Study Claims Egg Yolks Nearly as Dangerous to Heart as Cigarettes

A new study from the Western University in Canada has found that egg yolks may be almost as dangerous as smoking cigarettes. David Spence M.D. was the lead author of this study. The study was based on of research conducted on 1,231 adult patients.

All of the patients went to the same clinic in Canada. Spence and his team conducted a behavioral inventory of the patients and asked them how much they smoked and how many egg yolks they ate. After questioning the patients, medical researchers measured the amount of plaque in their arteries.

Spence said his research shows that plaque tends to buildup in the arteries as people get older. As people age, white blood cells and cholesterol deposits accumulate along the walls of the arteries. Over time, this causes the arteries to harden.

While some of the increased buildup may be inevitable, eating egg yolks tends to exacerbate the problem. The study shows that plaque builds up in the arteries two-thirds as fast as smoking.

Patients with hardened arteries are at an increased risk of developing heart disease and other health problems. In order to prevent the hardening of arteries, patients are encouraged to diet and exercise regularly. However, they need to be aware of other decisions which can lead to future health problems. Understanding the role that egg yolks play in their cardiovascular health can be an important for them to make better informed health decisions.

The study indicated that each egg played a significant role in plaque buildup. Patients who ate three or more eggs in the course of a week were at a much greater likelihood of having hardened arteries.

Previous studies have presented mixed findings as to whether or not eggs were healthy. Spence said that many health professionals advise their patients that eggs are healthy, even though evidence has shown that they high concentrations of cholesterol.