Eggs: Are they good or bad for your cholesterol level?

Eggs: Are they good or bad for your cholesterol level

Q: I'm confused. First, I hear that eggs raise cholesterol. Then, I hear they don't. What's the truth?

Eggs do contain cholesterol. According to the American Heart Association, saturated fat and cholesterol in the foods you eat increase your blood cholesterol level. Although saturated fat is the main culprit, cholesterol also plays a role. Reducing the amount of saturated fat and cholesterol in your diet helps lower your blood cholesterol level.

Some research suggests that dietary cholesterol has little effect on blood cholesterol in some people. But in others, it has a big effect. If you have high blood pressure or a family history of cardiovascular disease, it makes sense to limit eggs in your diet. Talk to your doctor about what's appropriate in your specific situation.

The yolk of the egg has all the cholesterol — about 212 milligrams (mg) of cholesterol. Recommendations are to limit dietary cholesterol to 300 mg a day — 200 mg a day if you have high blood cholesterol. This allows for three to four egg yolks a week. Egg whites and egg substitutes are cholesterol-free and can be used in place of whole eggs. In general, two egg whites are the equivalent of one whole egg in cooking. Check the label on egg substitutes for the equivalent.