Eggs have long been a staple in diets around the world, but new research suggests they may offer more than just a nutritious start to the day.
A recent study has uncovered a surprising connection between egg consumption and long-term health benefits, particularly when it comes to one of the leading causes of mortality.
The findings could reshape the way we think about this everyday food and its role in overall well-being.
A team from the School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine at Monash University in Melbourne, led by PhD candidate and lecturer Holly Wild, has conducted research and analysed the self-reported egg intake of 8,756 adults aged 70 or older as part of the ASPREE (ASPirin in Reducing Events in the Elderly) Longitudinal Study of Older Persons (ALSOP) sub-study.
Their study, published in the journal Nutrients, has found that older adults who enjoy eggs one to six times per week may significantly reduce their risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD)-related death by 29%.
Additionally, these egg lovers also have a 15 per cent lower risk of death from any cause compared to those who rarely or never include eggs in their diet.
The study’s findings are particularly relevant for those already following a healthy diet. Among participants with moderate to high diet quality, the inclusion of eggs was associated with a 33 per cent to 44 per cent lower risk of CVD-related death. This suggests that adding eggs to an already nutritious diet could further enhance longevity.
However, it’s important to note that dietary guidelines vary across the globe. The current Australian Dietary Guidelines, last updated in 2013, and the American Heart Association (AHA) recommend up to seven eggs per week for adults with normal cholesterol levels.
Some European countries, however, suggest a more conservative intake of three to four eggs per week. For older adults with normal cholesterol, the AHA supports up to two eggs per day.

Interestingly, the Monash University researchers also examined the impact of egg consumption on individuals with dyslipidemia.
‘We found a 27 per cent lower risk of CVD-related death for participants with dyslipidemia who consumed eggs weekly, compared to their counterparts [who] consumed eggs rarely or never, suggesting that in this study cohort, the presence of dyslipidemia does not influence the risk associated with egg consumption,’ said Ms Wild.
While these findings are promising, it’s worth mentioning that the study had its limitations.
Egg consumption was self-reported, which could lead to ‘recall bias.’ Additionally, the type of egg, method of preparation, and serving sizes were not recorded, which could affect the ability to accurately assess the nutritional value of egg consumption within the overall diet.
Despite these limitations, the research provides valuable insights that could inform future dietary guidelines for older adults. It also highlights the need for further studies that gather more detailed data on egg consumption.
Eggs have long been recognised as ‘a nutrient-dense food,’ packed with high-quality protein and essential nutrients such as B vitamins, folate, unsaturated fatty acids, and fat-soluble vitamins like E, D, A, and K. They also contain choline, numerous minerals, and trace elements.
For older adults, who may face age-related physical and sensory decline, eggs are not only a valuable source of nutrition but also an ‘accessible’ protein source, per Ms Wild.
As we navigate the current egg shortage in Australian supermarkets, following the largest avian influenza outbreak in the country’s history, this study offers a silver lining. While egg purchase limits may be in place, incorporating eggs into your diet when available could be a simple yet effective way to support heart health.
We’d love to hear from you, our YourLifeChoices readers. Have you noticed a difference in your health since incorporating eggs into your diet? Do you have any favourite egg recipes that you’d like to share? Drop us a comment below.
Also read: Empty shelves alert: Common household staple in short supply across Australia