High cholesterol: how many eggs can you eat to keep your cholesterol normal?

0

Many people are taught that eggs are synonymous with high cholesterol, but is that really the case?

Eggs are naturally high in cholesterol, but the cholesterol in eggs does not appear to raise cholesterol levels the way other cholesterol-containing foods, such as trans fats and saturated fats, do.

Although some studies have found a link between egg consumption and heart disease, there may be other reasons for these findings, says a report from the Mayo Clinic (USA).

“Foods that people commonly eat with eggs, such as bacon, sausage and ham, may increase the risk of heart disease more than eggs do.”

Health experts advise consuming as little dietary cholesterol as possible. Aim to limit your intake to no more than 300 milligrams (mg) per day.

One large egg contains about 186 mg of cholesterol, which is found in the yolk. For those concerned about cholesterol levels and egg consumption, it is recommended to consume one egg yolk and the rest with the egg white to keep cholesterol levels healthy.

According to experts, it is much more important to limit the amount of saturated fat you consume.

“Too much saturated fat can raise your blood cholesterol levels. Most people can eat eggs as part of a healthy diet low in saturated fat. If you have high blood cholesterol, you should limit your cholesterol intake to about 300 mg per day.”