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

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 affecting their heart health. Some choose to eat only the egg white and not the yolk, which provides some protein without the cholesterol.

Is it really okay to eat eggs every day? ›

Eggs are also a great source of heart-healthy nutrients like potassium, folate and B vitamins. Some research suggests that up to two eggs per day actually improves heart health. As with anything, moderation is important, especially if you enjoy eggs daily.

How many eggs a week should a senior 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.

What's the healthiest way to eat eggs? ›

Overall, shorter and lower-heat cooking methods cause less cholesterol oxidation and help retain most of the egg's nutrients. For this reason, poached and boiled (either hard or soft) eggs may be the healthiest to eat. These cooking methods also don't add any unnecessary calories.

How many eggs should I eat a day for health? ›

As for how many eggs you can eat a day, the answer depends on your health status. "The past 20 years of research suggests that healthy people can safely eat six whole eggs each week," says Cassetty. "If you're eating two at one sitting, that would be about three egg-based meals over the week.

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.

How does eating eggs everyday affect your body? ›

Eating eggs leads to elevated levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL), also known as the “good” cholesterol. People who have higher HDL levels have a lower risk of heart disease, stroke and other health issues. According to one study, eating two eggs a day for six weeks increased HDL levels by 10%.

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.

Are eggs good for people over 70? ›

Eggs can play a role in meeting the vitamin and mineral requirements of older adults. Eggs provide bioavailable vitamin A, omega 3 fatty acids, vitamin D, the antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin and selenium.

At what age should a man stop eating egg? ›

But they have lots of protein and are the easiest way to consume protein other than eating protein bars (which honestly isn't that much protein because there could be chocolate or sugar in them too). But at any age you can stop eating eggs, it's all up to you. Originally Answered: When is one too old to eat eggs?

Are scrambled eggs healthy? ›

In and of themselves, scrambled eggs are a healthy dish. Eggs are high in protein as well as B vitamins and vitamin D; eggs also contain heart-healthy unsaturated fats. However, when butter, cream, cream cheese, or shredded cheese are added, the calories, cholesterol, and fat content increase.

Are scrambled eggs healthier than fried eggs? ›

There is no changes in lipid profile after frying eggs whole or scrambled.

What is the healthiest fruit? ›

Blueberries take the title of healthiest fruit. Blueberries' stunning hue comes from their anthocyanins — an antioxidant believed to be responsible for their numerous health benefits. Long-term studies suggest that including blueberries in your regular lineup may lower the risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

Are fried eggs healthy? ›

Just like eggs cooked in other ways, fried eggs are rich in nutrients and can contribute towards a healthy diet when eaten as part of a balanced meal. However, the type of fat used in the pan is important.

Are bananas good for you? ›

Bananas are a popular fruit with many potential health benefits. They may improve your digestion and heart health, thanks to their fiber and antioxidant content. Plus, they may support weight loss because they're relatively low in calories, nutrient-dense, and filling.

Can too many eggs be bad for you? ›

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.

How many eggs per day is too much? ›

For most healthy adults, it's safe to eat 1–2 eggs a day depending on how much other cholesterol is in your diet. If you already have high cholesterol or other risk factors for heart disease, it may be best to eat no more than 4–5 eggs per week.

How often is it OK to eat eggs? ›

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.

Will 2 eggs a day raise my cholesterol? ›

Current research shows that egg consumption has a mild increase in LDL and HDL cholesterol levels and some portion of the population is more impacted than others. Due to the nutrient density of eggs, it is recommended to consume them in moderation even if you have high cholesterol as part of a balanced diet.

What happens if we eat 2 eggs daily? ›

Enhances brain health

Most adult women require at least 425 mg of choline per day, and pregnant or nursing women may require up to 550 mg. Men should aim for 550 mg of choline each day. One large, hard-boiled egg contains about 147 mg of choline, so eating 2 eggs a day can satisfy your daily choline requirements.

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