A new study suggests that eggs may not only be an excellent course of protein but also may play an important role in promoting weight loss and the feeling of being full.

The research in a recent Journal of the American College of Nutrition found that eating two eggs for breakfast instead of a small bagel reduced hunger and caloric intake at lunch and during the next 24 hours.

Nutritionists at St. Louis University in Missouri, Wayne State University in Detroit, Mich., and the Rochester Center for Obesity Research and Treatment in Rochester Hills, Mich., came up with the conclusions after studying the short-term effects of eating eggs on 28 overweight and obese people feeling full.

Study participants received one of two breakfasts with the same caloric and weight value: the first group ate two scrambled eggs and two slices of toast with low-calorie jelly; the second group ate a three-and-a-half inch bagel with cream cheese and a small container of fat-free yogurt.

According to the results, the egg eaters averaged 163 fewer calories at lunch that day and 418 fewer calories throughout the day.

"Eggs are an integral and established part of breakfast in numerous cultures and the satiating effect of eggs may be useful in reducing energy intake thereby promoting weight management," the researchers said, in the study.

They are now studying the long-term effects of eating eggs on weight loss, as egg marketers cackle with joy.

"It only takes a couple of minutes to cook eggs in the microwave, making them a great weekday breakfast for people who don't have a lot of time to spare in the morning," said Kim Kesseler, a registered dietitian and nutrition officer with the Canadian Egg Marketing Agency, in a news release. "This is especially true when you consider that eggs are affordable and nutritious. A serving of two large eggs contains 12 grams of protein and 14 essential nutrients."