Eggs have gotten a bad rap for being high in cholesterol. But can they be part of a heart healthy diet? Our Healthy Skeptic is on the case.
VIDEO TRANSCRIPT
For years, eggs were considered a dietary devil because the yolks are high in cholesterol, and too much cholesterol in our blood may increase the risk of heart disease. But now we sometimes hear eggs are a superfood.
So, what’s the truth? The answer coming up, on this episode of The Healthy Skeptic.
Long-term studies have found overall that eating up to seven eggs a week does not appear harmful for most people
So how can this be? It turns out that saturated fats in food have a much greater impact on most people’s cholesterol levels than cholesterol itself. And eggs are relatively low in saturated fat.
What’s more, when cholesterol from foods like eggs or shrimp does affect our bodies, it may raise hdl –the good cholesterol – along with the bad.
This helps offset any increased risk of heart disease.
Eggs are a good source of protein and several vitamins and minerals. They can be a healthful alternative to donuts, muffins, and sugary cereals… and keep you feeling full longer.
Still, if you eat lots of eggs, it’s a good idea to replace some of the yolks with egg whites or use egg substitute.
For most of us, the biggest problem with eggs is what accompanies them, like bacon and hash browns. By themselves, eggs are neither a villain nor a miracle food, but when eaten in moderation, can be part of a healthy breakfast. And those are the unscrambled facts.
For more on diet and nutrition claims, check out my book coffee is good for you, which reveals the truth about everything from red meat to red wine.
Helping you be a Healthy Skeptic, I’m Robert Davis.