An egg a day is now okay

Good news for egg lovers who were previously concerned that the cholesterol found in eggs may raise their blood cholesterol levels. Photo / NZME

Egg lovers will be happy to know having an egg a day is now okay.

The breakfast treat for many Kiwis was once thought to raise blood cholesterol levels and increase the risk of heart disease.

However, the 2015 US Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee Report has reinforced eggs can be part of a healthy, well-balanced diet.

While eggs do contain cholesterol the report has found there is little link between dietary cholesterol and blood cholesterol.

New Zealand Nutrition Foundation dietitian, Sarah Hanrahan says it is more saturated fats, those commonly found in animal products, that were associated with high cholesterol and heart disease.

She recommends people replace foods that are high in saturated fats, with healthy fats from food like oily fish, olive oil and avocado.

Another recent study from Yale University's Prevention Research Center, Effects of egg ingestion on endothelial function in adults with coronary artery disease: a randomised, controlled, crossover trial, has also found that eating eggs daily has no adverse effects on those with, or at risk of heart disease.

Ms Hanrahan says it's good news for egg lovers who were previously concerned that the cholesterol found in eggs may raise their blood cholesterol levels.

"Eggs are a natural wholefood, like vegetables, which should be encouraged to be eaten as part of a healthy diet."

The United Kingdom's National Health service and the British Heart Foundation have also stated eggs can be part of a healthy balanced diet.

About Eggs

•High quality protein containing 11 essential vitamins and minerals

•A large egg contains about five grams of fat - less than half is saturated

•Up to six eggs a week can be eaten as part of a balanced diet for most people