A Recent Report Claims Men Who Eat Eggs May Die Early, But Is It True?
There are various reports floating around found in news papers and the ‘net regarding a strange new study on eggs being correlated to a higher risk of dying early. For example, the Reuters coverage was called “Men who eat eggs may be at higher risk if dying early.”
“But wait, studies and articles you have posted in the past showed eggs had little relation to heart disease and I thought eggs were fine” you say! People reading just the title of these reports might mistakenly conclude “so eating eggs does cause heart disease!” But therein lies the rub, but let me continue before we get to that…the Reuters report for example, states
” Eggs are rich in cholesterol, which in high amounts can clog arteries and raise the risk of heart attack and stroke.”
Note the tricky and very misleading language in the above; the report is making the association to eggs which are rich in cholesterol + high levels of (serum!) cholesterol is associated with an increased rate of CVD which then leads the reader to conclude (and how could they not from the above!) that the cholesterol content of eggs = high serum cholesterol which = an increased risk of CVD. They have made a big leap there and did it so subtly that most people will miss it…
Problem is, the majority of the data does not find dietary cholesterol intakes have a major effect on serum cholesterol levels in most people and eating eggs has not been found to increase rates of CVD…
But wait, here’s where it gets really strange and why the long lead up from me. The report states
” Egg consumption was not associated with (heart attack) or stroke,”
So why make the statements regarding cholesterol, CVD, and eggs, when they didn’t die from those related issues? It’s unclear, but at the very end of the report they finally add up the variables the eggs were actually associated to which may explain the results of this study:
” Men who ate the most eggs also were older, fatter, ate more vegetables but less breakfast cereal, and were more likely to drink alcohol, smoke and less likely to exercise”
Hmmmm. What we appear to have here is perhaps a text book example where correlation does not = causation, and those who ate more eggs had lifestyle differences from those who ate less eggs which may be responsible for the increased death rates. The problem is, the average person is not going to see that, and reports such as this do nothing to help that fact.
The average reader is going to read this and conclude ” maybe I should eat less eggs.” What they should conclude, at least from the results of this study and report is “I need to keep my bodyfat under control, drink alcohol in moderation, don’ t smoke and exercise more more.”
Bottom line here is, this study and the reports that follow, should have no bearing on your decision to eat eggs.
Will Brink is the owner of the Brinkzone Blog. Will has over 30 years experience as a respected author, columnist and consultant, to the supplement, fitness, bodybuilding, and weight loss industry and has been extensively published. Will graduated from Harvard University with a concentration in the natural sciences, and is a consultant to major supplement, dairy, and pharmaceutical companies.
His often ground breaking articles can be found in publications such as Lets Live, Muscle Media 2000, MuscleMag International, The Life Extension Magazine, Muscle n Fitness, Inside Karate, Exercise For Men Only, Body International, Power, Oxygen, Penthouse, Women’s World and The Townsend Letter For Doctors.
He’s also been published in peer reviewed journals.
Will is the author of the popular e-books, both accompanied by private members forum access , Bodybuilding Revealed & Fat Loss Revealed.
You can also buy Will’s other books on Amazon, Apple iBook, and Barnes and Noble.
Nice Site layout for your blog. I am looking forward to reading more from you.
Tom Humes
Glad you enjoyed it Tom.
Great article as usual Will, look forward to more.
Thanks for the article which will definitely remove all the confusions regarding eating eggs, one of the most nutritious item in today’s world. I used to eat five whole eggs every day when I was in school and college. There was no rise in cholesterol. But I used to exercise a lot. When I became thirty, I started eating egg whites with occasional egg yolk. I am fifty five now. But my cholesterol has never increased . And I still work with weight four days a week. But if your cholesterol is already high, it is better to limit your intake of eggs. In a healthy individual who exercises regularly and have a healthy way of living, then do not forget to eat eggs at your breakfast.
This reminds me of the study that correlated a high fat meal and it’s health implications. What was the meal, “MacDonald’s” of course! So much data/statistics can be manipulated at the expense of the reader.
I really think that when it comes down to it. The proper diet consisting of 4 to 6 oz of protein and some complex carbs with a nice 8 oz glass of water really does a nice job at giving the body what it needs. If you are bodybuilding obviously you may need more. I like to eat four times a day like this. Really takes little effort to eat every 3 hours. I have successfully gone from 330 lbs of fatness to 225 lbs of muscle and some chub in certain areas. I would like to acheive the visual six pack. I am not sure how to get there yet. I am working on it.
Eggs are the richest and most complete source of protein yet I’ve noticed over the past 30 years they’ve come under constant attack by the media. I fell for it myself and avoided eggs for awhile until I realized they were telling only half the story. Now I try to have eggs or egg whites 2-3 times a week and feel great.
I agree with the doctor above who advises people with high cholesterol or high triglecerides should eat eggs in moderation or have more egg whites and avoid the yolk at times. And ofcourse exercise is a great way to lower those 2. I have found if I exercise regularly, eggs are my friend. Good job of exposing the truth about eggs!