Are Egg Yolks Bad for You?

For many years eggs and especially egg yolks have been on the unhealthy hit list because they contain cholesterol.

While it is true that one egg yolk does contain about 210 milligrams (mg) of cholesterol it is also true that egg yolks contain healthy vitamins (A, D, E, and k) and Omega-3 fats. These healthy elements are not contained in the egg whites. 

And what about the cholesterol? 

Cholesterol is a vital component of our cell membranes and is a precursor to bile acids which is important for digestive health. The vast majority of the cholesterol in our bodies doesn't come from outside sources but is produced by our own bodies and more specifically our liver. This is why the 2015 U.S. Dietary Recommendations indicated that there was not a significant correlation between dietary cholesterol consumption and blood cholesterol levels. They also added egg yolks to the list of suggested sources of protein. 

There also have been numerous studies which have demonstrated that the consumption of eggs is not associated with elevated cholesterol levels or heart disease. 

​How should eggs be prepared?

Finally, it is also recommended that eggs be only light cooked as to not to destroy the healthy nutrients and vitamins which tend to get oxidized when overcooked. This could mean consuming eggs raw or lightly fried. Scrambled eggs are the worst way to cook eggs in you want to retain the health vitamins and nutrients. 

Of course, each individual case is different and the advice in this post should not substitute for getting a consultation with your doctor. 

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