A fitness enthusiast in Tokyo, Japan, recently put an extreme diet to the test, consuming nearly 1,000 eggs in a month to see if it could rival steroids in muscle-building.
Joseph Everett, who follows a general fitness routine, embarked on the challenge with the goal of measuring its impact on strength, weight gain, and overall health.
His daily intake of 30 eggs included omelettes, smoothies, and raw eggs with rice. In addition to lifting weights, he tracked his progress through blood tests and performance metrics in barbell lifts, squats, deadlifts, and bench presses.
The results? A remarkable 6kg increase in muscle mass and a 20kg improvement in his lifting capacity.
Despite the cholesterol concerns surrounding egg consumption, Everett’s blood tests showed minimal changes in “bad” cholesterol levels. Instead, his “good” cholesterol increased, helping to remove harmful fats from his bloodstream.
Even his triglyceride levels—linked to heart disease—dropped.
However, the diet wasn’t without its downsides. After consuming raw eggs for several days, he suffered digestive distress, which he later linked to trypsin inhibitors in uncooked egg whites. Once he switched back to cooked eggs, the symptoms disappeared.
Health experts acknowledge that eggs are a nutrient-dense food rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals. While Everett’s experiment was extreme, recent studies support moderate egg consumption as part of a balanced diet without negatively affecting heart health.
Though he remains unsure whether eggs can truly replace steroids, Everett admits he might try the diet again for future muscle gains.
For the average person, experts recommend a varied diet and healthy preparation methods—boiled over fried—to maximise benefits without excess saturated fat.
IOL Lifestyle