CLAIM:
Eggs do not increase body heat and can be safely consumed in summer. They are a nutritious source of protein and should not be avoided due to seasonal myths.
FACT:
Eating eggs in summer does not increase body heat or cause heat stroke. Experts say the belief that foods are “hot” or “cold” is cultural and not supported by modern science. While eggs slightly increase heat production during digestion, this effect is minimal and common to all protein-rich foods. Moderate consumption is safe for most people.
In a viral reel posted by Dr Ravi Malik, a Paediatrician who has over 2.69 lakh followers on Instagram, the doctor addresses a common seasonal belief that eggs should be avoided during summer because they “increase body heat.”
The video has garnered significant attention online, amassing over 6.96 lakh views, 10.1K likes, and nearly 4,940 shares, with many parents engaging in the debate.
In the reel, Dr Malik directly challenges the long-held myth. “Does egg increase body heat? Shouldn’t it be given in summer? This is a myth,” he says. He explains that eggs can be safely consumed in both summer and winter, adding, “Egg does not increase body heat at all. Whether it is summer or winter, we can give eggs.”
Highlighting the nutritional value of eggs, he describes them as “a very good source of proteins, vitamins and minerals,” emphasising that the quality of protein in eggs is “first class.” According to him, eggs are particularly important for children’s growth and overall development. “For the development of children’s body, eggs are a very necessary source of protein,” he states.
However, he also cautions parents about proper cooking methods. “While giving eggs, we should take care that it is not half-cooked,” he warns, explaining that undercooked eggs may lead to infections such as Salmonella. He advises that eggs should always be “fully boiled or fully cooked.”
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“Egg is a very nutritious diet. It should not be avoided in summer. We should leave old myths now,” he concluded.
Does eating eggs in summer increase body heat?
Dr Rajiv Kovil, Head of Diabetology and Weight Loss Expert at Zandra Healthcare, says the idea of foods being “Garam” (hot) or “Thanda” (cold) is largely cultural and not backed by modern science.
“In the traditional Indian mindset, even food and medicines are classified as hot and cold. But modern science doesn’t recognise such categories,” he explains.
Addressing the common belief around eggs in summer, he clarifies that there is no evidence linking eggs to increased body heat or heat stroke. “There is absolutely no data to suggest that eggs raise the body’s core temperature or cause heat stress in summer,” he states.
He explains that while protein-rich foods, including eggs, do cause a small increase in heat production in the body - a process known as diet-induced thermogenesis, the effect is minimal. “This minor thermogenic effect happens with any protein-rich food, not just eggs,” he adds.
Dr Kovil also points out that storage and cooking practices matter more than the season. Properly stored uncooked eggs are generally safe, but undercooked or improperly handled eggs can pose health risks. “If an egg is undercooked or contaminated, it can cause problems. That has nothing to do with summer heat,” he says.
He further describes eggs as one of the healthiest protein sources. “Egg is probably among the most nutritious foods, especially for vegetarians or eggitarians,” he notes.
“One or two eggs daily, including the yolk, is absolutely fine for most healthy individuals,” he suggested.
For people with high cholesterol, diabetes, heart disease, or elevated LDL levels, moderation is key. He suggests limiting intake to about five eggs per week. However, consuming only egg whites eliminates dietary cholesterol entirely.
He also cautions against oversimplified social media claims. “There was a trend suggesting eggs do not raise cholesterol at all. That’s not entirely correct,” he says. Cholesterol levels depend on multiple factors, including overall diet, genetics, liver function, and LDL receptor activity. “If you eat high-fat, energy-dense foods, your cholesterol will rise. Eggs alone are not the sole factor,” he explains.
This story is done in collaboration with First Check, which is the health journalism vertical of DataLEADS.
