Eggs Won't Give You High Cholesterol, But Sugar Will

For decades we heard that eating eggs, mainly the yolk, would increase cholesterol levels because of their cholesterol content. Much of the medical community is finally backing off of this stance in light of research to the contrary. This fear was also encouraged by the makers of statin drugs who would seem to want everyone on cholesterol lowering medication.

The truth is that eating eggs will not raise blood cholesterol levels. For starters, eggs contain lecithin which is an emulsifier (breaks down fat). Many people with high cholesterol are actually treated with lecithin. Our livers make most of the cholesterol in our bloods. Also, sugar and starches are more easily turned into body fat and blood cholesterol than the foods with fat and cholesterol. Lowering dietary cholesterol in order to lower blood cholesterol really doesn't make sense and may be the opposite of what needs to be done.

The big concern with high blood cholesterol is that it is collecting in our arteries and causing heart disease or strokes. Since the liver regulates the production and release of cholesterol, it must have a reason for increasing blood cholesterol levels. When our arteries become inflamed, cracks and fissures are formed in the arterial walls. The cholesterol is sent to patch up the cracks like spackle. As the irritation and inflamation continues and more cholesterol is released, the spackle builds up and causes blockage in the artery. It is actually a defense mechanism.

In light of this, it would seem that the cause of high blood cholesterol and aterial blockage is the inflamation in the artery walls. This inflamation can be caused by several things creating stress on the vascular system. Emotional stress from financial, relationship or job related issues can certainly cause stress in our bodies. In relation to our diet the two main irritants are an imbalance of fatty acids and too much sugar. Our bodies require a balance of Omega 3, Omega 6 and Omega 9 fatty acids. We typically don't have enough Omega 3 which is found in fish, walnuts and flax. Omega 6 comes from most other nuts and seeds, avocados, and olive oil. Omega 9 is found in animal fat and some plant fat. We usually get plenty of Omega 9, and if we don't our bodies can make it from the Omega 3 and 6. Sugar causes inflamation throughout our bodies to arteries and organs, including our skin, as well as causing water retention.

Eggs have an excellent balance of all the fatty acids as well as the lecithin to help break them down. They also have all of the amino acids, B vitamins, calcium, magnesium, zinc, potassium, iron, biotin and choline. Eggs are considered to be the most easily assimilated protein source as well as the most complete. The cholesterol and fat, with the nutrient choline, are important for hormone production and the nervous system including the brain. The body requires a certain amount of cholesterol to function properly and if we don't eat enough, it will make more.

To get the most benefit from eggs, you should be careful not to overcook them. Overcooking the yolks will destroy lecithin and has a negative effect on fat and protein in any food. Hard boiled or poached is best because the cooking temperature stays low. If you are going to fry, you will want to let the yolk be runny. Even when scrambling or making an omelet, try to keep the heat on the lower side of medium.

Fat is actually a good thing to eat when under emotional stress. So the next time you are looking for comfort food, reach for some eggs, cashews or plain yogurt with berries instead of the starchy stuff. Your body will be much happier.