Due to the variety of nutrients found in eggs, they are an ideal food to include in the diets of older adults. They are also economical, easily prepared and soft in texture which makes them appropriate for people of this age group.
As per health experts, people in their 40s should have at least 7 eggs in a week. Said to be the best source of “good cholesterol”, eggs can be taken as any other protein source by older people. It can be boiled, or can be eaten as scrambled eggs with little oil.
But studies have shown that cholesterol for people 65 and older is less affected by their diet than someone in their 30s and younger, so they can have up to two whole eggs per day if they have normal cholesterol levels. “For seniors, it might even be a greater source of protein,” says Campbell.
How Many Eggs Can Elderly People (70+) Eat? For healthy people, the National Heart Foundation currently sets no limit as to how many eggs you can eat per day – as part of any healthy and balanced diet. That being said, there are some limitations to those who are more sensitive to consuming dietary cholesterol.
The American Heart Association recommends up to one egg a day for most people, fewer for people with high blood cholesterol, especially those with diabetes or who are at risk for heart failure, and up to two eggs a day for older people with normal cholesterol levels and who eat a healthy diet.
Vitamin D for Strong Bones
The risk of bone fracture and osteoporosis increases with age. A single egg yolk contains about 40 IUs of vitamin D, which is essential for bone health.
The American Heart Association says that one egg (or two egg whites) per day can be part of a healthy diet. “Eggs make a great breakfast. A hard-boiled egg is a nutritious snack, but I think that consuming a variety of foods is a healthier way to eat,” says Dr. Young.
People at risk of heart disease; who have diabetes or who have had a heart attack should pay close attention to the amount of cholesterol in their diet. Otherwise, there is nothing stopping you from eating an egg a day at any age.
Eggs are an inexpensive, widely available and easily digestible source of high-quality protein and contain a significant proportion of leucine, an amino acid that is important for muscle synthesis, as well as many other nutrients of significance for older people, including vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids.
Hard-boiled eggs are an excellent source of lean protein. They'll fill you up without packing in too many calories, which is helpful if you want to lose weight. The protein in hard-boiled eggs also works alongside vitamin D to promote prenatal development.
But the cholesterol in eggs doesn't seem to raise cholesterol levels the way some other foods, such as those high in trans fats and saturated fats, do.
People with raised cholesterol often wonder if it's OK to eat eggs, as egg yolk is rich in cholesterol. Generally speaking, it should be fine for most people, as the cholesterol in eggs does not have a significant effect on blood cholesterol. It's much more important to limit the amount of saturated fat you eat.
Due to the variety of nutrients found in eggs, they are an ideal food to include in the diets of older adults. They are also economical, easily prepared and soft in texture which makes them appropriate for people of this age group.
One of the top reasons bananas are good for the elderly is because they're rich sources of potassium, an essential nutrient. Potassium is thought to play an important role in regulating blood pressure, and it may be helpful to those diagnosed with hypertension.
Typically, the elderly has been defined as the chronological age of 65 or older. People from 65 to 74 years old are usually considered early elderly, while those over 75 years old are referred to as late elderly.
Choose foods with little to no added sugar, saturated fats, and sodium. To get enough protein throughout the day and maintain muscle, try adding seafood, dairy, or fortified soy products along with beans, peas, and lentils to your meals. Learn more about protein and other important nutrients.
Side Effects of Eggs:
Daily consumption of eggs can result in an increase in good cholesterol as well as bad cholesterol, which can predispose an individual towards the risk of cardiac disorders. Consuming eggs in excess can result in weight gain due to the high amount of saturated fats.
Eating eggs leads to elevated levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL), also known as the “good” cholesterol. People who have higher HDL levels have a lower risk of heart disease, stroke and other health issues. According to one study, eating two eggs a day for six weeks increased HDL levels by 10%.
Cancer. Several studies suggest a positive association between egg consumption, cancer mortality, breast cancer, and ovarian cancer. Some evidence suggest that egg consumption may increase the risk of those cancers, and worsen the progression of prostate cancer to make death more likely.
Eggs contain several different nutrients that are good for your body. Eggs contain vitamins A, D and E, as well as B12, riboflavin and folate. They're also packed with minerals, including iodine, iron, phosphorus and selenium, meaning including two eggs in your daily diet is super beneficial.
A moderate number of one to two eggs per person is a good guideline. Customizing your breakfast with vegetables or lean proteins like turkey bacon can help boost the nutrient content of your meal. Eating eggs for breakfast can provide essential nutrients and help to keep you full and energized throughout the day.
If you have a heart-related condition, being aware of your saturated fat intake is more important. Eggs are also a great source of heart-healthy nutrients like potassium, folate and B vitamins. Some research suggests that up to two eggs per day actually improves heart health.