EGG-CITING EGGS

Eggs have many redeeming qualities even though they are cholesterol-rich. They are a rich source of vitamin A and contain the best source of protein for the body.

Do not hesitate to include eggs in your eating plan, unless advised not to by your healthcare provider. One egg yoke contains about 215 milligrams of cholesterol. That is pretty high considering the recommended daily limit for cholesterol is 300 milligrams. So, use common sense to avoid getting too much cholesterol in your diet from eggs. Here are some suggestions:

eat no more than 4 egg yokes a week
trade two egg whites for one egg yolk in your scrambled eggs
eat as many egg whites as you want
replace half the eggs in recipes with egg substitutes or egg whites
choose cooking oils and dairy products for your eggs that are low in saturated fat, trans (hydrogenated) fat, and cholesterol.

Eggs are inexpensive. There is really no reason not to include eggs in your diet, especially when they are eaten in moderation.

For more information, contact your local chapter of the American Heart Association, call the national office at (800) 242-8721, or visit their website at www.deliciousdecisions.org. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans are available on the Internet at www.nutrition.gov.

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

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