Eggs have been regarded as a healthy food choice for all age groups owing to their impressive nutrient profile. For many years, eggs were thought to be part of a healthy diet due to their high protein content and remarkable vitamin profile. Eggs, with their richness in omega-3 fatty acids, can be a hero component in any meal, as well as a substantial and nutrient-dense snack.
How many eggs should one consume?
The number of eggs you can safely eat per day is determined by several factors, including age, weight, gender, and physical activity, among others. A single large egg includes approximately 5 grams of largely healthy unsaturated fat, 6 grams of high-quality protein, vitamin D, B vitamins, 186 mg of cholesterol, and choline, an important ingredient for brain function.When it comes to how many eggs one can eat per day, it depends on your health and dietary needs. For healthy individuals, consuming 1 – 3 eggs per day is generally considered safe. It can even increase levels of HDL (good cholesterol). For those with an active lifestyle including athletes, consuming 2-4 eggs is beneficial. Dt Ginni Kalra, head dietetics, Aakash Healthcare, says, “Egg yolks are high in vitamins, minerals, and good fats. Eating solely egg whites to avoid the extra fat in the yolk may be required for persons who are at high risk of heart disease. While it varies from person to person, in general, eating one to three eggs per day can provide various health benefits. The Heart Foundation currently does not define a limit as to how many eggs a healthy person can eat per day. The idea is to appreciate them as part of a well-balanced diet.”
That said, for healthy individuals, eating 1-2 eggs per day appears to be harmless, as long as they are part of a well-balanced diet. For those with heart disease, type 2 diabetes, or high LDL cholesterol, consuming up to seven eggs per week is advisable. According to Dr. Sunil Rana, Associate Director and Head- Internal Medicine (Unit III), Asian Hospital, “Men often have higher caloric and protein requirements than women due to their increased muscular mass. As a result, males can frequently ingest 2-3 eggs per day without detrimental consequences, especially if they live an active lifestyle. Women, on average, require less calories than males, but they still require adequate protein and vitamins, such as vitamin D, for bone health, particularly during pregnancy or menopause. Women can safely consume 1-2 eggs per day, with whole eggs providing the benefits of the egg yolk, which contains iron and folate.”
How many eggs should you eat in a week?
On the other hand, it is advisable to consume seven eggs per week or focus on egg whites for those with type 2 diabetes, high HDL (bad) cholesterol or heart disease. Individuals with metabolic syndrome can follow the same and consume up to six eggs per week. Recent research in this population suggests that consuming more eggs may enhance carotenoid status by boosting HDL cholesterol, blood fat levels, and insulin sensitivity. While eggs are healthy, they should be part of a balanced diet that includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Whether you eat them whole or simply the whites depends on your health goals and dietary requirements.By including eggs in balanced meals and eating them in moderation, you may benefit from their protein and nutrient richness without worrying too much about cholesterol.
