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Your Heart Loves Eggs: Choosing the Best Type

Eggs. Should you enjoy them or avoid them altogether? It depends on who you ask. There are very few food controversies bigger than the one surrounding the humble egg. We believe that it is an eggcellent food, but only if correctly consumed. Here’s why you should eat more eggs and the best type to buy.

The contentious history of the villainized egg 

Eggs have been a source of food and nutrition since the beginning of time. Today, the average American consumes close to 300 eggs a year. The popularity of eggs has waxed and waned over the years, largely dependent on government recommendations. 

Americans enjoyed eggs regularly until 1968, when the American Heart Association (AHA) suggested that individuals limit their cholesterol intake to less than 300 mg per day and reduce egg consumption to no more than three whole eggs each week. 

The scientific purpose behind the recommended limits was never clear. However, Americans listened, and egg consumption declined.  

The egg became a symbol of everything wrong with the American diet. Per capita, egg consumption declined from 320 a year in 1968 to 233 a year in the early 1990s. 

As with many recommendations, it only took a short time until the pendulum swung the other way. A large study published in the prestigious JAMA concluded that there was no change in cardiovascular risk for individuals who consumed an egg a day versus those that consumed one a week. 

As a result, in 2002, the AHA dropped its egg consumption recommendation. In 2015, the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee removed their longstanding recommendation, concluding that cholesterol is not considered a nutrient of concern for overconsumption. Eggs were once again fair game to eat.

Dietary cholesterol vs. blood cholesterol

To fully appreciate the controversy over the egg and the health value it bestows, one must understand cholesterol. It’s no surprise that the word cholesterol has a negative connotation. After all, for years, we’ve been told that we need to lower our cholesterol levels to avoid heart disease. However, it’s critical to distinguish between blood cholesterol and dietary cholesterol. 

Produced by the liver, cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that plays an essential role in the human body. Cholesterol is required to help make strong cell membranes, produce vital hormones in our body such as cortisol, testosterone, and estrogen, and help the body produce vitamin D. 

It would seem to make sense that the amount of cholesterol in your diet directly impacts your blood cholesterol, but it’s not that simple. While the human body can produce most of the cholesterol it needs on its own, the amazing liver will slow down production to match what is coming in the body through diet. Research has found that the majority of people can self-regulate cholesterol levels. 

Multiple studies agree that the link between dietary cholesterol and heart disease is weak, at best. In fact, research is emerging that egg consumption may lower cardiovascular risk in certain people. 

Dietary cholesterol has been the scapegoat for decades when, in fact, sugar, manufactured trans fatty acids, and refined carbohydrates are the true villains. 

Why you should eat more eggs

Eggs are a true superfood, containing numerous essential vitamins and minerals helpful for the human body. They are also rich in vitamins A, B2, B5, B12, E, selenium, and minerals like iron, zinc, and calcium and are a natural source of heart-healthy vitamin D. 

Equally impressive, eggs contain all nine essential amino acids that the body cannot produce independently. These building blocks for life are crucial for the proper functioning of every cell in the body.

Other incredible benefits of eggs: 

  • Improves satiety: Eggs are incredibly filling, which can help weight management. 
  • Keeps the brain healthy: Eggs contain a high level of choline and lutein, two nutrients essential for brain development and memory. 
  • Maintains strong muscles: A protein-packed egg assists in muscle building and helps maintain strength. Don’t forget that the heart is a muscle! 
  • Protects vision: The antioxidants in eggs help protect eyesight, warding away diseases such as macular degeneration.

Eggs strengthen the heart

The nutritional composition of eggs lends well to a healthy heart. After all, these nutrient-dense foods are loaded with vitamins, protein, and minerals helpful to heart health. 

In a recent study of half a million Chinese adults, egg consumption was associated with a lower risk of heart disease. Compared to individuals who refrained from eggs, those who ate eggs daily had an 18 percent lower risk of death from heart disease and a 28 percent lower risk of death from stroke.

You may be wondering, can you eat eggs with AFib? The answer is yes! One of the significant concerns with heart arrhythmias, such as atrial fibrillation, is the risk of stroke. Research has found that a daily egg may decrease the risk of stroke by 12 percent. AFib patients can eat eggs with confidence, knowing that eggs could protect the heart. 

Not all eggs are the same

The egg case at the grocery store can be a confusing place. The neatly arranged cartons covered with words and pictures might make you believe that farmers freshly gathered the eggs earlier that day! Should you buy cage-free, organic, pasture-raised, free-range, or natural? Unfortunately, the answer is not simple.

Most eggs on grocery store shelves come from Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs), also known as factory farms. The chickens in these farms live in deplorable conditions, crammed into small spaces, and bred to produce an unnatural amount of eggs. 

Fed an artificial diet of the cheapest corn, wheat, barley, soybeans, and peas, farmed chickens are hardly the picture of health. The high-stress levels also result in higher levels of cortisol circulating in their bodies. 

Unable to enjoy the grass, bugs, and sunshine that would be available on a farm, factory-raised chickens lack vitamins and minerals. For example, a factory-farmed chicken will produce eggs with approximately 37 IU of vitamin D, while a chicken exposed to the sun and free to roam can have eggs with IU levels of 150.

What egg labels really mean

While some of the terms used on egg cartons seem natural, here’s what they really mean:

  • Cage-free: Eggs that are labeled cage-free mean that the chickens were not confined to cages. They were permitted to roam free within a building, with access to food and water. 
  • Free-range: Eggs with a free-range label mean that the chickens have access to the outdoors. While this sounds nice, it does not indicate how often the chicken goes outside. Many free-range chickens seldom see the light of day.
  • Pasture-raised: Egg with a pasture-raised label indicates that the chicken was raised for a portion of their lives outdoors. 

Eggs that are labeled natural or farm-raised have little to no merit, as they are unregulated terms. Regardless of the label, most laying hens do not get their primary source of food from foraging. Instead, they eat artificial feed. Organic eggs are a result of chickens fed a diet that is free of pesticides and herbicides. 

Next Steps

If you haven’t already figured it out, we are huge fans of eggs at the Natural Heart Doctor. However, the egg’s nutritional value is only as good as the health of the mother hen and you should only eat eggs from happy chickens. Eggs sourced from the right supplier will prove incredibly beneficial for your health.

When shopping for eggs, look for eggs that are organic and pasture-raised. If possible, seek out a local farm or farmer’s market and get to know your farmer. Better yet, raise backyard chickens yourself and harvest their eggs to eat.

Eat Well · Live Well · Think Well 


Medical Review 2022: Dr. Lauren Lattanza NMD

In order to live well, one must eat well.

Get the Natural Heart Doctor approved Diet and discover how to eat for your 100 Year Heart.

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Discover how we can help you achieve your 100 Year Heart.

About Dr. Lauren Lattanza NMD, FACC

Dr. Lattanza Office Visit with Patient

Dr. Lauren Lattanza Fees

20 Minute Virtual Call: $250

Initial In-Person Appointment:

Follow Up In-Person Appointment:       

As a Naturopathic Physician, I am trained to treat the whole person and get to the root cause of disease.

I went to Arizona State University where I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a depth in physiology and minor in Spanish. After my undergraduate degree I was working on prerequisite classes towards medical school, which is when I came to learn that my values identified best with the principles of naturopathic medicine. I knew that I wanted to help patients identify the causes of disease and be able to offer treatments which would improve their health rather than simply treating symptoms.

I dedicated the next 4 years to the Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine in Tempe, Arizona where I attained my Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine. I served as Class President all 4 years, Board of Trustees – Student Trustee, spoke as the Club President for our branch of Toastmasters, and was voted by my peers and attending physicians to earn the Outstanding Leadership Award for the Class of 2020. Throughout medical school I took it upon myself to work alongside MDs, DOs, chiropractors, and functional medicine practitioners in addition to naturopathic physicians.

As a Spanish speaking student, I was able to volunteer with community clinics around Phoenix and provide free healthcare to low-income families. Due to this combined exposure, I came to find my passion in treating cardiometabolic and digestive disorders that are all too common, yet largely preventable. I took the opportunity to learn the broad spectrum of healthcare so I can ensure that I am able to provide my patients with the best options.

About Dr. Jack Wolfson DO, FACC

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Dr. Jack Wolfson Fees

30 Minute Virtual Call: $1500

Initial In-Person Appointment:

Follow Up In-Person Appointment:       

Dr. Jack Wolfson is a board-certified cardiologist, Amazon best-selling author, husband, father, and the nation’s #1 Natural Heart Doctor.

For more than two decades, more than one million people have enjoyed the warmth, compassion, and transformational power of his natural heart health courses and events.

Dr. Wolfson is the founder of Natural Heart Doctor Scottsdale, his heart health practice in Arizona, and Natural Heart Doctor, an online resource center with natural health information. Doctors from across the globe reach out to Dr. Wolfson for training and education in holistic health practices.

He has been named one of America’s Top Functional Medicine Doctors and is a five-time winner of the Natural Choice Awards as a holistic M.D. Dr. Wolfson’s work has been covered by more than 100 media outlets, including NBC, CNN, and the Washington Post. His book “The Paleo Cardiologist: The Natural Way to Heart Health” was an Amazon #1 best-seller.

Dr. Wolfson and his wife Heather have four children and are committed to making the world a better place to live. They provide for those in need (including animals) and support natural health causes through their philanthropic efforts.

Chiropractic

Our chiropractor is an expert at adjustments and holistic chiropractic care and works closely in conjunction with the other health care experts at Natural Heart Doctor.

Call (480) 535-6844 for details and scheduling.

IV Therapy

We use specially formulated natural vitamins and minerals that are injected into a vein to prevent or treat dehydration. Ideal for people in Arizona.

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Acupuncture

Stimulate your body’s natural healing abilities and promote physical and emotional well-being with acupuncture at Natural Heart Doctor.

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Health Coaching

Our health coaches use evidence based skillful conversation, clinical interventions, and strategies to engage you actively and safely in health behavior changes.

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Cardio Tests

We use the most advanced testing in the world to assess heart health and to identify the root cause of your health issues.

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Office Visits

Schedule an office visit with one of our cardiologists, holistic physicians, chiropractor, or health coaches.

Call (480) 535-6844 for details and scheduling.

Frequently Asked Questions

I’d like to receive an online second opinion from Natural Heart Doctor. What do I do next?

You can initiate a second opinion online through our website at any time. To begin, select the team member you’d like to speak with and open an account.

Click here for cardiologist Dr. Jack Wolfson.

Naturopathic Medical Doctor Dr. Lauren Lattanza. Get details.

Naturopathic Medical Doctor Dr. Tonia Rainier. Get details.

Click here for  Natural Heart Doctor Health Coach.

Alternatively, you can email health@naturalheartdoctor.com. A member of our care team will help guide you through the process of starting a second opinion.

What is the cost of a Natural Heart Doctor Online Second Opinion?

The cost for most second opinions varies by team member. This fee includes information collection, a phone or video consultation, a second opinion from a Natural Heart Doctor specialist and guidance throughout the process from your personal Care Team at Natural Heart Doctor.

Cardiologist Dr. Jack Wolfson’s Second Opinion Fee is $1500.

Holistic Physician’s Dr. Lauren Lattanza’s Second Opinion Fee is $250.

Naturopathic Physician Dr. Tonia Rainier’s Second Opinion Fee is $250.

Note: We apply the Online Second Opinion Call fee as a credit to any future consultations with Natural Heart Doctor, should you choose them.

Will my insurance cover the cost of a Natural Heart Doctor Online Second Opinion?

Most likely, no. Most health plans do not cover online second opinions or consultations. You are responsible for the cost of our second opinion. Natural Heart Doctor cannot file a claim with your insurance carrier, nor can we provide a procedure (CPT) code for this service.

What is the timeline to receive an online second opinion?

We do our best to schedule your second opinion as quickly as possible. Typically, it takes 5 to 7 business days after your information has been collected to receive your phone or video online second opinion.

What information do you need in advance of our call?

Our office will send you a short questionnaire to complete and return. We DO NOT need your complete medical records.

How many questions can I ask the expert during our call?

You may ask a maximum of five questions. This is to ensure that the expert has sufficient time to devote to each question. All questions must be finalized before your online meeting.

What should I expect to receive once my second opinion is complete?

You will receive a summary of our discussion along with our second opinion. The second opinion will be in written form. After you have reviewed the second opinion, a Natural Heart Doctor clinician will follow up with you by phone to address general medical questions about the information provided in the second opinion.

What if I have follow-up questions for the expert after I have reviewed my second opinion?

If you have a clarifying question about an expert’s response to one of the questions in your second opinion, and the Natural Heart Doctor clinician is unable to address it, then you may request a follow up session for an additional fee. 

Is my medical and payment information secure?

Natural Heart Doctor is strongly committed to protecting the privacy and security of all our patients. Our website meets all federal requirements for protecting personal health information under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). All financial transactions are processed by Natural Heart Doctor securely using industry standard payment processing tools.

I would rather visit Natural Heart Doctor for an in-person appointment. What should I do next?

If you would prefer an in-person appointment at Natural Heart Doctor instead of an online second opinion, please call (480) 535-6844 for details and scheduling.

Can I schedule a follow up appointment with the specialist who provided my online second opinion?

Yes, we’re happy to help you on an extended basis. Our clinician can discuss options with you when presenting our second opinion summary.