Dr Sudhir Kumar recently shared clear guidance on egg consumption for people with high cholesterol. (Istock- Representative Images)
Many people with high cholesterol panic the moment eggs enter the conversation, unsure whether they’re making their condition worse or worrying for no reason. The confusion is real, and that’s exactly why Apollo doctor Dr Sudhir Kumar stepped in with a clear breakdown of how much is safe, who can enjoy eggs freely, and who needs to slow down.
Dr Sudhir Kumar took to X to address one of the most common questions he gets from patients: whether someone with high cholesterol can consume eggs. He clarified that most people can include them in their diet without guilt. For a typical high-cholesterol individual, up to one egg a day is generally considered safe. He recommended choosing boiled, poached, or lightly cooked omelettes made with minimal oil. Pairing eggs with high-fibre foods such as oats, vegetables, or salads can further help reduce cholesterol absorption.
What to avoid?
He also warned that the real danger lies in how eggs are paired. Butter, cheese, and deep-fried preparations tend to raise LDL levels far more aggressively than the egg itself. That’s the part many people overlook while blaming eggs for a spike in their reports.
Who needs to be extra careful with eating eggs?
However, Dr Kumar noted that some groups need to be more careful about their intake. This includes those diagnosed with Familial Hypercholesterolemia, individuals with very high LDL levels above 190 mg/dL, people with established cardiovascular disease, and, in some situations, diabetics with uncontrolled LDL. For these groups, he advised limiting intake to about 3 eggs per week unless their doctor or nutritionist suggests otherwise.
Eggs for fitness
The conversation around eggs gets even more interesting with insights from Dr Pal Manickam, an Indian-origin American gastroenterologist who shared his take on Instagram. He compared boiled eggs and omelettes through the lens of fitness goals, helping people understand what actually suits their body’s needs. Dr Pal noted that boiled eggs are a better choice for weight loss since there's no oil or butter needed. Omelettes, with their extra fat or cheese, naturally carry more calories and work better for those trying to gain weight or build muscle. His advice was simple: match your egg style to your goal.
He also addressed confusion around yolks, explaining that most people can safely eat one whole egg a day. Each egg delivers around seven grams of high-quality protein, and the yolk supports brain health rather than causing the cholesterol spike many fear.
Dr Sudhir Kumar took to X to address one of the most common questions he gets from patients: whether someone with high cholesterol can consume eggs. He clarified that most people can include them in their diet without guilt. For a typical high-cholesterol individual, up to one egg a day is generally considered safe. He recommended choosing boiled, poached, or lightly cooked omelettes made with minimal oil. Pairing eggs with high-fibre foods such as oats, vegetables, or salads can further help reduce cholesterol absorption.
What to avoid?
He also warned that the real danger lies in how eggs are paired. Butter, cheese, and deep-fried preparations tend to raise LDL levels far more aggressively than the egg itself. That’s the part many people overlook while blaming eggs for a spike in their reports.Who needs to be extra careful with eating eggs?
However, Dr Kumar noted that some groups need to be more careful about their intake. This includes those diagnosed with Familial Hypercholesterolemia, individuals with very high LDL levels above 190 mg/dL, people with established cardiovascular disease, and, in some situations, diabetics with uncontrolled LDL. For these groups, he advised limiting intake to about 3 eggs per week unless their doctor or nutritionist suggests otherwise.Eggs for fitness
The conversation around eggs gets even more interesting with insights from Dr Pal Manickam, an Indian-origin American gastroenterologist who shared his take on Instagram. He compared boiled eggs and omelettes through the lens of fitness goals, helping people understand what actually suits their body’s needs. Dr Pal noted that boiled eggs are a better choice for weight loss since there's no oil or butter needed. Omelettes, with their extra fat or cheese, naturally carry more calories and work better for those trying to gain weight or build muscle. His advice was simple: match your egg style to your goal.He also addressed confusion around yolks, explaining that most people can safely eat one whole egg a day. Each egg delivers around seven grams of high-quality protein, and the yolk supports brain health rather than causing the cholesterol spike many fear.
