InsaneJournal

Forget Cholesterol Worries: Eggs are among the Best Fat Burning Foods

For years eggs were banished from "healthy diets". You would never have dreamed that they could not only be okay, but are now seen as one of the best fat burning foods because they are so high in protein.

What is Cholesterol?

The liver produces a fat-like substance with a waxy consistency that is called cholesterol. Not being unique to humans, cholesterol is found in foods from animals, including dairy, eggs and meat.

The body produces cholesterol because it is necessary for the production of vitamin D, bile acids and hormones; however, the body needs only a limited amount of cholesterol to meet its needs. When too much is present, health problems such as heart disease may develop.

What is the Issue with Cholesterol?

Excess cholesterol in the blood results in a hard, thick plaque forming in the arteries, which narrows the space for blood to flow through. Atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries, is the result of accumulation of plaque and can result in heart disease. A blockage can occur in the narrowed arteries leading to the heart, resulting in a heart attack.

The Myth: Eggs Cause High Cholesterol

Because a high level of cholesterol in the blood is associated with heart disease, and eggs contain a high concentration of cholesterol, the association was made that egg consumption would raise blood cholesterol levels.

Recent research has indicated that blood cholesterol is much more strongly influenced by dietary fats than by cholesterol consumption. Organic eggs are a terrific source of protein and provide Vitamins D and B12, folate and riboflavin, which all may play a part in lowering the risk of heart disease.

Keep in mind that organic eggs are high in Omega 3 fats and extremely healthy. Conventional eggs are high in Omega 6 fats and should be avoided.