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Researchers say eggs do not cause high cholesterol

Category: Heart Health and Cholesterol

Cholesterol tests may not be necessary for young people: Researchers at the University of Granada have determined that eating eggs does not cause high cholesterol in adolescents, despite the long-time belief that more than two eggs a week would increase levels.

"Health professionals traditionally insisted that eating eggs increased cholesterol levels, so in recent decades there has been a tendency to restrict intake championed by various public health organizations," said Alberto Maldonado, lead author of the study.

The study examined possible correlations between egg intake and the primary risk factors for heart disease, including high blood pressure, extra body fat, lipid profile and insulin resistance. The researchers also took into account how frequently the adolescents engaged in physical activity.

Adolescents from nine European countries were analyzed for the report, which found no link between eating more than a certain amount of eggs and higher serum cholesterol levels. Nor did they find a connection between egg consumption and a heightened risk of cardiovascular disease, regardless of how often the subjects took part in physical activity.

Maldonado noted that his team's findings confirmed recent studies conducted with healthy adults that imply that eating up to seven eggs every week is not correlated with an increased risk of heart disease. He also stated that further study was necessary to conclude similar results with higher amounts of eggs.

Eggs beneficial for heart disease prevention
The Harvard School of Public Health reported that while egg yolks do contain cholesterol, they also provide nutrients that could lower the risk of heart disease such as protein, vitamins B12 and D, folate and riboflavin. According to the source, research shows that fats have a much higher impact on blood cholesterol than does cholesterol in food. That said, those at a higher risk for dangerous levels of cholesterol, or those living with diabetes, may want to consider limiting the amount of yolks consumed. This research also cautions that eggs will only be beneficial in restrained quantities.

Cholesterol testing is available for those who are concerned about their health. Keeping bad cholesterol levels low helps to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease or stroke. Someone with particularly high serum cholesterol could be as much as twice as likely to have coronary heart disease.