Effects of Eggs on Blood Lipids: A New Look at the Evidence (2024)

A new meta-analysis helps clear up conflicting trial data and supports what we know about eggs and serum cholesterol.

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Eggs and Cholesterol: What's the Bottom Line? Experts agree that egg consumption has little impact on serum cholesterol but trial results are inconsistent, even contradictory.

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A Brief Overview of Eggs. Eggs have enjoyed a nutritional rebound after several decades of worry about their cholesterol content. A good source of protein that is low in calories and high in vitamins and nutrients, the AHA supports consumption of an egg a day for healthy adults.

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Meta-analysis of Egg Consumption and Dyslipidemia. The study was conducted after the year 2000, when the cholesterol moratorium was essentially lifted, and included subjects of all ages; the majority of studies looked a whole egg consumption and average weekly consumption was 4 eggs.

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Eggs not Linked to Increased Triglycerides and LDL/HDL. There was no significant effect observed on triglyceride levels or on TC/HDL or LDL/HDL ratios.

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Clinical Implications. Increased TC, LDL, and HDL linked to egg consumption may contribute only a small amount to CVD risk, compared to other modifiable lifestyle risk factors.

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Take Home Points

• Overall results from a meta-analysis of RCTs found that people who eat eggs had higher levels of total cholesterol, LDL, and HDL than those who did not eat eggs.

• Overall, egg consumption was not linked to higher levels of TG, TC/HDL ratio, and LDL/HDL ratio; higher levels did not increase these values.

• Egg consumption may have only a small contribution to CVD risk, but further studies are needed.

Effects of Eggs on Blood Lipids: A New Look at the Evidence (2024)

FAQs

Effects of Eggs on Blood Lipids: A New Look at the Evidence? ›

Overall results from a meta-analysis of RCTs found that people who eat eggs had higher levels of total cholesterol, LDL, and HDL than those who did not eat eggs. Overall, egg consumption was not linked to higher levels of TG, TC/HDL ratio, and LDL/HDL ratio; higher levels did not increase these values.

What is the latest research on eggs and cholesterol? ›

In the study, after following participants for four months, researchers did not see any adverse effects on cardiovascular health among people who ate 12 fortified eggs per week. For example, blood cholesterol levels were similar between people who regularly ate fortified eggs and those who ate few or no eggs.

Will 2 eggs a day raise my cholesterol? ›

Chicken eggs are an affordable source of protein and other nutrients. They're also naturally high in cholesterol. But the cholesterol in eggs doesn't seem to raise cholesterol levels the way some other foods, such as those high in trans fats and saturated fats, do.

Are eggs bad for lipids? ›

Current research shows that egg consumption has a mild increase in LDL and HDL cholesterol levels and some portion of the population is more impacted than others. Due to the nutrient density of eggs, it is recommended to consume them in moderation even if you have high cholesterol as part of a balanced diet.

Does egg consumption affect blood cholesterol levels? ›

Results: Overall, egg consumption increased total cholesterol (TC) by 5.60 mg/dL (95% CI: 3.11, 8.09; P<0.0001), low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) by 5.55 mg/dL (95% CI: 3.14, 7.69; P<0.0001) and high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) by 2.13 mg/dL (95% CI: 1.10, 3.16; P<0.0001) compared with the ...

Does eating a dozen eggs a week not hurt your cholesterol study? ›

Eating more than a dozen fortified eggs each week did not negatively affect cholesterol levels compared to an egg-free diet among U.S. adults aged 50 or older, according to a new study to be presented at the American College of Cardiology's Annual Scientific Sessions in Atlanta.

Do eggs increase cholesterol in 2024? ›

Eating a dozen eggs per week may not affect your cholesterol, study suggests. Written by Jessica Freeborn on April 2, 2024 — Fact checked by Jill Seladi-Schulman, Ph. D. Eggs have many nutrients, but recommendations for egg consumption have changed over the years.

Do eggs raise triglycerides? ›

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).

Is banana good in high cholesterol? ›

However, cholesterol can be bad if too much comes from foods high in saturated fat. This is why it is important to eat foods to help lower your cholesterol, such as those high in soluble fiber. Fruits like avocados and apples, and citrus fruits like oranges and bananas are foods that can help lower cholesterol.

Is cheese bad for cholesterol? ›

REALITY. You don't have to cut cheese out of your diet, but if you have high cholesterol or blood pressure, use high-fat cheeses sparingly. A 30g portion of cheese provides seven per cent of your daily calories and there can be more salt in a portion of cheddar than in a packet of crisps.

Is coffee bad for cholesterol? ›

Unfiltered and French press coffee may raise cholesterol levels, while instant and filter coffee are less likely to affect them. The risk of heightened serum cholesterol levels also depends on how much coffee a person drinks and how sensitive they are to caffeine.

Are potatoes bad for cholesterol? ›

Potatoes are rich in soluble fibre, which can be consumed by high cholesterol patients without any confusion. Consuming potatoes not only maintains the cholesterol level, but the body also gets many health benefits. Consumption of potatoes in cholesterol is safe only if you consume it properly.

Are avocados high in cholesterol? ›

Unsaturated fats, the type found in avocados, are considered healthy types of fat. And avocados have no cholesterol whatsoever. Both polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats can help lower blood cholesterol levels, making avocados a heart-healthy food.

Is oatmeal good for cholesterol? ›

Oatmeal has soluble fiber, which reduces your low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, the "bad" cholesterol. Soluble fiber is also found in such foods as kidney beans, Brussels sprouts, apples and pears. Soluble fiber can reduce the absorption of cholesterol into your bloodstream.

Is olive oil good for cholesterol? ›

Frank Hu, the study's senior author and a professor of nutrition and epidemiology at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health in Boston. Among all edible plant oils, olive oil has the highest percentage of monounsaturated fat, which lowers "bad" LDL cholesterol and increases "good" HDL.

Is yogurt bad for cholesterol? ›

A study published in the British Journal of Nutrition found that eating yogurt can lower total cholesterol levels by up to 4%. Yogurt contains probiotics, which can help to improve digestion and reduce inflammation. Together, these two foods make a satisfying and nutritious snack that can be enjoyed any time of day.

Do fresh eggs have less cholesterol than store bought eggs? ›

Chickens that are roaming the yard or pasture are pecking at grass and bugs, getting more leafy greens and natural proteins than those raised in poultry houses that are likely getting fed a pelleted feed. Studies show that farm fresh eggs have less cholesterol and saturated fat than those purchased from the store.

What is the healthiest way to eat eggs? ›

Overall, shorter and lower-heat cooking methods cause less cholesterol oxidation and help retain most of the egg's nutrients. For this reason, poached and boiled (either hard or soft) eggs may be the healthiest to eat. These cooking methods also don't add any unnecessary calories.

Are eggs high in cholesterol and should be eaten in moderation? ›

“Eggs, especially the yolks, are high in dietary cholesterol, and research indicates that consuming too much dietary cholesterol might lead to higher serum cholesterol levels,” says Nimba. But that doesn't mean you need to cut all eggs from your diet — the key is to eat them in moderation.

Are two eggs a day healthy? ›

Although few studies have been conducted on how many eggs are healthy to have on a daily basis, eating 1-2 eggs a day appears to be safe for healthy adults. If you have heart disease, high cholesterol, or diabetes, however, you should watch your overall cholesterol and saturated fat intake.

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