Study: Eggs are as dangerous as smoking

Posted at: 08/17/2012 12:38 PM | Updated at: 08/17/2012 1:10 PM

You may need to think twice when ordering an omelet for breakfast. A new study suggests eating whole eggs could damage your heart arteries nearly as much as smoking.  
 
Researchers at Western University in Canada studied more than 1,000 patients who had suffered a mini stroke. Each participant filled out a survey detailing their egg consumption and smoking and exercise habits.
 
The thickness of their heart arteries was also measured.
 
They found those who ate the most eggs had heart arteries that had narrowed in a similar fashion to those of smokers.  
 
Outside experts say smoking affects heart arteries in a different way than eggs -- smoking has a direct effect on plaque in the arteries while eggs are high in cholesterol -- which has a gradual effect on the health of arteries.
 
Experts also say people who are eating whole eggs several times a week may be eating them with sausage or grits -- and have a diet that is high in cholesterol in general. 

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