Do egg yolks raise cholesterol, heart attack risk? 2023

It’s general knowledge that eggs are a good source of protein and other nutrients, and they’re a regular part of the Indian diet. However, the idea that eating egg yolks is dangerous for your heart has been around for a long time.

The high cholesterol content of egg yolks has been linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke. Is that the case though? Here, we’ll separate fact from fiction about egg yolks and their effect on cardiovascular health.

The myth that eating egg yolks is harmful to your heart

There is a widespread misconception that eating egg yolks is harmful to your heart. There’s a common misconception that eating egg yolks will increase your risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke due to the cholesterol they contain.

However, the fact is that most people’s blood cholesterol levels are seldom affected by the amount of cholesterol they consume in their diet. Recent studies have revealed that eating up to one egg per day has no discernible effect on blood cholesterol levels or the risk of developing cardiovascular disease in the vast majority of persons.

Egg yolks are beneficial because they include choline, a vitamin necessary for proper brain and liver function, and other critical nutrients.

Vitamin D, found in abundance, helps maintain healthy bones and an effective immune system. with addition, eggs are a great way to get additional protein into your diet, which can aid with weight reduction and maintenance. Eating eggs for breakfast has been demonstrated in studies to help people control their hunger levels and consume less calories overall.

The cholesterol in one egg a day has been shown to be safe by several studies undertaken by the Harvard Medical School itself, which followed hundreds of thousands of patients over decades. Dietary saturated fat and trans fat, not dietary cholesterol, are the primary dietary factors that increase cholesterol production in the liver. In contrast, the saturated fat content of a big egg is just around 1.5 grams (g).

Studies have shown that eggs are an excellent source of several vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A, B, and D, as well as the antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin, which are beneficial to the eyes, and choline, which is beneficial to the brain and nerves.

In fact, there are 270 IU of vitamin A and 41 IU of vitamin D in only one big egg. According to Harvard Health Publishing, the caloric and protein content of a single big egg is around 6 g and 72 calories, respectively.

Egg yolks are bad for those with high cholesterol, right?

The belief that those with high cholesterol levels should avoid eating egg yolks is another frequent misconception. Cholesterol in the diet does not significantly affect blood cholesterol levels in most people, as we discussed before. New studies have also showed that persons with high cholesterol levels can safely eat up to one egg each day.

The truth is that those who suffer from high cholesterol should cut back on their consumption of saturated fat. Saturated fat contributes to elevated blood cholesterol levels and should be avoided at all costs if you suffer from high cholesterol. dishes like fried dishes, fatty meats, and processed foods are particularly rich in saturated fat.

You may enhance your heart health and reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke by eating a diet high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean meats while cutting back on saturated fat. It’s probably not the egg, but rather the rest of your breakfast. Butter, cheese, sausages, and muffins all contain saturated fat, which can significantly increase blood cholesterol levels.

Also contributing to the calorie count are the refined carbs found in items like breads, croissants, and potato wedges.

The egg-white health claim is a complete hoax.

There is also the fallacy that only eating egg whites is healthy since they contain less fat and cholesterol than entire eggs.

Egg whites are lower in fat and cholesterol than whole eggs, but they also lack several other important minerals including choline, vitamin D, and B vitamins.

Negative health effects from a diet consisting only of egg whites have been linked to nutritional deficits. Whole boiled eggs are a nutritious option for those who are trying to eat well.