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%.
Eggs are a nutritious protein source and a staple in many people's diets. Though they're high in cholesterol, they also have many health-promoting qualities. For healthy adults, eating 1–2 eggs a day appears safe, as long as they're consumed as part of an overall nutritious diet.
Eggs can help you lose weight because of their high protein content, which keeps you full longer. That protein may also slightly increase your metabolism, which can help you burn more calories. If you want to lose weight, eat eggs as part of a healthy breakfast with fruits and vegetables.
Moderately Low in Calories, High in Protein
Scrambled eggs' major nutritional claim to fame is being low in calories while providing plenty of protein. A serving of two large scrambled eggs has about 180 calories and 12 grams of protein. The protein in eggs is also of high quality.
In and of themselves, scrambled eggs are a healthy dish. Eggs are high in protein as well as B vitamins and vitamin D; eggs also contain heart-healthy unsaturated fats. However, when butter, cream, cream cheese, or shredded cheese are added, the calories, cholesterol, and fat content increase.
Plus, the protein and healthy fats in eggs make you feel full, which keeps you from snacking on empty calories between meals. Research shows that people who eat eggs in the morning lose more weight and belly fat than those who opt for high carb foods like bagels or cereal. (These foods will fight belly fat, too.)
Poached Eggs
Based on the goals of getting the most nutrients out of your eggs with the least risk of oxidizing cholesterol, poaching is the number one healthiest way to cook and eat eggs.
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.
Eating eggs, particularly for breakfast, can be an excellent addition to a healthy weight loss diet. Eggs do not aid in weight gain; what aids in weight gain is a caloric surplus. If you consume more eggs than your maintenance calories, you will be in a caloric surplus and will gain weight.
Whether you're starting your day sunny-side up or snacking on hard-boiled eggs, keep your serving to two whole eggs. (If you're scooping scrambled eggs off a buffet, two eggs would be about half a cup, or the size of a slice of bread.)
As per the USDA Nutrition Database, hard-boiled eggs contain more protein than scrambled eggs. It also has fewer calories and more healthy nutrients like B-complex vitamins and selenium as compared to scrambled eggs.
Two eggs give you 12 grams of hunger-satisfying protein. Half of that is in the yolk, so be sure to eat the whole egg for all the protein goodness. Recent research found that we build more lean muscle and boost muscle strength more when we eat whole eggs, not just the egg whites.
A Nutritionally Balanced Pair
Eggs and toast – they're a match made in food heaven, and compliment each other well nutritionally. Eggs provide a source of protein and fat, while toast is a source of complex carbohydrates.
For the most nutritious breakfast, try to choose whole, unprocessed foods from each of the five food groups: fruits, vegetables, grains, protein foods, and dairy. Try to include proteins from foods like yogurts (look for varieties with less sugar added), eggs, nuts and seeds or legumes.
Scrambled eggs are very good for you. In fact, eggs, whether scrambled or otherwise are one of the most nutrient-rich foods on the planet. After decades of misinformation, we now know that for healthy people, eggs have no negative effects on heart health, and may actually improve cholesterol levels.
For most healthy adults, it's safe to eat 1–2 eggs a day depending on how much other cholesterol is in your diet. If you already have high cholesterol or other risk factors for heart disease, it may be best to eat no more than 4–5 eggs per week.
Typical nutritional values per large egg:
Protein 16.1g. Total fat 11.3g.
For most people, eating eggs won't have a significant effect on your blood cholesterol, and they're good for you too.
Eggs are also loaded with cholesterol—about 200 milligrams for an average-sized egg. That's more than double the amount in a Big Mac. Fat and cholesterol contribute to heart disease. A 2021 study found that the addition of half an egg per day was associated with more deaths from heart disease, cancer, and all causes.
A number of studies suggest that about one egg a day has no adverse effect on health outcomes. A study in my lab found that eating two eggs daily for six weeks also had no harmful effects in healthy adults, and we are even seeing similar results in people with high cholesterol.
Why the unhealthiest way to cook eggs is to fry them at high heat. Although frying eggs is one of the most popular methods of preparing eggs, it's not necessarily the healthiest method you can choose. That's because oil is high in calories and saturated fats. And butter is one of the worst offenders.
There's no best time to eat eggs. Some people prefer to eat eggs for breakfast because they are a good source of protein and can help to regulate blood sugar levels. Others prefer to eat them later in the day or as part of a post-workout meal because they are a good source of protein and can help to boost metabolism.
Instead, eat your eggs with other nutritious foods, such as whole grain toast, whole fruit, or sautéed vegetables. Eggs are high in protein and several important nutrients. They may promote fullness and help lower your calorie intake later in the day.