What happens to your body when you eat more than 7 eggs per week? The truth may surprise you!
Eggs: A superfood rich in nutrition, but how many should you eat?
Eggs have long been a staple in cooking and a well-known breakfast food. There is no denying the nutritional value of eggs, but how many eggs is a reasonable amount to eat each day? What would happen if you ate more than seven eggs a week?
One of the most contentious foods in terms of health is eggs, according to a nutrition expert quoted by Eat This. Eggs were thought to contribute to health issues, especially heart disease, for a long time. Though overconsumption should still be taken into consideration, contemporary science has demonstrated that eggs offer numerous advantages.
With roughly 6g of protein per egg, eggs are a high-protein food source that also contains heart-healthy unsaturated fats, choline to improve brain function, and lutein and zeaxanthin, two crucial antioxidants for eye health. Eggs are naturally low in sodium, low in calories, and free of sugar. Regular egg eaters may even maintain a well-balanced diet high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, according to some studies.
But eating too many eggs can be dangerous, particularly for people who have certain health issues or underlying conditions. In order to maximize the health benefits of eggs without causing harm to the body, it is crucial to consume them in moderation.
Consuming too many eggs per day: Side effects to watch out for
Even though eggs are a healthy food, eating too many of them can have some detrimental health effects. The dangers of consuming more eggs than is advised are listed below:
1. Risk of absorbing too much cholesterol.
Experts estimate that a medium-sized egg has roughly 187 mg of cholesterol. There was a time when the American dietary guidelines advised against consuming more than 300 mg of cholesterol daily.
Limiting cholesterol intake is another recommendation made by the American Heart Association. You can easily surpass the safe consumption limit if you consume more than two eggs per day along with other foods high in cholesterol. But eggs also contain lecithin, which lowers the risk of atherosclerosis by regulating and removing cholesterol. As a result, the body still benefits from eating eggs properly.
2. Increased risk of heart disease.
According to a 2019 study that was published in JAMA Network, people who consume more than 300 mg of cholesterol daily are 17% more likely to develop cardiovascular disease and 18% more likely to die.
A meta-analysis conducted in 2022 also revealed a link between excessive egg consumption and increased mortality and heart disease rates. This highlights how crucial it is to consume eggs in moderation in order to safeguard heart health.
3. Impact on the weight loss process.
One excellent source of protein that is frequently incorporated into diets for weight loss is eggs. However, you might gain weight instead of lose it if you eat eggs with fatty, high-calorie foods like sausages, minced meat, pastries, or coffee that has a lot of cream in it.
To reduce excess energy, experts advise substituting three boiled eggs (approximately 240 calories) for a 400-calorie breakfast if you’re trying to lose weight.
4. Increased ri.sk of dia.betes if prepared incorrectly.
Eating more than seven eggs a week increased the risk of type 2 diabetes, according to a 2009 study published in the Journal of Diabetes Care.
However, according to other research, diabetic patients may be able to better regulate their blood sugar levels throughout the day by eating eggs for breakfast.
According to nutritionists, cooking eggs with too much oil or fat will increase their fat content, which will raise insulin resistance and raise blood sugar levels.
Despite their many health benefits, eggs greatly raise the risk of diabetes and heart disease when consumed with foods high in saturated fats, sodium, and excess calories. Thus, it’s critical to consume eggs in a way that maximizes their health benefits without harming the body.
How many eggs should you eat per week?
1. Adults
If you eat seven eggs a week, you won’t have any cardiovascular problems.
If you’re on a heart-healthy diet, don’t eat more than one egg every day.
2. People with health conditions
No more than one egg per day and five eggs per week for people with type 2 diabetes.
High-risk or cardiovascular disease:
Seven eggs a week if you’re on a low-saturated-fat diet.
If following a regular diet, consume no more than four yolks and three to four eggs each week.
Elevated LDL cholesterol:
– No more than one egg per day, seven eggs per week, but ideally no more than four eggs per week.
Metabolic syndrome: If following a low-saturated-fat diet, no more than six eggs should be consumed each week.
3. Older adults
One egg a day; if healthy, you could eat more.
Eating five to six eggs a week, however, may raise your risk of heart disease by 30%.
4. Pre.gnant wo.men
three to four eggs a week, if healthy.
See a doctor if you have diabetes or are experiencing pregnancy-related problems.
5. Chi.ldren
6-7 months: 2-3 meals a week, with ½ egg yolk per meal.
8 to 12 months: one egg yolk per meal, with a weekly maximum of four yolks.
1-2 years: three to four eggs every week.
Over two years: Eat as you like, but don’t eat more than one egg every day.
Note: To get the most benefits, the quantity of eggs should be modified according to individual health conditions and diet.