Eggs are a highly nutrient-dense whole food. One egg contains 6.5 grams of usable, easily digestible protein. The amino acid complex in eggs is so well-proportioned they are used as a reference point for judging protein quality in other foods. Egg white contains about 10% protein, the rest is water. The yolk has the goodies. There are 5 grams of fat in the yolk, along with appreciable amounts of calcium,phosphorus and “heme” iron, a most absorbable form. Vitamins A, D and Bcomplex are also present. The fat in egg yolk is also rich in omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids and yes, cholesterol.
Cholesterol is a vital healing substance manufactured by the liver. A small portion of what we need is derived from dietary sources. One excellent source of cholesterol is mother’s milk. Another is egg yolks. The 213 milligrams of cholesterol per egg is balanced with sufficient lecithin to keep cholesterol circulating in the blood, preventing it from depositing in arteries. When blood vessels are damaged by free radicals, which occurs when we ingest unstable or rancid oils, the body sends cholesterol to repair the damage. Recent research shows cholesterol plays a role as an anti-oxidant. Blaming coronary heart disease on cholesterol is akin to blaming the Band-Aid for the cut.
Like other fats, cholesterol can be damaged by exposure to heat and light. This oxidized cholesterol can promote injury to arterial cell walls, as well as lead to build-up of plaque in arteries. When we consume diets of rancid or chemically altered fats combined with refined sugars and carbohydrates offering no immune support, then the stage can be set for heart disease. Anytime the finger is pointed at a natural food which has supported human beings for thousands of years we must suspect the intention behind the research. There is much profit to be made from new food products and drugs claiming to protect health. There are many cultures that have consumed fresh eggs for generations who also show low incidence of heart disease.