Links mentioned in the episode:
Introduction: Hello and welcome to another episode of Inflamed in the Brain. I’m Krissy, your host, and friendly neighborhood Dietitian. Ever found yourself in a dinner dilemma? Well, I sure did the other day, and it led me to a breakfast-for-dinner solution. Today, I want to dive into a topic that's been a personal favorite of mine to debunk – the whole egg and cholesterol myth.
Setting the Scene: Eggs, my go-to protein source, have often been the center of controversy. From fears about fat content to concerns about cholesterol, eggs have faced it all. Today, let's unravel the intricacies surrounding cholesterol, a topic closely tied to the egg debate.
The Cholesterol Conundrum: Cholesterol has long been portrayed as the villain linked to heart disease. The American Heart Association advocated for a low-fat diet to curb cholesterol, yet high cholesterol remains prevalent. Approximately 86 million US adults had high cholesterol in 2020, prompting the need for a new approach.
The Importance of Cholesterol: Contrary to its bad reputation, cholesterol is essential for health. It plays a vital role in hormone production, bile synthesis for fat digestion, and forms the basic structure of cell membranes. Think of it as the necessary foundation for your body's cells.
Cholesterol Production and Transportation: Understanding how cholesterol is made and transported is crucial. Cholesterol is produced through the breakdown of fats or glucose, generating Acetyl CoA, a key player in the cholesterol-making process. LDL and HDL, often labeled as bad and good cholesterol, are lipoproteins carrying cholesterol through the bloodstream.
LDL's Role and Concerns: LDL, responsible for transporting cholesterol, can become problematic in an inflammatory state. Frequent damage to blood vessel linings triggers LDL's healing response, leading to potential issues. Smoking, toxins, stress, and poor diets exacerbate LDL-related concerns. Research indicates that LDL particle size matters; small, dense particles pose more significant risks than larger, fluffier ones.
Fructose and LDL Particle Size: Recent studies suggest that fructose may influence LDL particle size, making them smaller. However, it's crucial to differentiate naturally occurring fructose in foods like honey, mangoes, and grapes from the concentrated fructose in processed foods, notably high-fructose corn syrup.
The Egg Solution: Dispelling myths, there's no reason to avoid whole eggs. In fact, whole eggs can decrease small LDL particles and increase protective HDL particles. Packed with nutrients like vitamin D, E, choline, and folate, eggs contribute to a balanced diet and support overall health.
Blood Sugar Management: Managing blood sugar is key, especially for those concerned about cholesterol. Statins, prescribed for high cholesterol, target the HMG-CoA reductase enzyme. Insulin, influenced by a high-glycemic diet, can spike blood sugar, contributing to increased cholesterol production.
Conclusion and Takeaways: In conclusion, eggs are not the enemy. They're a versatile, nutrient-packed option that, when enjoyed in balance, can be part of a heart-healthy diet. Remember, the quality of eggs matters, so opt for pasture-raised options with deep orange yolks. If cholesterol concerns you, focu
Follow along:
Links mentioned in the episode:
Introduction: Hello and welcome to another episode of Inflamed in the Brain. I’m Krissy, your host, and friendly neighborhood Dietitian. Ever found yourself in a dinner dilemma? Well, I sure did the other day, and it led me to a breakfast-for-dinner solution. Today, I want to dive into a topic that's been a personal favorite of mine to debunk – the whole egg and cholesterol myth.
Setting the Scene: Eggs, my go-to protein source, have often been the center of controversy. From fears about fat content to concerns about cholesterol, eggs have faced it all. Today, let's unravel the intricacies surrounding cholesterol, a topic closely tied to the egg debate.
The Cholesterol Conundrum: Cholesterol has long been portrayed as the villain linked to heart disease. The American Heart Association advocated for a low-fat diet to curb cholesterol, yet high cholesterol remains prevalent. Approximately 86 million US adults had high cholesterol in 2020, prompting the need for a new approach.
The Importance of Cholesterol: Contrary to its bad reputation, cholesterol is essential for health. It plays a vital role in hormone production, bile synthesis for fat digestion, and forms the basic structure of cell membranes. Think of it as the necessary foundation for your body's cells.
Cholesterol Production and Transportation: Understanding how cholesterol is made and transported is crucial. Cholesterol is produced through the breakdown of fats or glucose, generating Acetyl CoA, a key player in the cholesterol-making process. LDL and HDL, often labeled as bad and good cholesterol, are lipoproteins carrying cholesterol through the bloodstream.
LDL's Role and Concerns: LDL, responsible for transporting cholesterol, can become problematic in an inflammatory state. Frequent damage to blood vessel linings triggers LDL's healing response, leading to potential issues. Smoking, toxins, stress, and poor diets exacerbate LDL-related concerns. Research indicates that LDL particle size matters; small, dense particles pose more significant risks than larger, fluffier ones.
Fructose and LDL Particle Size: Recent studies suggest that fructose may influence LDL particle size, making them smaller. However, it's crucial to differentiate naturally occurring fructose in foods like honey, mangoes, and grapes from the concentrated fructose in processed foods, notably high-fructose corn syrup.
The Egg Solution: Dispelling myths, there's no reason to avoid whole eggs. In fact, whole eggs can decrease small LDL particles and increase protective HDL particles. Packed with nutrients like vitamin D, E, choline, and folate, eggs contribute to a balanced diet and support overall health.
Blood Sugar Management: Managing blood sugar is key, especially for those concerned about cholesterol. Statins, prescribed for high cholesterol, target the HMG-CoA reductase enzyme. Insulin, influenced by a high-glycemic diet, can spike blood sugar, contributing to increased cholesterol production.
Conclusion and Takeaways: In conclusion, eggs are not the enemy. They're a versatile, nutrient-packed option that, when enjoyed in balance, can be part of a heart-healthy diet. Remember, the quality of eggs matters, so opt for pasture-raised options with deep orange yolks. If cholesterol concerns you, focu
Follow along: