A big problem with bureaucrats and politicians is that so many possess degrees in law and social science; therefore, whenever the results of a “scientific study” sound like a platform to generate to rules, they go all in without properly analyzing the data.
Our current news cycle is filled with the unintended consequences of these edicts, but today I want to focus on one of the popular mandates.
About 40 years ago, a group of researchers concluded that cholesterol in the diet increased the risk of heart disease. Within a relatively short period of time, eggs (an important component of American diets) were defamed. Subsequently, sales dropped substantially — hurting thousands of poultry farmers.
Then, a few years back, another study asserted the existence of “good cholesterol”.
HDL (Good) Cholesterol: HDL cholesterol is considered “good” cholesterol because it helps remove LDL cholesterol from the arteries. Experts believe HDL acts as a scavenger, carrying LDL cholesterol away from the arteries and back to the liver, where it is broken down and passed from the body. One-fourth to one-third of blood cholesterol is carried by HDL. A healthy level of HDL cholesterol may also protect against heart attack and stroke, while low levels of HDL cholesterol have been shown to increase the risk of heart disease.
Now, details on a new study are being released that leave our supposed experts with egg on their faces.
The nation’s top nutrition advisory panel has decided to drop its caution about eating cholesterol-laden food, a move that could undo almost 40 years of government warnings about its consumption.The group’s finding that cholesterol in the diet need no longer be considered a “nutrient of concern” stands in contrast to the committee’s findings five years ago, the last time it convened. During those proceedings, as in previous years, the panel deemed the issue of excess cholesterol in the American diet a public health concern.The finding follows an evolution of thinking among many nutritionists who now believe that, for healthy adults, eating foods high in cholesterol may not significantly affect the level of cholesterol in the blood or increase the risk of heart disease.
This is one of the best pieces of news to come out in a long period of time. Eggs are loaded with nutrition vital to health:
A single large egg contains only 70 calories and a mere 1.5 grams of saturated fat, while providing the body with 6 grams of the highest quality protein. Most of the important nutrients are contained in the yolk, which is a good source of vitamin A, iron, B vitamins (such as folate and riboflavin), zinc and a number of other important nutrients.Eggs provide choline, which is a nutrient in the family of B-vitamins that has been shown to help preserve memory function, and the nutrients zeaxanthin and lutein, which help guard against loss of vision. Egg whites are a good source of riboflavin and selenium. Riboflavin is an antioxidant and plays a role in energy metabolism and selenium is also an antioxidant and promotes a healthy immune system.Eggs provide the body with a highly digestible form of essential amino acids. They are also a good source of leucine, an amino acid that is important in helping the body to maintain and build muscle while at the same time encouraging lower levels of body fat.
In 2012, I broke my hip in a freak accident. Based on some blood-work, it was obvious I had to change my diet — but the recommendations of the nutritionists resulted in unwanted pounds and no improvement in the follow-up blood tests.
Then, I came across Instapundit’s recommendation for the book, “Why We Get Fat” by Gary Taubes. Taubes asserts that the “low fat – high carbohydrate” diet is the underlying reason for America’s skyrocketing obesity levels.
When did those levels begin to rise? About the same time that eggs were condemned by the study.
The “Why We Get Fat” diet suggests regular egg consumption, and I have enjoyed 2-3 breakfasts weekly featuring omelettes and bacon. Yes, my cholesterol level increased…as far as the HDL “Good Cholesterol” was concerned And so have the levels of other components my doctor is using to check on my bone health.
Personally, I feel more energetic and I am at a healthy, stable weight. I dance “Bollywood” and my doctor is impressed with my total range of motion.
And while my approach may not be for everyone, it looks like I am not the only one trying something different. Egg sales have shot up 11 percent…and companies are working to develop even more nutritious variations.
Truly, American diet rules have been scrambled by the new results. Therefore, why should we trust government experts on their other, “science-based” recommendations?
(h/t AACONS on Facebook)
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