Eggs are full of treasures. Not only are they a rich source of protein, but they also contain lecithin, vitamins, and assorted minerals. However, many people limit their egg consumption for fear of high cholesterol.
A study from Harvard Medical School found that about 80 percent of the cholesterol in the human body is produced by the liver and intestines, and only about 20 percent comes from food. Eating eggs not only prevents cholesterol from rising, but can lower it.
Are eggs the actual cause of increased cholesterol?
The actual cause of high cholesterol in people nowadays is mainly due to excessive intake of bad oil and sugar, which causes inflammation of blood vessel walls. When the body detects that the blood vessels are heavily inflamed, the liver produces a large amount of cholesterol to repair the damaged blood vessels.
Taking cholesterol-lowering drugs only inhibits the liver’s production of cholesterol and does not solve the problem of blood vessel inflammation. That is to say, eating more eggs is not the cause of hyperlipidemia. Therefore, adults can eat 4 to 5 eggs daily if they do not eat other cholesterol. For middle-aged and older adults, 2 to 3 eggs are recommended.
A study published in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism in 2022 found that higher egg consumption was not associated with blood lipids in individuals with chronic metabolic disorders. In individuals without such conditions, the lipid profile was better among those who consumed more eggs.
The study shows that it is safe to eat eggs for people with high blood lipids, while for healthy people, eggs provide protein and good fats, help improve fat metabolism, and reduce the production of cholesterol in the body.
Egg yolk is a medicine, with lecithin lowering cholesterol
Egg yolks are rich in minerals, such as calcium, magnesium, zinc, copper, and vitamins A, D, and B-complex. They also contain lutein and zeaxanthin, which are beneficial to the eyes. Nevertheless, egg yolks’ greatest nutritional value lies in their oleic acid and lecithin. Lecithin lowers blood lipids, strengthens the brain, improves memory, and promotes growth.
Lecithin can be called a natural hypolipidemic drug. It acts as an emulsifier in the blood plasma, washes away the deposits on the walls of the blood vessels, improves the transport of fat in the body and prevents its deposition, and has an excellent effect on the improvement of arteriosclerosis, fatty liver, and the prevention of cerebrovascular diseases.
Lecithin is also an essential component of cell membranes. Nerve cells in the brain or general nerve cells require lecithin to function normally. When brain cells are activated, they help strengthen memory and prevent aging. Studies have found that egg lecithin administered to elderly mice increases brain function and learning ability.
Lecithin can also help regenerate liver cells and lower cholesterol in the liver. Studies have found that patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease can improve liver enzyme levels when taking polyene phosphatidylcholine, a lecithin component.
Lecithin also promotes skin regeneration and reduces age spots and skin pigmentation.
Two wonderful uses of egg yolk
According to the wisdom of ancient Chinese medicine, egg yolks can be utilized for their medicinal value to calm anxiety and fight depression. Chinese medicine believes that egg yolks have a calming effect on the mind. According to ancient Chinese medical records, dried lily bulbs and egg yolk soup can treat irritability.
Lily bulbs and egg yolk soup
Ingredients:
- Lily bulbs
- Eggs
- A green vegetable, such as green peas, spinach, snow peas, arugula, etc.
- Soup stock
- Soy sauce and sugar to taste
Method:
- Gently simmer lily bulbs in a soy-sauce-based broth until tender
- Drizzle the beaten egg and add vegetables on top
- Cover to let the egg set and serve immediately
The yolks of boiled eggs can be sautéed in a pan to produce a small amount of egg yolk oil with excellent medicinal effects for skin conditions. According to traditional Chinese medical books, egg yolk oil can improve otitis media when used as ear drops and treat skin diseases, such as bedsores, skin ulcers, burns, eczema, neurodermatitis, ringworm, and chapped hands and feet.
Translated by Cecilia and edited by Amanda
