There is a popular myth about eggs that eating them daily causes high cholesterol.
However, a new study has debunked this myth, saying it may not be entirely accurate.
In fact, it could have the opposite effect, as experts at Harvard Health say: “Eggs may not contribute to high levels of LDL (“bad”) cholesterol as previously thought, according to a study published in the July issue of The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Instead, the amount of saturated fat in a person’s diet is a bigger health concern.”
As part of the study, 48 adults with high LDL levels were rotated through three different five-week diets.
- Diet A: High cholesterol/low saturated fat (including 2 eggs per day).
- Diet B: Low cholesterol/high saturated fat (no eggs).
- Diet C: High cholesterol/high saturated fat (including 1 egg per day).
In all groups, the increase in ‘bad’ cholesterol was significantly linked to saturated fat intake, and not to dietary cholesterol from eggs.
Participants who ate two eggs a day actually saw a drop in their LDL levels, provided the rest of their diet was low in saturated fat.
The study highlighted that LDL-raising fats are mainly found in foods such as beef, lamb, pork and processed meat. It was also said to be found in butter, cheese, ice cream and palm oil.
It also clarified that “cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains a leading cause of death. Although dietary cholesterol from eggs is the focus of dietary guidelines, recent evidence suggests that saturated fat has a greater impact on LDL cholesterol.”
