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? ›

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.

Is it safe 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.

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.

How many eggs per week are healthy? ›

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.

Are too many eggs bad for you? ›

The average American consumes approximately 295 mg of cholesterol per day, including 3 to 4 eggs per week. The study found that for each half an egg consumed per day, people had a 6 per cent higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease, and an 8 per cent higher risk of death over 17.5 years.

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 calories are in 2 eggs? ›

Egg Nutrition

Eggs are one of nature's most nutritious foods. Each serving of 2 eggs (105 g) contains 15 essential vitamins and minerals, only 160 calories and an incredible amount of nutrition. The nutrition tables speak for themselves! So include eggs as part of your healthy diet!

Are eggs good for the liver? ›

Eggs. These are some of the healthiest foods found in nature. Eggs are rich in all the eight essential amino acids and choline, which is also a vital nutrient. The amino acids and choline help the liver in the detoxification process and improve the metabolism rate.

Will I gain weight if I eat two eggs a day? ›

Eating eggs may support weight loss, especially if a person incorporates them into a calorie-controlled diet. Research suggests that eggs boost metabolic activity and increase feelings of fullness. Eating an egg-based breakfast may stop a person from consuming extra calories throughout the day.

Are eggs bad for high blood pressure? ›

Eggs don't have a direct impact on blood pressure, Dr. Hausvater adds—for example, eating a couple eggs won't cause a surge upward or a sudden downward dip—but they may have an indirect effect because they contain potassium and calcium, which contribute to lower blood pressure.

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 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.

Is it OK to eat eggs 4 times a week? ›

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 happens if I eat an egg everyday? ›

You'll have an easier time focusing

The nutrients in eggs support brain health, including cognition. The choline in eggs is particularly noteworthy because it reduces inflammation in the brain and supports brain cell communication and memory. (Yet, 2018 research found that most people aren't getting enough choline.)

Do eggs cause plaque? ›

Specifically, people who ate lots of egg yolks had about two-thirds of the amount of plaque buildup as those who smoked cigarettes. The study also found those eating three or more yolks a week had significantly more plaque than subjects who ate two or fewer yolks per week.

Is 4 eggs A Day too much? ›

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. That being said, there are some limitations to those who are more sensitive to consuming dietary cholesterol, as outlined below.

Is 4 eggs a day too much? ›

Most healthy adults can consume 4 eggs per day with no problems at all. How many eggs you consume depends on your size and daily caloric needs, but 4 eggs a day is not too many.

Is eating 6 eggs a day bad? ›

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.

How many eggs should I eat a day for weight loss? ›

The boiled-egg diet focuses on eggs, particularly hard-boiled eggs. You eat a minimum of two to three eggs per day, and you don't even have to incorporate them into every meal.

Can I eat 20 eggs a day? ›

Eggs are very high in protein, which is a nutrient that can impair kidney function and increased the risk for kidney stones if overly consumed. Eating 10 or more eggs per day is also not recommended because a healthy diet should be varied and diverse.

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