New Study: Eating Eggs Weekly Could Save Your Life
New research from Monash University suggests that eating eggs regularly may help reduce the risk of death from heart disease and other causes in older adults. The study, published in Nutrients, found that individuals aged 70 and above who consumed eggs one to six times per week had a significantly lower risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD)-related death compared to those who rarely or never ate eggs.
Study Overview
The study analyzed data from 8,756 older adults participating in the ASPREE Longitudinal Study of Older Persons (ALSOP). Participants self-reported their egg consumption, which was categorized into three groups:
- Rarely/Never (up to twice a month)
- Weekly (1–6 times per week)
- Daily (once or more per day)
Researchers discovered that those who ate eggs weekly had a 15% lower risk of death from any cause and a 29% lower risk of death from cardiovascular diseases compared to those who rarely ate eggs.
Nutritional Value of Eggs
Eggs are packed with essential nutrients, making them a valuable part of a healthy diet, especially for older adults. They are a rich source of protein and contain vital nutrients such as:
- B vitamins and folate
- Unsaturated fatty acids
- Fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K)
- Choline and important minerals
Since eggs are easy to prepare and digest, they serve as an accessible source of high-quality protein for older adults who may experience physical or sensory decline.
Diet Quality and Longevity
The study also examined how diet quality influenced the effects of egg consumption. Researchers found that older adults with moderate to high-quality diets experienced an even greater reduction in CVD-related deaths—33% and 44%, respectively. This suggests that adding eggs to a balanced diet may help improve longevity.
Guidelines on Egg Consumption
Current dietary guidelines vary across countries. The Australian Dietary Guidelines and the American Heart Association (AHA) suggest that individuals with normal cholesterol levels can safely consume up to seven eggs per week. The AHA also states that older adults with normal cholesterol can eat up to two eggs per day. However, some European guidelines recommend limiting egg intake to three to four per week.
Eggs and High Cholesterol
Previous studies have raised concerns about egg consumption for individuals with high cholesterol. To address this, the researchers also examined participants with dyslipidemia (clinically diagnosed high cholesterol). Interestingly, they found that even among individuals with high cholesterol, those who ate eggs weekly had a 27% lower risk of CVD-related death compared to those who rarely consumed eggs.
Conclusion
This study highlights the potential benefits of moderate egg consumption for older adults. Eating up to six eggs per week may help lower the risk of death from heart disease and other causes. These findings support the idea that eggs can be an important part of a well-balanced diet, and they may help shape future dietary recommendations for older adults.
Source: Inputs from various media SourcesÂ
Priya Bairagi
Reviewed by Dr Aarti Nehra (MBBS, MMST)
I’m a pharmacist with a strong background in health sciences. I hold a BSc from Delhi University and a pharmacy degree from PDM University. I write articles and daily health news while interviewing doctors to bring you the latest insights. In my free time, you’ll find me at the gym or lost in a sci-fi novel.
