Overview

Challenging long-standing “heart-healthy” advice, Delhi-based cardiologist Dr Alok Chopra has advised people to stop discarding egg yolks. The functional medicine expert, who has over four decades of clinical experience, said eating egg whites alone may do more harm than good. In a recent Instagram post, Dr Chopra criticised the popular “egg white only” trend, calling it a misunderstanding of human biology. He argued that the yolk is not just a source of fat but an essential part of the egg’s nutritional balance.

Why He Says the Yolk Matters

Dr Chopra explained that the yolk contains most of the egg’s vital nutrients, including healthy fats, fat-soluble vitamins and antioxidants. According to him, removing the yolk strips the egg of much of its nutritional value. He stated that the yolk provides key nutrients such as vitamins A and E, omega-3 fatty acids and beta-carotene. He also noted that a whole egg contains about 7 grams of protein and 5 grams of fat, with many of the micronutrients concentrated in the yolk.

In his view, eating egg whites without the yolk may trigger inflammation in some individuals. He suggested that combining the white and yolk creates a more balanced nutritional profile.

Rethinking the Cholesterol Concern

Egg yolks have long faced criticism for their cholesterol content. However, Dr Chopra said recent research indicates that dietary cholesterol does not directly translate into higher blood cholesterol for most people. He pointed out that the body produces a large percentage of its own cholesterol and questioned the long-standing fear surrounding egg yolks. By avoiding the yolk, he argued, people may unnecessarily miss out on valuable nutrients.

Quality of Eggs Also Matters

Dr Chopra emphasised that nutritional value also depends on the quality of the eggs consumed. He recommended choosing eggs from free-range, pasture-raised hens that move freely and receive sunlight exposure. According to him, the living conditions of the hen influence the nutritional profile of the egg.

Source: Hindustan Times