Does the fried egg increase cholesterol? And the boiled egg?

Some time ago we made an interesting question, directly related to one of the most consumed foods in our country, especially in this form of cooking: Does the egg increase cholesterol?. And there is no doubt that it is a true gastronomic pleasure, when we broke the yolk with a good piece of bread and enjoyed both its texture and all its flavor.

However, it is true that for years one of the most characteristic egg myths has a special relationship with its fat content, and more specifically about its supposed contribution of cholesterol. In fact, how many times have we not heard that popular phrase that Fried egg raises cholesterol levels due to its high fat content?.

According to many nutritionists, we would actually find ourselves facing a mistaken belief, which has caused the habitual consumption of eggs to be unduly related to an increased risk at the time of suffering from cardiovascular diseases.

On the one hand, we must bear in mind that the fried egg -effectively- has a high cholesterol content: an egg of average size and weight (of 62 grams) provides 214 mg. of cholesterol. However, it is not the amount of cholesterol ingested that raises the levels of fats in the blood, but the existing relationship in these foods between unsaturated fats and saturated fats.

More specifically, saturated fats are those that come to determine the increase in blood cholesterol, and not precisely the cholesterol in the diet itself. Of course, we must take into account that depending on the way of cooking the egg we will contribute more fat or not.

If for example we choose to make a fried egg, it is not true that the egg will have more fat and a higher cholesterol content, since we put more or less oil will end up absorbing always the same amount. And it is not the same to use extra virgin olive oil to fry it than any other type of oil (such as sunflower oil).

In addition we could not forget the incredible benefits of both the yolk and the benefits of egg white: it is a food especially rich in proteins, it provides a good amount of vitamins (A, D, E and B12) and minerals (iron, phosphorus, selenium, sodium and zinc), omega 3 essential fatty acids and lecithin.

And what about the boiled egg? Does cholesterol increase?

We must bear in mind that it is the saturated fats that come to determine the increase of cholesterol in blood, and not precisely the cholesterol of the diet itself.

Not in vain, it has even been shown that consuming one egg per day has no effect on blood cholesterol, as long as a healthy food and healthy.

In addition, it is extremely important to know that both the lecithin and the unsaturated fats contained in the aforementioned egg yolk reduce the intestinal absorption of cholesterol in our body.

For example, since the year 2000, the AHA (American Heart Association) talks about the consumption of one egg per day in their feeding guides for the healthy population.

Remember to know what the normal cholesterol figures to keep it at bay.

Image | Charles Haynes This article is published for informational purposes only. You can not and should not replace the consultation with a Nutritionist. We advise you to consult your trusted Nutritionist. ThemesCholesterol

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