How unhealthy are egg yolks? Is it true that some people have more of a chance (due to genes) of producing more LDL cholesterol and [that] only these individuals should eat egg yolks in moderation?
-- Lori (last name unknown)
Via the blog
Egg yolks are branded with an undeserving "unhealthy" label that has proven hard to shake off.
It was formerly believed that high intakes of dietary cholesterol resulted in high blood cholesterol levels. We now know, however, that blood cholesterol levels are linked to intakes of of trans fats and most saturated fats.
It is true that some individuals have a genetic predisposition for high cholesterol. Consequently, they are recommended to limit their intake of whole eggs to three per week.
If, however, you do not fall into that category, you can safely eat one egg a day.
As far as I'm concerned, the average healthy individual should concern themselves much more with saturated fat than cholesterol.
After all, very low intakes of cholesterol simply mean your liver makes up for it by creating more.
As I pointed out during Season 4 of Bravo's reality competition show Top Chef, people often make significant nutrition mistakes when avoiding meats high in cholesterol. These meats are usually much LOWER in saturated fat and, therefore, a healthier option than varieties low in cholesterol but high in saturated fat!
Your average large egg provides 77 calories and only 1.5 grams of saturated fat. It also doesn't hurt that it's a good way to add riboflavin, B12, selenium, and biotin to your diet!
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment