Healthy Egg

There isn’t much scientific support for limitations on egg consumption. However, there are a number of excellent studies showing egg consumption is safe; in these studies, people were split into two groups: the first ate one to three whole eggs per day, the other group ate such things as egg substitutes. These studies show that in the egg-eating group in almost all cases, HDL (the “good”) cholesterol goes up; total and LDL cholesterol levels usually don’t change, but sometimes they increase slightly; and consumption of omega-3 enriched eggs can lower blood triglycerides, another important risk factor. Blood levels of carotenoid like lutein and zeaxanthin increase significantly. It appears that the respond to whole egg consumption also depends on the individual. In 70 percent of people, in has no effect on total or LDL cholesterol. However, in 30 percent of people (called “hyperresponders”), cholesterol numbers do go up slightly. However, the studies show that eggs change the LDL particles from small, dense LDL to large LDL. People who have predominantly large LDL particles have a lower risk of heart disease. So even if eggs cause mild increase in total and LDL cholesterol levels, this is not a cause for concern.

Source: Kris Gunnars in “Eggs and Cholesterol- How Many Eggs Can You Safely Eat?” www.authoritynutrition.com

Well Being Journal

PS Deerfield Farmers Market starts this Saturday and one of the merchant has excellent delicious organic eggs for sale. Support local farmers.