cholesterol

Eggs are a vital part of a balanced and varied diet, the American Council on Science and Health concluded in a report released today. "When most people hear the word 'eggs,' they immediately think 'cholesterol' and 'bad,' says Dr. Ruth Kava, ACSH's director of nutrition. "In fact," she continues, "although egg yolks are high in cholesterol, eggs also provide essential nutrients, including protein, riboflavin, folate and vitamins B12, D and E." Recent research shows that the most potent dietary culprits for raising levels of cholesterol in the blood are the saturated fats in foods, not the cholesterol. Indeed, studies have found that two thirds of the population experiences only a small increase in blood cholesterol after consuming high levels of dietary cholesterol.