Eggs do not constitute of purely good or bad cholesterol; however, when combined with heart disease, high cholesterol levels, diabetes and other cholesterol rich foods; eggs do have negative health impacts. Eggs are loved and eaten by non-vegetarians all over the world. Poultry eggs in particular are most widely consumed form of eggs. Eggs consumed in the form of cooked by the way of fried, boiled, steamed, and added to baked treats, confectionaries, pies and puddings. It is also fair to say that eggs are a rich yet cheap source of animal protein. For those who eat eggs; eggs are delicious in whatever way they are prepared for consumption; however, many individuals often ask the question “are eggs good or bad for cholesterol?” This article aims to answer this very common dietary query.
Nutritional Benefits of Eggs
There are many nutritional benefits to eating eggs. As mentioned before; eggs are an outstanding yet inexpensive source of animal protein. Eggs also happen to be rich in vitamin B2, selenium, vitamins B6 and B 12 and integral minerals, such as copper, zinc and iron. In spite of these nutritional benefits; many people have good reason to be concerned about the effects of eating eggs on body cholesterol levels.
Eggs Are Largely Safe When You Are Counting Cholesterol Content
Eating an egg a day is largely safe when you are counting the cholesterol content of eggs. Depending on an individual’s caloric level; experts recommend sticking to a daily limit of 100 to 300 mg of cholesterol intake. A whole egg is known to contain 186 mg of cholesterol, which is mostly safe for consumption with few exceptions. Various studies show that eating an egg a day and up to 7 eggs a week can have positive health benefits. A egg a day, every day of the week is known to prevent strokes in some cases, it does not come with a vulnerability for heart disease and one does get a daily dose of vitamin B2, selenium, vitamins B6 and B 12 and minerals, such as copper, zinc and iron. However, certain individuals stand to lose by adding an egg to their every day diet.
Exceptional Cases When The Eggs Are Bad For Your Cholesterol
Those afflicted by diabetes are at a greater risk of heart disease with regular egg consumption according to some studies. It must be noted that these studies are not conclusive; however, this is a dietary suggestion to keep in mind for diabetics. Individuals with a recorded medical history of high cholesterol levels should also exercise some restraint while eating eggs. Consumption should be substantially reduced and should be anywhere close to 7 eggs a week.
The Importance Of Other Food Along With Eggs
It is important to consider other foods that feature in your daily diet along with eggs. Often times; eggs are a breakfast food and are paired with white bread, sausages and butter. This type of egg breakfast definitely increases your cholesterol intake and you should consider healthier options instead of sausages, white bread and butter. If you are eating an egg for breakfast and fried chicken wings for dinner; you have probably exceeded your daily limit of cholesterol intake. Hence; it is important to be calculative about your cholesterol intake when planning your daily meals. Even if eggs are largely safe in terms of cholesterol intake; you are not doing yourself any favors by combining eggs with other cholesterol rich foods.
Enjoy the Egg Whites
If high cholesterol levels are a recurring health problem for you; you may not need to completely give up the nutritional benefits of eating eggs. Most of the minerals, vitamins and minerals in eggs are found in the egg whites. Additionally; most of the cholesterol content of eggs is limited to the yolk. Hence; you can safely eat the egg whites without fearing the cholesterol factor.
Conclusion
In conclusion; it is easy to see that eggs are not entirely bad for your cholesterol levels. By themselves they cause no harm with just 186 mg of cholesterol content wherein the excepted limit is 300 mg of cholesterol intake per day. However; when combined with high cholesterol levels, heart disease, and other cholesterol rich foods; eggs do make a negative contribution to your health. It also must be noted; cholesterol in itself is not always a bad thing and one should exercise more restraint while consuming fats or trans-fats. So watch what you fry your eggs with and bypass margarine or butter alongside eggs; when you are having your morning breakfast.
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