Consuming this common breakfast food daily may decrease cholesterol levels
According to a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, consuming two eggs a day could help lower levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), often referred to as the 'bad' kind of cholesterol, which can clog arteries and raise your risk of heart disease and stroke [1][2][4].
The study, led by Professor Jon Buckley, found that diets high in cholesterol but low in saturated fat, such as the one including two eggs per day, can be beneficial for lowering LDL levels [1][3]. In contrast, other diets, which featured either one egg a week or none at all, actually increased LDL levels [2].
Professor Buckley's research indicates that dietary cholesterol intake, particularly from foods low in saturated fat, does not necessarily increase LDL cholesterol levels [1][4]. This contradicts previous beliefs that eggs, being high in cholesterol, inherently raise blood cholesterol and heart disease risk.
The study also noted shifts in LDL particle types with egg consumption, involving fewer large LDL particles and a slight increase in small dense LDL particles. While the implications of this require further research, it did not negate the overall LDL-lowering effect [3].
Moreover, the egg-rich diet studied by Professor Buckley also improved other blood lipids linked to heart health, although more research is needed to fully understand those changes [3].
Professor Buckley emphasized that the messaging about eggs and cholesterol needs updating since eggs do not increase LDL cholesterol when consumed as part of a diet low in saturated fat [1][4]. He stated that the current messaging may need to be clearer, as some are still recommending that people with elevated LDL avoid consuming eggs.
In summary, this recent research provides strong evidence that eating two eggs daily can reduce LDL cholesterol when the overall diet is low in saturated fat, challenging previous beliefs about eggs and cholesterol [1][2][4]. Professor Buckley had eggs for breakfast with no concern about raising his LDL cholesterol levels.
- Professor Buckley's research suggests that the consumption of two eggs a day, particularly as part of a diet low in saturated fat, could lower LDL cholesterol levels, which might reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.
- The study led by Professor Jon Buckley indicates that dietary cholesterol from foods low in saturated fat, such as two eggs per day, may not necessarily increase LDL cholesterol levels, contradicting previous beliefs.
- The health-and-wellness implications of the shift in LDL particle types with egg consumption require further scientific research.
- The recent research on diets high in cholesterol but low in saturated fat, such as one including two eggs per day, suggests that these diets may be beneficial for fitness-and-exercise enthusiasts seeking therapies-and-treatments that lower LDL cholesterol without negatively impacting their nutrition.
