Are Eggs Bad for My Heart?

Eggs are high in cholesterol. Because of this, they have been criticized for being bad for heart health. Previously, it was recommended to limit cholesterol intake to 300mg per day. One egg has about 200mg of cholesterol. However, evidence now shows that cholesterol from the diet does not affect cholesterol in the body as much as we thought. 

Instead, the real villain that raises LDL ("bad") cholesterol is saturated fat. Red meats, sausage and other processed meats, whole milk, cheese, butter, and coconut oil, for example, are all high in saturated fat. Because of this, the Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends limiting saturated fat intake to <10% of your daily calories. The American Heart Association also supports reducing saturated fat intake. 

To lower your cholesterol, it is better to replace saturated fat with unsaturated fats, like nuts and seeds, salmon, canola oil, olive oil, and avocados. Be sure to also include fiber-powered foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains throughout the day. Eating a well-balanced diet packed with fiber is also helpful in keeping your cholesterol in check.


Eggs are a high-quality source of protein and low in saturated fat. Eggs are also rich in B vitamins as well as lutein and zeaxanthin, which are nutrients essential to eye health. Show your heart some love by starting off the day with a healthy breakfast: an omelet with grilled vegetables topped with avocado slices. To make this meal even more heart-healthy, cook with canola or olive oil instead of butter.

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