How eating eggs can boost heart health (2024)

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How eating eggs can boost heart health? ›

Their analyses showed that individuals who ate a moderate amount of eggs had higher levels of a protein in their blood called apolipoprotein A1– a building-block of high-density lipoprotein (HDL), also known as 'good lipoprotein'.

Some studies show a connection between egg consumption and an elevated risk for heart disease. Other studies say eating eggs reduces the risk for some heart-related illnesses. “Context matters a lot when considering these studies,” Dr. Natarajan says.

The debate rages on whether the cholesterol in eggs, specifically in egg yolks, can raise the risk of heart disease or not. Some studies have found eggs may actually help protect the heart. But cardiologists are still careful about eating them. “I really don't recommend eggs at all,” Freeman says.

For most healthy adults, it's safe to eat 1–2 eggs a day depending on how much other cholesterol is in your diet. If you already have high cholesterol or other risk factors for heart disease, it may be best to eat no more than 4–5 eggs per week.

Eating one to three eggs per day can have several health benefits, but this varies from person to person. At this level of consumption, people can expect minimal changes in their cholesterol levels. It is unclear whether there is an upper limit on how many eggs a person can eat per day.

The 250 mg of cholesterol in egg WILL send cholesterol levels through the roof – so oatmeal is best.

For example, eggs typically are eaten with other foods high in salt, saturated fat and cholesterol, such as bacon, cheese and butter. These foods are known to increase heart disease risk and should be eaten sparingly. Most healthy people can eat up to seven eggs a week without affecting their heart health.

Some of our favorite heart-healthy breakfast ideas include avocado toast, oatmeal with nuts and berries, or a yogurt parfait. We recommend you limit the following from your breakfast: Sugars.

Eggs Help Boost Nutrient Intake for Healthy Aging

They also contain a significant amount of leucine, an amino acid that is important for ongoing muscle support, as well as other key nutrients including vitamin D and Omega-3 fatty acids, plus a little known nutrient, choline, which is important for brain function.

How many times a week should you eat eggs? ›

It will also help to try and have vegetables and low fat cheese with your eggs rather than bacon or sausage. So, enjoy eggs in your weekly diet, but like everything in life, moderation is key. If you are in general good health, seven eggs per week should be fine.

Last, in a meta-analysis of 28 RCTs, egg consumption increased total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c) and HDL-c levels but not the LDL-c/HDL-c ratio, TC:HDL-c ratio or triglyceride (TG) levels compared with low egg consumption diets (8).

In fact, some studies have found that even though consuming eggs on a daily basis may lead to marginal increases in LDL, it also increases HDL. This means that the total cholesterol to HDL ratio, an important predictor of heart disease, remains steady.

“Smoking is one of the most harmful things people can do to themselves,” Dr. Maniar says. Blood flow drops, slashing oxygen that fuels the heart, which compensates by spiking blood pressure, heart rate and rhythm, and can lead to hardened and narrowed arteries and blood clots causing cardiovascular disease.

Certain foods, including leafy greens, whole grains, and fatty fish, can benefit your heart health and lower your risk of heart disease.

Berries. Whether it's blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, or strawberries that you're drawn to most, all berries are heart-healthy fruit loaded with vitamin C and fiber. According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Eating a high-fiber diet can help lower cholesterol and your risk of heart disease.

Six eggs a day is a hell of a lot, no matter how you cut it. An egg has 187 mg of cholesterol, and the recommended limit is 300 mg per day—or only 200 mg if you have diabetes or risk factors for heart disease. “You can definitely go with with one egg a day,” says Maxine Smith, R.D., L.D.

Scrambled eggs, whole-grain toast, one cup of milk and sliced apples. Greek yogurt with whole-grain cereal and berries. Whole-grain toast with peanut butter or alternative, sliced apples, one cup of milk. Yogurt parfait with plain yogurt, ground flax seeds or muesli and fresh fruit.

While recent studies still don't offer a consistent answer, the average healthy person likely suffers no harm from eating up to seven eggs per week. In fact, eggs are a nutritious food. They are relatively low in calories and saturated fat, and rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals.