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 it really okay to eat eggs every day? ›

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.

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.

What is 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 2 eggs per day too much? ›

Although few studies have been conducted on how many eggs are healthy to have on a daily basis, eating 1-2 eggs a day appears to be safe for healthy adults. If you have heart disease, high cholesterol, or diabetes, however, you should watch your overall cholesterol and saturated fat intake.

What are the pros and cons of eggs? ›

Pro: Eggs are a nutritional powerhouse. They're rich in protein, vitamins A, D, and B12, and contain essential nutrients like choline. Con: The main concern is their cholesterol content. One regular-sized egg contains about 186 mg of cholesterol, which is over 60% of the recommended daily intake.

Will eating eggs every day raise cholesterol? ›

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 many times a week is it safe to eat eggs? ›

So, enjoy eggs in your weekly diet, but like everything in life, moderation is key. If you are in general good health, seven eggs per week should be fine.

What food is healthier than eggs? ›

Foods With More Protein Than an Egg
  • Chickpeas. 1/10. With about 6 grams of protein apiece, eggs are an excellent source of this vital nutrient. ...
  • Cottage Cheese. 2/10. ...
  • Almond Butter. 3/10. ...
  • Cheddar Cheese. 4/10. ...
  • Lentils. 5/10. ...
  • Pumpkin Seeds. 6/10. ...
  • Shrimp. 7/10. ...
  • Quinoa. 8/10.
Apr 24, 2022

Are scrambled eggs healthier than fried eggs? ›

Preparing eggs whole or scrambled leads to different absorption of the oil of fat used as frying medium. There is no changes in lipid profile after frying eggs whole or scrambled.

Are scrambled eggs healthy? ›

Eggs are little nutrient powerhouses, because they're a complete source of protein. Rich in vitamins and minerals, they even contain all nine essential amino acids (known as 'building blocks') the body can't produce on its own.

Are bananas good for you? ›

Takeaways. Bananas are a good source of potassium, magnesium, vitamin B6, and other important nutrients. They're good for digestive and heart health. You can eat this tropical fruit raw, or add it to smoothies or baked goods.

What are the benefits of eating eggs every day? ›

Health Benefits of Eggs
  • They Offer Complete Protein. 1/11. ...
  • They're Nutrient Dense. 2/11. ...
  • They Help Your 'Good' Cholesterol. 3/11. ...
  • They Can Lower Your Triglycerides. 4/11. ...
  • They Can Lower Your Odds of a Stroke. 5/11. ...
  • They Help With Portion Control. 6/11. ...
  • They're Affordable. 7/11. ...
  • They're Heart Healthy. 8/11.
Jun 26, 2022

Is oatmeal good for you? ›

Extensive studies have associated oats and oatmeal with plenty of heart-healthy benefits, such as lowering cholesterol (both total and "bad" LDL cholesterol) and helping with weight control. Oatmeal has a host of vitamins and minerals.

What is the side effect of eating eggs every day? ›

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 happens if I eat eggs for breakfast 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.

Are eggs inflammatory? ›

According to a 2020 review, eggs contain substances such as trimethylamine-N-oxide, omega-6 fatty acids, and arachidonic acid, which can promote inflammation. However, a 2019 study on adults found no connection between egg consumption and inflammatory biomarkers in the blood.

What are negative things about eggs? ›

About 60% of the calories in eggs are from fat—much of which is saturated fat. Eggs are also loaded with cholesterol—about 200 milligrams for an average-sized egg. That's more than double the amount in a Big Mac. Fat and cholesterol contribute to heart disease.

What does eggs do to your body? ›

Eggs are packed full of high-quality protein, making them ideal as part of many different dietary patterns that can assist people in managing their weight. Consuming eggs can also help reduce variations in glucose levels, which can have great lasting benefits in regulating eating patterns.

Why do doctors recommend eggs? ›

Eggs also are a good source of other nutrients, including vitamin D (which aids bone health and the immune system) and choline (which helps metabolism and liver function, as well as fetal brain development).

Is 3 eggs a day too much? ›

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.

Is 6 eggs a day too much? ›

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.

Is eating 10 eggs a day bad? ›

You can eat eggs every day without any harmful side effects. Eggs are associated with several health benefits, such as promoting muscle mass gain, promoting weight loss, strengthening the immune system and maintaining skin health.

What are the benefits of eating eggs all day? ›

Eggs Help Boost Nutrient Intake for Healthy Aging

They also contain a significant amount of leucine, an amino acid that is important for ongoing muscle support, as well as other key nutrients including vitamin D and Omega-3 fatty acids, plus a little known nutrient, choline, which is important for brain function.

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