Since long, there is a myth that cholesterol in egg could cause heart diseases or can be bad for the heart. Well, in real, from what we know now, the bottomline is that for most people, one egg in a day does not increase the risk of a heart stroke, heart attack, or any other type of cardiovascular disease. However, there are risks if you have diabetes, then consuming more than 3 eggs in a week, could increase the risk for heart disease if you are also a smoker or already have a heart disease.
Cholesterol In Egg & Heart Health
Earlier, we knew that the yolk of the egg contain lots of cholesterol, and we knew that high levels of bad cholesterol or LDL in the blood increases the risk of cardiobascular disease. So, it was logical to think and avoid cholesterol in the diet.
However, research has shown that most of the cholesterol in our body is made by our lives and it does not come from the diet we eat. Our liver is stimulated to make cholesterol, mainly by saturated and transfats present in the diet and not dietary cholesterol. A large egg has very small amount of saturated fat roughly around 1 g.
Moreover, research has proven that eggs has in it many healthy ingredients like Zeaxanthin and lutein which are very beneficial for the eyes. It also has Cholin, which keeps the brain and nerves healthy. Eggs also have vitamins like vitamin B, D, and A aside from proteins and minimum amount of calories.
Many studies were conducted that explained that eating one egg in a day is absolutely safe for the heart health. However, it surely matters significantly, what you eat along with eggs. The saturated fat in cheese, butter, sausage, bacon, muffins or scones, for examples, increase your blood cholesterol much more that the cholesterol from the egg. Apart from this, the refined carbohydrates which is bad for the body that is present in pastries, home fries, and toasts which increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular ailments.
Now, that we know that the cholesterol in the egg is not bad for heart health, and we can take one egg everyday without worrying about the heart. Eliminating egg from the diet completely is not a necessity if you are worried about your cholesterol levels. Rather not eating eggs eliminates a good source of good protein and many minerals and vitamins. Also precious antioxidants are also removed when you do not eat an egg.
NOTE: Keep it noted that in case you have diabetes, or any of the heart disease, you must consult your doctor who may advise you to limit dietary cholesterol. It is good to follow your doctor’s advise, in this case.
