a processed meat would cause Insulin resistance?

Best regards,
Leo

ANSWER: Hello dear Sir/ Madam,

All the foods you mentioned (eggs, whole grain, and bacon) contain high amounts of proteins. But, the impact they have on the gastrointestinal tract and in the digestion are different for each of them.

More specifically, egg protein is considered the best form of natural protein. Most of the egg health beneficial protein are found within its whites (called albumen), and it has very little or no fats. Whereas egg yolk contains cholesterol. The egg proteins also contain amino acids which are required by our body for the maintenance of smooth muscle tissues and for an optimal growth of the body.

Egg proteins do not slow digestion, on the contrary, it has the best digestion rate. When eaten whole, it has a digestion rate of 100(the maximal rate) and when eaten scrambled, it has a digestion rate nearly 91. Egg protein does not affect on the insulin metabolism and does not cause insulin resistance.

Bacon, on the other hand, is not as beneficial for the health as an egg is. Being a fat- rich processed meat, it takes the longest time to work the way through the digestive system and, therefore, slows the digestion.

The general rule is that carbohydrates move quickly through the digestive system, proteins take a bit longer and fats spend the longest time to move through the digestive system.

Reliable studies have concluded that the intake of processed meat (bacon, sausages, salami, bologna etc) increase insulin resistance and the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Whole grains are rich fiber foods. The human gastrointestinal system is unable to digest fibers, and thus, their trek through stomach and intestines is slow.

Reliable studies have concluded that higher intake of whole grains was associated with increases in insulin sensitivity. This means that whole grains decrease the insulin resistance.

We do not encourage you to eat high amounts of bacon on any other processed meat. Keep in mind that a daily intake of 50 gram processed meat is associated with a 51% greater risk of developing insulin resistance and, therefore, type 2 diabetes.

Thank you for writing!
Dr.Alba