High cholesterol levels increase your risk for health problems such as heart disease and stroke. About 25 percent of the cholesterol in your body comes from food such as meat, milk and dairy products such as cheese --- and eggs. For years eggs were vilified as cholesterol-raising culprits. While they are high in cholesterol, the amount that eggs will affect cholesterol levels varies differs for each person, according to Thomas Behrenbeck, a cardiologist at the Mayo Clinic.
Cholesterol Levels and Effects
High levels of high-density lipoprotein or "good" cholesterol --- 60 mg/dL or higher --- protect you from heart disease. However, total cholesterol levels should not exceed 200 mg/dL and bad cholesterol or low-density lipoprotein levels should be 100 mg/dL or lower, according to the American Heart Association. Cholesterol levels that exceed these can lead to atherosclerosis, a condition in which cholesterol begins to collect against the walls of your arteries forming a plaque. It's a condition called atherosclerosis that narrows and hardens arteries and cause coronary artery disease, angina and stroke.
Cholesterol and Egg Intake
Healthy people can consume 300 mg or less of cholesterol per day, while people with conditions such as diabetes, high cholesterol or cardiovascular disease should consume 200 mg or less, advises the American Heart Association. With 213 mg of cholesterol, one large egg contains more than a full day's serving of cholesterol if you have any of these medical conditions.
Adding Eggs to Your Diet
If you have a medical problem that requires you to lower your cholesterol intake, eggs can still be a part of your diet, states the American Heart Association. They key is to reduce the amount of cholesterol you eat from other sources such as meat, dairy foods, junk food, prepackaged meals, baked goods and chocolate. Also, choose lean cuts of meat and low-fat or fat-free dairy products and do not eat seafood such as shrimp more than twice a week.
Avoiding Cholesterol in Eggs
Separate your eggs and eat only the egg whites, which are cholesterol free. You can also substitute two egg whites or 1/4 cup cholesterol-free egg substitute for every egg a recipe calls for, advises Behrenbeck.
Preparation
The way in which you cook your eggs can also help reduce your cholesterol levels. Instead of cooking with butter or lard --- which are also high in saturated fat --- use plant oils such as olive or canola. Also, boiling or poaching eggs do not involve adding any fats when cooking your eggs.
