I just had another patient this week telling me that they avoid eggs because their cholesterol is high. I hear it so often that I find myself explaining over and over that eggs are an incredibly nutritious food and that they have little effect on increasing small particle LDL. There are a plethora of research articles referenced below showing that eggs increase important antioxidants – lutein and zexanthine and do not cause an increase in small particle LDL. Why does it matter small or large particle LDL? Because it is the small particle LDL that can get stuck in already damage blood vessels. Lutein and Zexanthin are the major carotenoid anti-oxidants in the macular of the eye and have been shown to reduce macular degeneration. Plus these antioxidants will help reduce free radical damage to LDL (known as oxidized LDL), thereby reducing the risk of CVDs!
So it is about time eggs got their due….and egg or two per day is a fabulous way to support a nutrient dense diet.
Here are a few articles vindicating eggs from any wrong doing and showing they are a wonderful food…..
Eggs are an important contribution to diet and do not increase serum cholesterol.
Cholesterol does not increase CVDs in population and eggs should be included in regular diet.
Egg consumption in Elderly increases LDL & HDL particle size as well as antioxidant status.
Consumption of 1 egg per day in elderly increases antioxidants and does not effect cholesterol.
In Japanese population those eating eggs did not have an increase in CHD.
In Health,
George Mandler
Licensed Acupuncturist
Licensed Dietitian / Nutritionist
Certified Nutrition Specialist
Acupuncture Nutrition
