The Incredible, Edible Egg

High cholesterol causes cardiovascular disease. Eggs are high in cholesterol; a large egg contains about 210mg of the stuff, which is concentrated in the yolk. The American Heart Association has recommended that people limit their daily cholesterol consumption to less than 300mg to maintain heart health [1]. Thus, it would seem that we should eat fewer eggs, or at least fewer egg yolks, to prevent cardiovascular disease. Right? Two new reports call that conclusion, straightforward as it may seem, into question. One examined how the other nutrients present in egg yolks can actually protect against coronary artery disease [2]. The other is a meta-analysis of data gathered from seventeen discrete studies designed to determine if egg consumption is linked to a higher incidence of stroke or coronary heart disease [3]. Both studies concluded that eating whole eggs (as opposed to egg whites) is not bad for your heart. In fact, it’s probably good for you. In 2012, researchers from Maria Luz Fernandez’ laboratory in the Department of Nutritional Sciences at the University of Connecticut demonstrated that eating three whole eggs per day, so 534mg of cholesterol, for twelve weeks increased HDL levels in people who were overweight or already showing signs of metabolic syndrome when compared to HDL levels in similar people who ate only egg whites [4]. This three egg a day regimen was part of a high protein, low carbohydrate diet. HDLs, or high-density lipoproteins, are the p...
Source: Highlight HEALTH - Category: Medical Scientists Authors: Source Type: blogs