Do Eggs Really Raise Cholesterol?

Maybe you're avoiding eggs right now because of the price, or maybe you're avoiding them because you've heard they raise your cholesterol levels. Well, it's true that eggs are expensive right now, but cholesterol levels might not be as real as you thought.

Do eggs raise cholesterol? They can, but there are a few things to know about your own risk factors before giving up on food.

Most people can safely eat eggs in moderation without the added risk of high cholesterol. The key, however, is this one word: moderation. Recommendations are generally not to exceed one egg per day or seven eggs per week if you are already on a low cholesterol diet. However, if you already have high cholesterol or are at higher risk for heart disease, diabetes, heart attack or stroke, you may want to consider egg whites only.

Note: This article is not intended to be medical advice; before changing your diet, it is best to consult your doctor.

Why egg whites only? Well, here's the good news if you're at higher risk for cardiovascular problems, stroke, or diabetes. The cholesterol in an egg is concentrated in the yolk with high levels of LDL cholesterol (that's the bad kind). Egg whites eliminate the risk of consuming excess cholesterol.

The other thing to consider is that eggs actually contain several healthy nutrients. There's choline which is great for your brain; lutein and zeaxanthin which are good for the eyes; and there are few saturated fats.

The biggest problem for many is not an egg. That's what they eat with the eggs. Bacon, sausages, and butter are all common breakfast dishes served with eggs, and they're much more likely to raise your cholesterol levels.

Just like with other foods, the key to eating eggs the healthy way is to limit consumption to just a few a week if you don't have any existing health conditions and aren't at high risk. . But if you do and don't want to go without, grab an egg separator and stick to egg whites only.