Eggs have less effect than saturated fats on cholesterol levels
In the journals
- Reviewed by Howard E. LeWine, MD, Chief Medical Editor, Harvard Health Publishing; Editorial Advisory Board Member, Harvard Health Publishing
Eggs might not contribute to high levels of LDL (andamp;ldquo;bad”) cholesterol as previously thought, according to a study published in the July 2025 issue of The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Instead, the amount of saturated fat in one’s diet is the greater health concern.
Researchers asked 48 adults with high LDL levels to follow three different diets for five weeks each. The diets included high cholesterol and low saturated fat (including two eggs daily), low cholesterol and high saturated fat (no eggs), and high cholesterol and high saturated fat (including one egg daily).
Across all three diets, increases in LDL levels were significantly related to saturated fat intake but not to cholesterol intake from eggs. In fact, people who consumed two eggs per day as part of a low-saturated-fat diet actually lowered their LDL levels. Saturated fat is found in foods such as meat (beef, lamb, pork, and processed meats), butter, cheese, ice cream, and palm oil.
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About the Author
Matthew Solan, Executive Editor, Harvard Men's Health Watch
About the Reviewer
Howard E. LeWine, MD, Chief Medical Editor, Harvard Health Publishing; Editorial Advisory Board Member, Harvard Health Publishing
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