Eggs increase cholesterol
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The Impact of Egg Consumption on Cholesterol Levels
Dietary Cholesterol and Cholesterol Ratios
Research has consistently shown that dietary cholesterol from eggs can influence cholesterol levels in the body. A meta-analysis revealed that adding 100 mg of dietary cholesterol per day increases the ratio of total cholesterol to HDL cholesterol by 0.020 units, total cholesterol by 0.056 mmol/L, and HDL cholesterol by 0.008 mmol/L. This suggests that while eggs do raise total cholesterol, they also slightly increase HDL cholesterol, which is often considered the "good" cholesterol.
Egg Consumption and Cardiovascular Disease Risk
Several studies have examined the relationship between egg consumption and cardiovascular disease (CVD). A systematic review and meta-analysis found that higher dietary cholesterol and egg consumption are associated with increased risks of overall and CVD-related mortality. Specifically, each additional 300 mg of cholesterol per day was linked to a 10% increase in overall mortality and a 13% increase in CVD-related mortality. Similarly, consuming an additional 50 grams of eggs daily was associated with a 6% increase in overall mortality and a 9% increase in CVD-related mortality.
HDL Functionality and Egg Consumption
Interestingly, the functionality of HDL cholesterol may be more important than its concentration. A study on overweight, postmenopausal women found that consuming whole eggs increased the cholesterol efflux capacity of HDL, which is a measure of HDL's ability to remove cholesterol from cells. This improvement in HDL function occurred without significant changes in total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, or HDL cholesterol levels, suggesting that eggs may enhance HDL functionality without adversely affecting cholesterol profiles.
Cholesterol Ratios and Long-Term Health
A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials indicated that higher egg consumption leads to an increase in both LDL and HDL cholesterol but does not significantly alter the LDL/HDL ratio. This finding is crucial because the LDL/HDL ratio is a key marker for heart disease risk. Another study confirmed that consuming three eggs per day increased total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and LDL cholesterol but did not change the LDL/HDL ratio, suggesting a balanced impact on cholesterol profiles.
Egg Consumption in Different Diets
The effects of egg consumption can vary depending on the overall diet. For instance, in a carbohydrate-restricted diet, consuming three eggs per day increased HDL cholesterol without affecting the LDL/HDL ratio. This suggests that the context of the diet plays a significant role in how eggs impact cholesterol levels.
Conclusion
In summary, while egg consumption does increase total and LDL cholesterol levels, it also raises HDL cholesterol and can improve HDL functionality. The overall impact on cholesterol ratios and cardiovascular risk appears to be complex and influenced by various factors, including the overall diet and individual metabolic responses. Therefore, moderate egg consumption may be acceptable for most people, but those with specific health concerns should consult healthcare providers for personalized advice.
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