Eating Eggs Could Be a Death Sentence! Find Out Why Experts Are Sounding the Alarm!
Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance produced by the liver and plays a crucial role in building cell membranes and vitamin D in the body. However, cholesterol cannot travel through the body on its own because it does not dissolve in water. Therefore, it requires lipoproteins. Lipoproteins are particles that help transport cholesterol through the bloodstream.
There are two types of lipoproteins:
high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL). Ideally, you should have more HDL and less LDL in your body. High cholesterol in the blood is a condition where there is an excess of LDL. If your LDL is high and HDL is low, fat deposits can build up in your blood vessels. This makes it difficult for blood to flow through your arteries, potentially leading to health issues, especially in the heart and brain.
Your diet plays a significant role in your cholesterol levels.
Therefore, it is important to follow a diet and choose foods that do not raise your cholesterol levels. People with high cholesterol levels should pay close attention to their diet. Many people are confused about whether eggs are healthy for those with high cholesterol.
Junet Susan Monsy, a dietitian in the Clinical Nutrition Department at Amrita Hospital, Kochi, shed light on this. She stated, “Despite the significant amount of fat in eggs, they are a healthy food rich in protein, good quality fats, and minerals.
Eggs have a minimal impact on raising cholesterol, suggesting that their cholesterol content has a negligible effect on blood lipid profiles. Eggs provide essential nutrients, including protein, fats, vitamins, minerals, and bioactive compounds, which are influenced by factors such as stress, age, poultry diet, and environmental conditions.”
Egg consumption can increase both LDL (bad cholesterol) and HDL (good cholesterol) levels, but it maintains a balanced LDL: HDL ratio. The beneficial effects of HDL counteract the adverse effects of LDL. Therefore, it is considered safe for people with dyslipidemia to consume whole eggs three times a week and egg whites daily. Eggs also provide various vitamins and minerals, especially vitamin B12.
Speaking about whether eggs are beneficial for people with high cholesterol, Pratiksha Kadam, a dietitian at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Navi Mumbai, said, “Eggs, in moderation, can be part of a healthy diet, but excessive consumption can contribute to high cholesterol levels. Balancing enjoyment and health consciousness is crucial.”
As we enjoy various egg dishes, it’s important to be aware of their impact on our well-being.
Aparna Nemalikikanti, M.Sc Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics told MSN Health, “Egg yolk is rich in fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E, K, magnesium, potassium, iron, B12, folate, and protein. Egg whites are rich in albumin protein. People with diabetes and high cholesterol should replace saturated and unsaturated fats in their diet with one whole egg a day, which provides complete nutrition without raising cholesterol and sugar levels.”
B.Sc Srujana Gundu told MSN Health, “Eggs contain both protein and fat, and they are carbohydrate-free, making them suitable for diabetics, but they should not be consumed in excess. Boiled or baked eggs can be eaten. Cooking the protein part as an omelet does not distort it, but adding oil increases the total fat content. The cholesterol in eggs is concentrated in the yolk. People with high cholesterol levels are advised to consume egg whites, which contain protein. The yolk also contains other phospholipids beneficial to human health, and the general population does not need to avoid it.”
In Summary
Eggs are a nutritious food that can be part of a healthy diet. They contain both LDL (bad cholesterol) and HDL (good cholesterol), but they maintain a balanced LDL: HDL ratio. Eggs are rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals, especially vitamin B12. However, moderation is key to ensuring they are beneficial rather than harmful.
How Eggs Can Be Dangerous
- High Cholesterol Levels: For individuals with high cholesterol, consuming too many eggs, especially the yolks, can increase LDL levels, potentially leading to heart disease.
- Saturated Fat: Eggs contain saturated fat, which can contribute to higher cholesterol levels if consumed in excess.
- Allergies: Some people are allergic to eggs, which can cause severe reactions.
How Eggs Can Be Safer
- Moderation: Consuming eggs in moderation (e.g., three whole eggs per week) can provide essential nutrients without significantly impacting cholesterol levels.
- Egg Whites: For those with high cholesterol, eating egg whites instead of whole eggs can provide protein without the added cholesterol from the yolk.
- Nutrient-Rich: Eggs are a good source of vitamins A, D, E, K, magnesium, potassium, iron, B12, and folate, which are beneficial for overall health.
In summary, eggs can be a healthy addition to your diet if consumed in moderation, especially focusing on egg whites for those with high cholesterol. Always consult with a healthcare provider for personalized dietary advice.