What is unhealthy about egg yolks?

While egg yolks contain some essential nutrients, they are also high in cholesterol and saturated fat. Eating too many egg yolks can increase the risk of heart disease and other health problems.

Cholesterol

Egg yolks are one of the richest sources of dietary cholesterol. One large egg yolk contains about 185 milligrams of cholesterol. This is more than half of the recommended daily intake of cholesterol for adults. Eating too much cholesterol can increase the risk of heart disease by building up plaque in the arteries.

Saturated fat

Egg yolks are also high in saturated fat. One large egg yolk contains about 1.5 grams of saturated fat. This is about 7% of the recommended daily intake of saturated fat for adults. Eating too much saturated fat can increase the risk of heart disease by raising cholesterol levels and contributing to the buildup of plaque in the arteries.

Other health concerns

In addition to cholesterol and saturated fat, egg yolks also contain other compounds that can be harmful to health. These include:

* Choline: Choline is an essential nutrient, but eating too much can cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

* Lutein and zeaxanthin: These are carotenoids that are important for eye health, but eating too much can cause a condition called carotenemia, which can turn the skin yellow.

Overall, while egg yolks contain some essential nutrients, they are also high in cholesterol and saturated fat. Eating too many egg yolks can increase the risk of heart disease and other health problems. It is important to moderate your intake of egg yolks and include other healthy foods in your diet.