Here are five potential side effects you might encounter if you frequently eat too many eggs:
Excess Cholesterol Intake
Although the link between eggs and cholesterol is debated, eggs are high in cholesterol, containing about 190 milligrams per egg.
This amount exceeds over 60% of the previous daily limit of 300 milligrams recommended by the Dietary Guidelines for Americans.
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Although the 2015 Guidelines no longer specify a cholesterol limit, it’s still possible to surpass recommended levels if you eat multiple eggs daily, especially depending on your overall diet and health status.
Increased Risk of Heart Disease
Most experts agree that consuming one egg per day doesn’t seem to raise heart disease risk.
A study of 500,000 Chinese adults even found that one egg per day could lower the risk of cardiovascular disease.
However, eating three or more eggs daily might be problematic.
A 2019 study linked consumption of over 300 milligrams of cholesterol per day to a 17% higher risk of cardiovascular disease and an 18% higher risk of death.
Additionally, a 2022 meta-analysis published in Circulation found that higher daily egg consumption was associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease and mortality. Moderation is likely best for heart health.
Potential Weight Gain
If you pair eggs with high-calorie sides like greasy sausage, hashbrowns, or sugary pancakes, your breakfast could contribute to weight gain.
A daily high-calorie breakfast might lead to weight creep.
For better health and weight management, consider adding nutritious ingredients to your eggs, such as fresh spinach, diced bell peppers, or sliced grape tomatoes, and use heart-healthy oils like avocado or olive oil.
Increased Risk of Diabetes
Eating large quantities of eggs might raise your risk of type 2 diabetes.
A 2009 study published in Diabetes Care found that consuming more than seven eggs per week was linked to a higher risk of developing the condition.
However, other studies suggest that eggs can improve blood sugar control and insulin sensitivity in individuals with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes, and the American Diabetes Association considers eggs a good protein source.
Consumption of Unhealthy Foods
The way you cook eggs can affect your overall health.
Frying eggs in butter or serving them with processed meats like bacon can add unhealthy fats, sodium, and extra calories.
This combination might inadvertently increase your intake of saturated fats and sodium, potentially raising your risk of cardiovascular disease more than the eggs themselves.