Is it healthy to eat eggs every day? (2024)

Speaking of Health

Is it healthy to eat eggs every day? (5)

Eggs have been in the news a lot — again. It seems like every few years, questions arise about these meals in a shell. Are they good or bad for you? What about their protein and cholesterol?

Looking at the nutritional breakdown, one egg contains roughly 75 calories, 5 grams of fat, 6 grams of protein, 0 carbohydrates, 67 milligrams of potassium, 70 milligrams of sodium and 210 milligrams of cholesterol. Eggs are also a great source of vitamins A, D and B12, as well as choline, a nutrient essential in many steps of metabolism. Except for its cholesterol content, one egg is a healthy option for breakfast lunch or dinner.

Research shows that the cholesterol in eggs doesn't seem to negatively affect the human body compared to other sources of cholesterol. For example, eggs typically are eaten with other foods high in salt, saturated fat and cholesterol, such as bacon, cheese and butter. These foods are known to increase heart disease risk and should be eaten sparingly.

Most healthy people can eat up to seven eggs a week without affecting their heart health. Some choose to eat only the egg white and not the yolk, which provides some protein without the cholesterol.

Here's how eggs stack up nutritionally in dishes that feature eggs:

Is it healthy to eat eggs every day? (6)

Try this veggie egg bake:

Serves 6

1 cup frozen chopped spinach, thawed
4 large eggs
4 large egg whites
1 cup skim milk
1 1/2 teaspoons dry mustard
1 teaspoon dried rosemary or 1 tablespoon minced fresh rosemary
1/2 teaspoon salt-free herb-and-spice blend
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
6 slices whole-grain bread, crusts removed and cut into 1-inch cubes
1/4 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup diced red pepper
4 ounces thinly sliced reduced-fat Swiss cheese

Heat oven to 375 F. Coat a 7-by-11-inch glass baking dish or a 2-quart casserole dish with cooking spray. Place the spinach in a strainer and press with the back of a spatula to remove excess liquid. Set aside. In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, egg whites and milk. Add dry mustard, rosemary, spice blend and pepper; whisk to combine. Toss spinach, bread, onion and red pepper in a large bowl. Add egg mixture and toss to coat. Transfer to a prepared baking dish and push down to compact. Cover with foil. Bake for 30 minutes or until the eggs have set. Uncover and top with cheese. Continue baking for an additional 15 minutes or until the top is lightly browned. Transfer to a wire rack and cool for 10 minutes before serving.

Nutrition for 1 serving (3-by-3.5 inches): 258 calories, 10 grams total fat, 4 grams saturated fat, 137 milligrams cholesterol, 465 milligrams sodium, 25 grams carbohydrates, 3 grams fiber, 17 grams protein.

Eggs can be a good addition to a healthy, well-balanced diet. Just watch out for those high-calorie, high-fat extras, like cheese, bacon and butter.

Anne Harguth is a dietitian in Nutrition in Waseca, Minnesota.

Is it healthy to eat eggs every day? (2024)

FAQs

Is it healthy to eat eggs every day? ›

Most healthy people can eat up to seven eggs a week without increasing their risk of heart disease.

Is eating eggs every day healthy? ›

Eggs are an affordable and super-nutritious protein, and can provide some health benefits if you enjoy them every day. They are packed with protein, vitamins and nutrients that help you feel full and fueled for whatever your day holds.

How many eggs a week should a senior eat? ›

How Many Eggs Can Older People Eat? There is no limit to the number of eggs older people can eat, with the exception of those with type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol or any existing heart disease who can enjoy up to 7 eggs a week.

How many eggs a day are safe? ›

Eating one to three eggs per day can have several health benefits, but this varies from person to person. At this level of consumption, people can expect minimal changes in their cholesterol levels. It is unclear whether there is an upper limit on how many eggs a person can eat per day.

What happens to your body when you eat 3 eggs every day? ›

Eating eggs is a great way to increase HDL. In one study, eating 1-3 eggs daily for four weeks increased HDL levels by 6-13% in young, healthy adults ( 13 , 14 , 15 ).

Is there any disadvantages of eating eggs daily? ›

Daily consumption of eggs can result in an increase in good cholesterol as well as bad cholesterol, which can predispose an individual towards the risk of cardiac disorders. Consuming eggs in excess can result in weight gain due to the high amount of saturated fats.

What is the healthiest way to eat eggs? ›

If you're trying to cut back on calories, choose poached or boiled eggs. These cooking methods don't add any extra fat calories, so the meal will be lower in calories than fried or scrambled eggs or an omelet.

How many eggs can a 70 year old eat a day? ›

But studies have shown that cholesterol for people 65 and older is less affected by their diet than someone in their 30s and younger, so they can have up to two whole eggs per day if they have normal cholesterol levels. “For seniors, it might even be a greater source of protein,” says Campbell.

How many eggs should a 70 year old eat? ›

The American Heart Association recommends up to one egg a day for most people, fewer for people with high blood cholesterol, especially those with diabetes or who are at risk for heart failure, and up to two eggs a day for older people with normal cholesterol levels and who eat a healthy diet.

Are eggs good for people over 70? ›

Conclusion. Due to the variety of nutrients found in eggs, they are an ideal food to include in the diets of older adults.

Are scrambled eggs healthy? ›

Eggs are also a great source of vitamins A, D and B12, as well as choline, a nutrient essential in many steps of metabolism. Except for its cholesterol content, one egg is a healthy option for breakfast lunch or dinner.

Is cholesterol in eggs bad? ›

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.

Are bananas good for you? ›

The bottom line is yes, bananas are good for you. They provide an impressive hit of potassium, fibre and tryptophan, meaning they can support your gut, heart and mood. What's more, bananas contain carbohydrates and natural sugars, making them an energising choice for before a workout.

Are eggs good for your liver? ›

Conclusion: Eating 5-7 eggs/week may have the lowest risk of NAFLD, suggesting taking a moderate amount of eggs to prevent NAFLD, even if the overall diet quality is relatively healthy.

Is cheese good for you? ›

Bottom line: Although cheese is high in saturated fat and sodium, it is also rich in calcium and protein, and some fermented types contain probiotics. One can enjoy a modest amount of cheese as part of a healthful diet, but how it is eaten is key.

Can too many eggs be bad for you? ›

While recent studies still don't offer a consistent answer, the average healthy person likely suffers no harm from eating up to seven eggs per week. In fact, eggs are a nutritious food. They are relatively low in calories and saturated fat, and rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals.

How many eggs a day is too many? ›

The Heart Foundation currently sets no limit for healthy people when it comes to how many eggs you can eat per day. The key is enjoying them, as part of a healthy and balanced diet.

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.

Will eating eggs every day raise cholesterol? ›

Eating 12 Eggs a Week Didn't Raise Cholesterol Levels, New Study Finds. People who ate 12 fortified eggs per week had similar cholesterol levels after four months as people who ate fewer than two eggs per week.

Can I eat 6 eggs a day? ›

Six eggs a day is a hell of a lot, no matter how you cut it. An egg has 187 mg of cholesterol, and the recommended limit is 300 mg per day—or only 200 mg if you have diabetes or risk factors for heart disease. “You can definitely go with with one egg a day,” says Maxine Smith, R.D., L.D.

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