Medical Articles
Is it really true that you should limit yourself to one egg a day?
07.06.2026
When people hear the word “cholesterol,” many probably think of it as something bad for the body. In fact, cholesterol is essential for the human body; it serves as a crucial building block for hormones and cell membranes, making it an indispensable substance. However, since it is a type of lipid, it is true that excessive levels can lead to weight gain and contribute to various lifestyle-related diseases.
To begin with, there are two types of cholesterol: good cholesterol (HDL) and bad cholesterol (LDL). LDL transports cholesterol throughout the body, while HDL collects excess cholesterol. If LDL levels become too high, cholesterol builds up in the blood vessels and impairs blood flow, which is why it is called “bad” cholesterol. HDL, on the other hand, collects that excess cholesterol and helps clean the blood vessels, earning its title as “good” cholesterol.
High LDL levels, in particular, are considered the biggest risk factor for atherosclerosis. Since atherosclerosis can lead to life-threatening conditions such as heart attacks and strokes, it is important to pay close attention to your daily diet and exercise habits to prevent it.
Eggs are well known as a food high in cholesterol, and some people may even strictly limit themselves to just one egg per day. However, the body actually synthesizes cholesterol on its own and naturally adjusts the amount it produces based on your dietary intake. In other words, if you consume more cholesterol through your diet, the body reduces its own production to maintain a stable balance.
Therefore, for healthy individuals, there is no need to restrict dietary cholesterol as long as it is not excessive, and even eggs—despite being high in cholesterol—can generally be eaten in quantities of two to three per day without issue. However, since the amount synthesized and absorbed by the body varies from person to person, we recommend that those who naturally have higher cholesterol levels or have been diagnosed with hypercholesterolemia continue to consume them in moderation.
Author Bio
Dr. Eiji Shimada
Oriental Wellcare Group Founder
Board-certified radiologist. He manages one of Japan’s largest independent teleradiology service companies, receiving more than 10,000 imaging interpretation requests per month from over 250 hospitals nationwide. He also has a track record as a pioneer of home healthcare in Japan, having founded and managed one of the country’s largest medical corporations specializing in home-based medical care.
In November 2014, he founded Oriental Wellcare Group. Today, the group operates a broad network of medical institutions across three countries: the Philippines, Malaysia, and the United States. He is dedicated to creating healthcare environments where Japanese residents overseas, including those living in the Philippines, can receive advanced medical care with peace of mind.