Can tangyuan (glutinous rice balls) and eggs be eaten together?
May 29, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Shen Yonghua
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, glutinous rice balls (tangyuan) and eggs can be consumed together, but the quantity should be controlled. Glutinous rice balls are primarily made of glutinous rice flour and often contain fillings such as red bean paste, sesame seeds, or meat. Eggs are an important source of high-quality protein and also contain fats, vitamins, minerals, and bioactive components such as lecithin. Combining the two can help achieve a balanced nutrient intake, meeting the body's needs for various nutrients.
Generally speaking, glutinous rice balls (tangyuan) and eggs can be eaten together, but the quantity should be controlled. The specific analysis is as follows:
Glutinous rice balls are primarily made from glutinous rice flour and also contain fillings such as red bean paste, sesame seeds, and meat. Eggs are an important source of high-quality protein and also contain fat, vitamins, minerals, and bioactive components such as lecithin.
Glutinous rice balls have a high carbohydrate content, while eggs are rich in high-quality protein. Combining these two foods can lead to a more balanced nutrient intake, meeting the body's needs for various nutrients. Both glutinous rice balls and eggs provide a certain degree of satiety; when consumed together, they can reduce intake of other high-calorie foods, helping to control body weight.
Glutinous rice balls are considered high-calorie, high-carbohydrate food and are not easily digested. It is generally recommended to consume no more than 3-4 glutinous rice balls at a time. The primary cooking method for glutinous rice balls is boiling, which is relatively healthy. Eggs can be prepared in various ways, but to reduce fat intake, healthier cooking methods such as boiling or steaming are recommended, avoiding high-fat methods such as frying or sautéing.
Glutinous rice balls have a high glycemic index, which may cause a sharp increase in blood sugar levels after consumption for individuals with diabetes. Therefore, diabetic patients should strictly control the quantity consumed and closely monitor blood sugar level changes after eating glutinous rice balls.
