Eggs are a healthy food rich in vitamins and trace elements. However, in certain cases, such as gallstone disease or diarrhea, eggs can be harmful to the body. So, can people with coronary artery disease eat eggs? Let’s delve into this issue in the article below.
1. Nutritional value of eggs
Can heart disease patients eat eggs? This has always been a controversial topic. Eggs are a highly nutritious food, providing a rich source of protein, lipids, vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and hormones, and are often recommended as part of a daily diet.
The nutrient composition of eggs is well-balanced, consisting of the yolk and the egg white. Most nutrients are concentrated in the yolk, which contains 13.6% protein, 29.8% fat, and 1.6% minerals. The egg white, on the other hand, is mostly water, with 10.3% protein, lipids and very low levels of vitamins, and minerals.
Egg protein is an excellent source of essential amino acids for the body, playing a crucial role in weight and height development in children. The protein in eggs contains some of the best and most complete amino acids. The protein in egg yolks is primarily simple proteins in a soluble state, while the egg white mainly contains albumin and also has relatively complete amino acid composition.
Additionally, eggs are a valuable source of lecithin, a type of fat rarely found in other foods. Lecithin is a key component in cell structures and brain fluids. According to research, lecithin helps regulate cholesterol levels, prevents cholesterol accumulation, and promotes its elimination from the body.
Eggs contain a high amount of cholesterol (600 mg cholesterol per 100 g of chicken eggs), which raises the question for many patients: can people with coronary artery disease eat eggs? However, eggs also have a favorable ratio of lecithin to cholesterol. Lecithin helps regulate cholesterol, preventing atherosclerosis while promoting the elimination of cholesterol from the body.
In addition, eggs are an excellent source of vitamins and minerals beneficial to the body, such as iron, zinc, copper, manganese, iodine, vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin K, and more. Notably, eggs contain biotin (vitamin B8), which plays a role in the energy production cycle.
2. What happens if you eat too many eggs?
Can healthy individuals or those with heart disease eat eggs? While eggs are a valuable source of nutrition, eating too many can lead to adverse effects:
- Increased risk of stroke, heart failure, or even death: One egg can contain up to 200 mg of cholesterol. Consuming too many eggs can raise blood cholesterol levels, leading to atherosclerosis.
- Higher risk of liver damage: Nutrients in eggs may stimulate increased liver enzymes and hormones, accumulating in the liver and potentially causing cirrhosis.
- Increased risk of obesity: Overconsumption of eggs, with their abundant protein content, can lead to excessive fat accumulation in the body, resulting in uncontrolled weight gain and obesity, particularly in children.
- Hypertension: This is especially common in middle-aged individuals due to cholesterol buildup, which can block blood vessels and raise blood pressure.
3. Can people with coronary artery disease eat eggs?
Eggs are a nutritious and easy-to-prepare food, with nutrients in appropriate and balanced proportions. Eggs can be consumed by the elderly and children. For individuals with high blood pressure or high blood cholesterol, they can still eat eggs in moderation. Research conducted by nutrition experts in the United States has confirmed that consuming eggs does not raise blood cholesterol or hypertension. The recommended frequency for egg consumption in people with high blood pressure or high lipid levels is about 2–3 times per week.
Additionally, individuals with cardiovascular disease should choose healthy methods of cooking eggs, such as eating them with sandwich bread, in salads, as scrambled eggs, or boiled eggs. It is advisable to limit fried eggs, as this can increase fat intake and exacerbate cardiovascular complications.
4. What should people with coronary artery disease eat?
To prevent coronary artery disease from progressing and to reduce cardiovascular complications, patients need to follow a healthy diet that includes:
- Fresh fruits and vegetables: Increasing the consumption of plant-based foods can improve heart health and help prevent heart attacks and sudden cardiac arrest. Fruits and vegetables are rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber, which contribute to cardiovascular health. Additionally, these foods are low in energy (calories), which can help maintain a healthy weight. The fiber in fruits and vegetables helps lower cholesterol levels and protects the heart. However, it is important to avoid fruits packed in syrup, as they contain high amounts of sugar and more calories.
- Whole grains: Eating whole grains can contribute to heart health and reduce the negative impact of coronary artery disease. Like fruits and vegetables, whole grains contain many beneficial nutrients and are a good source of fiber for the body. Therefore, they help regulate blood cholesterol levels and blood pressure. Good options include whole grains, high-fiber cereals, brown rice, oats, etc. However, it is best to avoid refined grains such as white bread, cookies, egg noodles, cornbread, frozen waffles, doughnuts, and crackers.
- Healthy fats: These include monounsaturated fats and polyunsaturated fats, which are found in olive oil, canola oil, nuts, and cholesterol-lowering plant-based margarine. You should also look for low-fat or fat-free dairy products, such as yogurt, sour cream, and cheese.
- Lean meats: Healthy options include fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which help lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels, such as salmon, mackerel, and other cold-water fish. Other healthy protein sources include peas, lentils, soybeans, skinless poultry, etc.
In summary, eggs are a nutritious food with a well-balanced nutrient profile. For people with cardiovascular diseases such as coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol, it is safe to eat eggs 2-3 times per week. It is recommended to prepare eggs in healthy ways, such as with sandwich bread, in salads, scrambled, or boiled.
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