Patients with cardiovascular diseases are most afraid of thick blood. Many believe that thicker blood means more blood vessel waste, which can lead to easier blockage of the blood vessels.
High blood lipids are commonly understood by the public as thick blood. Eggs contain high cholesterol, so consuming eggs can lead to elevated cholesterol levels, causing high blood lipids and eventually leading to cardiovascular diseases. This is the understanding of a large portion of the public, which is why many people are afraid to eat eggs.
Especially among the elderly, many have both high blood pressure, high blood lipids, and cardiovascular diseases. So, can they eat eggs? How many eggs are better to consume?
1. Eggs are nutritionally rich
During the pandemic, Professor Zhang Wenhong encouraged everyone to eat eggs and drink milk to boost immunity and fight against diseases. Eggs are rich in high-quality protein, riboflavin, niacin, biotin, as well as calcium, phosphorus, iron, lecithin, vitamin A, and vitamin D. They also contain significant amounts of iron, phosphorus, sulfur, and calcium. The amino acid composition of egg protein is very suitable for the body’s physiological needs, easily absorbed by the body with a utilization rate of over 98%, making it highly nutritious.
2. Do eggs with cholesterol raise blood lipids?
An egg contains about 300mg of cholesterol. For friends with cardiovascular diseases, maintaining a healthy diet, controlling high-fat foods is important, but consuming a certain amount of cholesterol-rich foods daily is essential for the body. Moreover, egg yolks contain healthy components such as lecithin and DHA, making egg consumption healthier than consuming lipid-rich meat. The primary reason for elevated cholesterol is one’s own metabolism, where diet accounts for only 25% of the effect on cholesterol levels. Therefore, consuming a moderate amount of eggs is necessary and does not raise blood lipids significantly.
3. What research evidence is available?
In 1999, a study in the US involving the diets of 120,000 people and heart disease found no specific association between eating eggs and heart disease.
In 2013, a UK study integrating research from up to 3.08 million people found no connection between egg consumption and heart disease incidence.
In 2019, a recent study in our country involving 500,000 people showed that compared to those who rarely eat eggs, individuals who consumed one egg per day had an 11% lower risk of vascular events and an 18% lower risk of cardiovascular event-related death.
Several recent professional papers indicate that in individuals over 60 with high blood lipids, diabetes, and heart disease, consuming 1-2 eggs daily does not increase the risk of heart disease.
4. How many eggs should one eat?
For middle-aged and elderly individuals, whether with cardiovascular diseases or not, consuming 1-2 eggs per day is not only harmless but beneficial. However, eggs must be fully cooked to prevent Salmonella infection, and care must be taken to avoid contamination from miscellaneous bacteria on eggshells when cracking eggs. When frying or making egg custard, use less oil and salt to avoid high oil and salt intake.
In conclusion, as long as middle-aged and elderly individuals are not allergic to eggs, eating 1-2 eggs a day is perfectly fine!
