A review by Trinity College Dublin, the Egg Scientific Research, has found that while many people are concerned about the cholesterol content of eggs and that there is a popular misconception that cholesterol in food directly influences blood cholesterol. Most recent scientific studies show that this fear is unfounded and seven eggs a week or an egg a day can play an important role in achieving nutritious diet in a healthy child or adult without having an effect on cholesterol levels5.
The review of scientific studies on eggs promotes the consumption of an egg a day provided it is part of a balanced healthy diet that is overall low in fat – with less than 11% of energy from saturated fat, high in fibre and high in fruit and vegetables.
References:
1. Howell et al 1997, American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 65(6): 1747-64.
2. Guide to Daily Healthy Food Choices, The Health Promotion Unit, Department of Health and Children, 2001.
3. Graham et al 1992, Irish Heart Foundation Nutrition Policy. Irish Medical Journal vol 84 no 4.
4. Guide to Daily healthy Food Choices, The Health Promotion Unit, Department of health and Children, 2001.
5. Note: All information taken from the study – An Overview of the Nutritional Role of Eggs in the Diet; Report prepared by Ms Edel Duffy B.Sc. (Dietetics) and Dr. Sinead McCarthy Ph.D (Nutrition) on behalf of Bord Bia (2006).