Egg Yolks: As Dangerous As Smoking?

On Tuesday, health journal Atherosclerosis published a study revealing the dangers of consuming egg yolks, warning people older than 40 that egg consumption leads to thickened arteries—comparable to the effects of smoking. The study measured the carotid wall thickness of 1,231 patients, and also required each patient to disclose personal information about their health including their consumption of egg yolks and whether or not they smoke. “We believe our study makes it imperative to reassess the role of egg yolks, and dietary cholesterol in general, as a risk factor for coronary heart disease,” the researchers confirm. The National Heart Blood and Lung Institute advises Americans to consume no more than 300 milligrams of cholesterol per day; one egg yolk has more than 200 milligrams.