Eggcellent News!!

I have one or two whole eggs each day, but I’m concerned about their effect on cholesterol, should I give up my eggs?

The average Australian eats about six whole eggs a week, which isn't that many. Since the 1960s, doctors have linked high blood cholesterol with clogged arteries and our number one killer, heart disease. Therefore, avoiding foods rich in cholesterol, like eggs, seems like the right thing… or is it?

Dr Wanda Howell, professor of nutritional sciences at the University of Arizona in the USA, has analysed hundreds of studies to do with cholesterol. The good Professor reminds us that dietary cholesterol intake actually contributes very little to the blood lipid profile that promotes heart disease. In fact, studies show that the number of whole eggs consumed each week has very little influence on blood cholesterol profiles. The real culprit is a lack of exercise and a high saturated fat intake—this combination creates a cholesterol profile for premature death. According to Brisbane cardiologist Dr Karam Kostner, about 70 people in Australia will have a heart attack every day. He believes that eating eggs can actually lower cholesterol levels because they're low in saturated fats.

Dr Paul Cribb is an award-winning sports scientist, author, personal trainer and the creator of mp-body.com – the first ever science-based, research-proven, nationally accredited body transformation program. Learn more here.