Eggs: Are they good or bad for my cholesterol? (2024)

Are chicken eggs good or bad for my cholesterol?

Answer From Francisco Lopez-Jimenez, M.D.

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.

Although some studies have found a link between eating eggs and heart disease, there could be other reasons for these findings. The foods people typically eat with eggs, such as bacon, sausage and ham, might do more to boost heart disease risk than eggs do. Plus, the way eggs and other foods are cooked — especially if fried in oil or butter — might play more of a role in the increased risk of heart disease than eggs themselves do.

Most healthy people can eat up to seven eggs a week without increasing their risk of heart disease. Some studies have shown that this level of egg consumption might even help prevent certain types of stroke and a serious eye condition called macular degeneration that can lead to blindness.

But if you have diabetes, some research suggests that eating seven eggs a week increases heart disease risk. However, other research failed to find the same connection. Still other research suggests that eating eggs might increase the risk of developing diabetes in the first place. More research is needed to figure out the link between eggs, diabetes and heart disease.

Health experts now suggest eating as little dietary cholesterol as you can, aiming to keep intake under 300 milligrams (mg) a day. One large egg has about 186 mg of cholesterol — all of which is found in the yolk. If your diet contains little other cholesterol, according to some studies, eating up to an egg a day might be an OK choice.

If you like eggs but don't want the cholesterol, use only the egg whites. Egg whites contain no cholesterol but still contain protein. You can also use cholesterol-free egg substitutes, which are made with egg whites.

With

Francisco Lopez-Jimenez, M.D.

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  1. Xia PF, et al. Dietary intakes of eggs and cholesterol in relation to all-cause and heart disease mortality: A prospective cohort study. Journal of the American Heart Association. 2020; doi:10.1161/JAHA.119.015743.
  2. 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and U.S. Department of Agriculture. https://health.gov/dietaryguidelines/2015/guidelines. Accessed Nov. 4, 2021.
  3. Are eggs good for you or not? American Heart Association. https://www.heart.org/en/news/2018/08/15/are-eggs-good-for-you-or-not. Accessed Oct. 30, 2021.
  4. Spence JD, et al. Cardiovascular harm from egg yolk and meat: More than just cholesterol and saturated fat. Journal of the American Heart Association. 2021; doi:10.1161/JAHA.120.017066.
  5. Blesso CN, et al. Dietary cholesterol, serum lipid, and heart disease: Are eggs working for or against you? Nutrients. 2018; doi:10.3390/nu10040426.
  6. Zhuang P, et al. Egg and cholesterol consumption and mortality from cardiovascular and different causes in the United States: A population-based cohort study. 2021; doi:10.1371/journal.pmed.1003508.

See more Expert Answers

See also

  1. Arcus senilis: A sign of high cholesterol?
  2. Birth control pill FAQ
  3. Cholesterol level: Can it be too low?
  4. Cholesterol medications: Consider the options
  5. Cholesterol ratio or non-HDL cholesterol: Which is most important?
  6. Cholesterol test kits: Are they accurate?
  7. Cholesterol: Top foods to improve your numbers
  8. Cholesterol-lowering supplements may be helpful
  9. Coconut oil: Can it cure hypothyroidism?
  10. Congenital adrenal hyperplasia
  11. Prickly pear cactus
  12. Fasting diet: Can it improve my heart health?
  13. Hashimoto's disease
  14. HDL cholesterol: How to boost your 'good' cholesterol
  15. Herbal supplements and heart drugs
  16. High cholesterol
  17. High cholesterol in children
  18. High cholesterol treatment: Does cinnamon lower cholesterol?
  19. Hypothyroidism: Can calcium supplements interfere with treatment?
  20. Hypothyroidism diet
  21. Hypothyroidism and joint pain?
  22. Hypothyroidism: Should I take iodine supplements?
  23. Hypothyroidism symptoms: Can hypothyroidism cause eye problems?
  24. Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid)
  25. Lowering Triglycerides
  26. Menus for heart-healthy eating
  27. Metabolic syndrome
  28. Niacin overdose: What are the symptoms?
  29. Niacin to improve cholesterol numbers
  30. Nuts and your heart: Eating nuts for heart health
  31. Is there a risk of rhabdomyolysis from statins?
  32. Soy: Does it reduce cholesterol?
  33. Soy: Does it worsen hypothyroidism?
  34. Statin side effects
  35. Statins
  36. Statins: Do they cause ALS?
  37. Lifestyle changes to improve cholesterol
  38. Trans fat
  39. Triglycerides: Why do they matter?
  40. VLDL cholesterol: Is it harmful?
  41. Mayo Clinic Minute: Out of shape kids and diabetes
  42. Mayo Clinic Minute: Weight loss surgery for kids

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Eggs: Are they good or bad for my cholesterol? (2024)

FAQs

Can I eat eggs if I have high cholesterol? ›

Generally speaking, as part of a healthy, balanced diet, it should be fine for most people, as the cholesterol in eggs does not have a significant effect on blood cholesterol. It's much more important to limit the amount of saturated fat you eat. Too much saturated fat can raise the cholesterol in your blood.

Is egg yolk cholesterol HDL or LDL? ›

Egg yolk contains high amount of HDL. Egg yolk HDL can be used to treat cardiovascular disease. The focus of egg yolk HDL treatment has been on its favorable actions in increasing HDL-c and reducing LDL-c, very low density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-c), and lipoproteins (8).

What are three best foods for lowering cholesterol? ›

Following a diet rich in foods known to lower cholesterol levels, like oats, berries, beans, nuts, and seeds, is one of the best ways to support healthy blood lipid levels and reduce your heart disease risk.

Is 2 eggs a day too much cholesterol? ›

One large egg has about 186 mg of cholesterol — all of which is found in the yolk. If your diet contains little other cholesterol, according to some studies, eating up to an egg a day might be an OK choice. If you like eggs but don't want the cholesterol, use only the egg whites.

Are bananas good for 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 peanut butter bad for cholesterol? ›

Fortunately for everyone who loves peanut butter, almond butter, and other nut butters, these creamy treats are fairly healthy. And as long as they don't contain hydrogenated fat, nut butters — including peanut butter — won't cause problems for your cholesterol levels.

Is coffee bad for cholesterol? ›

While coffee does not contain cholesterol, it can affect cholesterol levels. The diterpenes in coffee suppress the body's production of substances involved in cholesterol breakdown, causing cholesterol to increase. Specifically, coffee diterpenes may cause an increase in total cholesterol and LDL levels.

Is cheese bad for cholesterol? ›

Cheese is a great source of protein and calcium but is often high in saturated fat and salt. This means eating too much could lead to high cholesterol and high blood pressure, increasing your risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD).

What foods flush out bad cholesterol? ›

Cholesterol-lowering foods

1) Oatmeal, oat bran and high-fiber foods. Foods high in soluble fiber help reduce the absorption of cholesterol into your bloodstream. Soluble fiber is also found in kidney beans, apples, pears, barley and prunes. 2) Fish and omega-3 fatty acids.

What can I drink to flush out my cholesterol? ›

There are certain drinks that can help maintain an ideal cholesterol level. Some of the best drinks for cholesterol management include green tea, pomegranate juice, citrus juice, soy milk, plant-based smoothies, and red wine.

What are the six super foods that lower cholesterol? ›

And some contain plant sterols and stanols, which block the body from absorbing cholesterol.
  • Oats. ...
  • Barley and other whole grains. ...
  • Beans. ...
  • Eggplant and okra. ...
  • Nuts. ...
  • Vegetable oils. ...
  • Apples, grapes, strawberries, citrus fruits. ...
  • Foods fortified with sterols and stanols.
Mar 26, 2024

Is pasta bad for cholesterol? ›

Pasta can be bad for cholesterol, as can other refined carbohydrates such as white bread and white rice. Pasta doesn't contain cholesterol, but it is high in carbohydrates. Some types of carbohydrates can affect cholesterol levels, so it's important to eat the right kind of pasta along with healthier sauces and sides.

What is the best meat to lower cholesterol? ›

If you have high cholesterol, you should talk with your doctor about what you eat, including meat. There are good, lean choices. For example, you can consider chicken or turkey breasts without skin; pork tenderloin; or beef round, sirloin, or tenderloin.

What should I eat if my cholesterol is high? ›

plenty of vegetables, fruit and wholegrains. a variety of healthy protein-rich foods (especially fish and seafood), legumes (such as beans and lentils), nuts and seeds. Smaller amounts of eggs and lean poultry can also be included in a heart-healthy eating pattern.

Can you eat potatoes with high 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.

Can you eat cheese if you have high cholesterol? ›

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 bread bad for cholesterol? ›

Most bread is made with flour, water, and yeast and contains no cholesterol. But some types are made using animal products with high levels of saturated fats, which often contain cholesterol. Additionally, bread made from white or refined grains can raise LDL cholesterol levels.

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