Answering the Question: "Are Eggs Actually Healthy?"
Upon a closer look at the egg and its contents, there are bound to be concerns surrounding the staple food in the American diet, especially cholesterol, prompting discussion into the question: "Are Eggs Healthy?"
With people questioning the contents that an egg contains, there are bound to be concerns surrounding the staple food in the American diet: it is notably present in breakfast and brunch times, either as a side with bacon and pancakes, or an omelet.
The biggest issue with eggs is the large quantity of cholesterol loaded in a single egg, it being 200 milligrams. However, Harvard Health states that eggs also contain other nutrients that can help minimize the risk of heart disease, partially countering the negative effects that cholesterol can inflict.
Looking into all of the websites, journals, and research articles, the general consensus is that the average American should limit their intake to a single egg per day. But realistically, most of us eat two eggs, maybe three. So the biggest question that arises is personal, in the sense that we ask ourselves, "Will the amount that I consume harm me in the short/long run?" And to answer that question, it depends!
The egg yolk contains cholesterol, as well as antioxidants that reduce the risk of cataracts.
Remember, no matter what foods you consume to be as healthy as possible, it is important to remember that your lifestyle is also a major key to your overall health. An active lifestyle will be able to sustain a "large" portion of eggs (2-3 eggs) while a sedentary person should limit their intake.
Of course, one should limit themselves as well and be aware of their processes to calculate how much is OK. Suppose one pursues an active lifestyle specifically catered to weightlifting or muscle building. In that case, consuming a large portion of eggs is acceptable since muscles would need the protein present in eggs, as well as the cholesterol to provide them with energy, as the cholesterol in eggs isn't an issue with their lifestyle. But for somebody interested in weight loss or who has an inactive lifestyle, it is recommended that you should eat one egg per day.
So, how many eggs should I eat?
Jo Ann Carson, professor of clinical nutrition at UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas says, “For someone who’s decided to go vegetarian, and they’re not eating red meat, maybe the only source of cholesterol would be in an egg." For people building muscle, eggs are an acceptable way of obtaining more dietary cholesterol and especially protein. It is important to take into account other factors, such as other foods you are eating, cooking oils being used, health conditions, family history of heart issues, and more.
In conclusion, yes, eggs are healthy. For the average American, one egg a day is good enough to provide you with the necessary dietary cholesterol and protein, vitamins, and antioxidants. Thus, they are a staple in a healthy diet, but should be limited based on your goals and risks.