Eggs: full of cholesterol + to be avoided or OK?

Over the last several years, I have tried not to eat too many eggs because of their cholesterol content. Sometimes, I would just eat the white since it is the yellow that contains the cholesterol. Has the current scientific assessment of eggs changed recently?

All information very welcome, and links to good sources also very welcome.

Mon. Dec 11, 8:06am

Eggs are healthy

But like any food should be eaten in moderation.
http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art1671.asp
http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=92
http://www.rockymountainnews.com/drmn/health/article/0,2777,DRMN_23956_5190122,00.html

Here are a few articles with info for you.

Monday, December 11, 2006, 8:20 AM

I remember reading somewhere that the main contributor to a raise in cholesterol is the intake of saturated & trans fats, not so much dietary cholesterol intake. I also remember reading that is considered "safe" to eat 1 egg/day. Sorry I don't remember source...prob fitness or Self mag? Suggestion: try mixing one egg w some egg substitute for your omelette or whatever...

Monday, December 11, 2006, 9:22 AM

I eat eggs on most weekends. I think they're healthy - they have a good balance of protein and fat and are filling. My big issue is how they're cooked. I'll either fry them in PAM or hard-boil them or poach them, I never cook them in oil or butter, as that adds even more calories/fat! And I don't make omelettes that are full of cheese either. If I have an omelette, it's just 2 eggs and a bunch of veggies or salsa. And if I need more quantity than 2 eggs, then I add egg white.

As for the 1 egg per day, I always thought that was an average. So, if I have 2 on Saturday, and 2 on Sunday, and none the rest of the week, then I'm having 4 a week, which is less than the "ok" 7.

But, I'm not a doctor, and I don't have high cholesterol, so take my advice with a grain of salt.

Monday, December 11, 2006, 1:39 PM

if you have high cholesterol, then i would talk to your doctor about how many eggs a week/month you are able to eat (i've heard the cholesterol in eggs is the kind that raises your good cholesterol, not the bad cholesterol). If your cholesterol is in acceptable/optimal limits, then eat eggs whenever you like in moderation!

Monday, December 11, 2006, 1:59 PM

I'm being lazy and not checking the articles that the first responder posted, but what I have read (from cardiologist who developed the South Beach Diet) is that the type of fat in egg yolks works to lower "bad" cholesterol and balances out the dietary cholesterol. He considers them neutral from that stand point.

All the same, whole eggs have lots more calories than egg whites, so, depending on what the rest of the meal looks like, I still sometimes opt for egg whiltes to limit calorie consumption.

Monday, December 11, 2006, 2:05 PM

I eat 2 eggs a day

And my cholesterol is well within the healthy range.

Monday, December 11, 2006, 2:31 PM

I eat 1 egg a day and my cholesterol is low. Eggs fill me up and keep me satisfied for long periods. I can have a poached egg on a high fiber WW eng muffin and be great til lunch or a bowl of cereal/oatmeal and a piece of fruit and be starved by 10:00 for the same calories. I really don't think I could have made the progress I have without my 'regular' breakfast every morning (breakfast used to be my worst meal).

Monday, December 11, 2006, 3:12 PM

OP here: thanks for the comments, information, and links. My cholesterol is usually 160-180, though the last time it was measured it had crept up to 200. I think I'll be adding a couple of additional eggs/week to my diet!

Monday, December 11, 2006, 3:32 PM

I've read in the NYTimes that a healthy individual with normal cholesterol levels and no comorbid factors (diabetes, high BP, etc.) can eat 1-2 eggs per day and still be a-ok.
I love eggs, they're so filling!

Tuesday, December 12, 2006, 11:18 AM

Who cares whether _I_ eat eggs?

Yeah, but the OP isn't asking what any of us w/ low cholesterol do. One's cholesterol level has a huge genetic component. Some of us (like me) could eat a dozen egg yolks a day, have sausage for lunch, watch TV for exercise, and still have low LDL cholesterol and triglycerides. Our experiences do not apply to the OP's situation!

I know someone with high cholesterol, and this is what her physician told her:
- no egg yolks
- eat oatmeal for breakfast
- emphasize a variety of vegetables and de-emphasize fatty meats, full-fat cheeses, etc.
- get a lot more exercise than you are getting
- restrict calories and lose weight

She has ignored the exercise and weight loss part but done well with the dietary part. It has brought her cholesterol down somewhat, but not as much as her physician would like.

Re what do do if you shouldn't have the yolks: I personally started eating egg whites rather than whole eggs for calorie control, and have been surprised at all the things I can do with them. I really thought I wouldn't like them, but I was SO wrong! And they are filling.

Tuesday, December 12, 2006, 1:39 PM

OP again: Obviously, everyone has to make their own decisions. The information about eggs has apparently changed fairly recently (this year or so) and I had not kept up-to-date.
Since joining PT I have lost 31 pounds, eat a well-balanced diet that includes LOTS of fresh veggies and 1-2 pieces of fruit/day, and exercise regularly. I have not had my cholesterol checked and I would be curious to see what it is now. Since at its highest, my cholesterol was measured at about 200 (maybe 202?), and I have no associated factors to worry about (high BP or diabetes), I'll probably feel comfortable now in increasing my eggs per week.
Thanks again. I hope this thread helps others, too.

Wednesday, December 13, 2006, 6:01 AM

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