Who perpetuates the myth that whole eggs are bad? - PaleoHacks.com

Who perpetuates the myth that whole eggs are bad?

2012-08-14T13:58:47Z

Why do many people outside of the Paleosphere believe that egg yolks are bad? What are some good resources that defend the consumption of whole eggs?

Thanks!

Answer by Diane for Who perpetuates the myth that whole eggs are bad?

2012-08-14T14:11:20Z

I believe the myth is perpetuated because the ADA, ACA and others in public health want to "speak with one voice", in other words, stick to the low-fat message no matter what.

Answer by Talldog for Who perpetuates the myth that whole eggs are bad?

2012-08-14T14:24:39Z

Old wive's tales die hard.

Back in the medical dark ages, it was theorized that if ate a lot of cholesterol it would cause your blood cholesterol levels to rise. Conversely, if you reduced cholesterol consumption it would reduce blood levels.

This theory was disproven decades ago. Even Ancel Keys (the father of the lipid hypothesis) didn't believe dietary cholesterol was anything to worry about.

"In the adult man the serum cholesterol level is essentially independent of the cholesterol intake over the whole range of human diets." - Ancel Keys, 1956

"There's no connection whatsoever between cholesterol in food and cholesterol in blood. And we've known that all along. Cholesterol in the diet doesn't matter at all unless you happen to be a chicken or a rabbit." Ancel Keys, 1997

The reason is your liver has more than enough capacity to produce all your cholesterol needs, and it is sensitive to how much cholesterol you eat. If you eat a lot of cholesterol, your liver reduces its production of cholesterol. If you eat little cholesterol, your liver ups its production of cholesterol. Just as your body has certain mechanisms to maintain a specific body temperature, your body also has certain mechanisms to maintain a specific blood cholesterol level.

This is why statins are the only method that actually works to lower cholesterol levels, because statins inhibit your liver's ability to produce cholesterol.

I consider someone's opinion about how to reduce cholesterol levels to be a touchstone for their overall knowledge. If they think you can reduce (or increase) cholesterol via dietary changes, then I assume they aren't up to speed on the latest medical literature.

Answer by borofergie for Who perpetuates the myth that whole eggs are bad?

2012-08-14T14:34:58Z

This kind of pseudo-science:

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/08/120813155640.htm "Newly published research led by Western's Dr. David Spence shows that eating egg yolks accelerates atherosclerosis in a manner similar to smoking cigarettes."

http://paleohacks.com/questions/142607/egg-yolk-consumption-increases-atherosclerosis-risk-and-plaque-build-up#axzz23X04Lddi

Answer by treeees for Who perpetuates the myth that whole eggs are bad?

2012-08-14T14:35:22Z

Memes are powerful things. Once a concept is embedded in a society's psyche, it's amazingly challenging to change. I walk through the supermarket and I'm amazed at the number of people who are trying to lose weight via the approved "healthy" ways and failing miserably. Yet, there is remarkably little consideration given to the idea that maybe the underlying premise is flawed, they just double down and "try harder".

Answer by JB Primal for Who perpetuates the myth that whole eggs are bad?

2012-08-14T14:56:14Z

Ditto to what Talldog said. BTW, just back from Turkey and my in-laws were aghast that I was eating 4 or 5 eggs for breakfast. They kept telling me that I would develop a food allergy by eating eggs in hot weather. Huh?!?!?!

Anyone heard that nonsense before?

http://www.jbprimal.com