Experts Debunk Myths About Eggs and Cholesterol, Say One Egg a Day is Heart-Healthy

New Delhi: Consuming an egg every day is both safe and beneficial for heart health and does not raise blood cholesterol levels, experts told IANS on Saturday, dismissing common misconceptions.

With growing concerns about cholesterol and poor heart health, the debate around daily egg consumption continues. However, Dr Rajeev Jayadevan, Chairman of the Kerala State IMA Research Cell, emphasized the importance of eggs as a key source of nutrition.

"Eggs are perhaps the best source of protein in the world; they also contain other nutrients, including vitamins and minerals. Importantly, they are easily available and relatively economical," Dr Jayadevan said, noting that the anxiety around egg consumption is unnecessary.

He clarified that cholesterol in the diet, such as from consuming eggs, does not significantly impact blood cholesterol levels. “The cholesterol circulating in the blood is primarily made in the liver in response to the body's various nutritional and metabolic requirements,” he explained.

“Unfortunately, people believe that cholesterol in blood is directly linked with cholesterol in the diet,” he added.

While maintaining that high cholesterol levels, especially high LDL (bad cholesterol), should be avoided, Dr Jayadevan stressed the importance of considering other cardiovascular risk factors such as smoking, alcohol use, family history, obesity, lack of exercise, diabetes, and hypertension.

“One can safely say that consuming one egg per day will not do any harm to anyone,” Dr Jayadevan stated, adding that "having more than one egg per day occasionally is unlikely to change any cardiovascular outcome."

Dr J.P.S. Sawhney, Chairman of the Department of Cardiology at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, also spoke to IANS, pointing out that while egg yolks contain dietary cholesterol, they have a minimal effect on blood cholesterol levels for most people. However, those with high cholesterol or genetic predispositions should monitor their intake.

“Still, one egg per day can fit into a heart-healthy diet,” Dr Sawhney concluded.

(with inputs from IANS)