In the past, eggs were villainized for their cholesterol content.
Doctors believed that eating them contributed to high blood cholesterol levels. Then, in 2015, experts said that research didn’t support limiting the amount of cholesterol people eat. After that, eggs became a popular way of increasing protein in low-carb diets. In fact, recent data shows that people are expected to eat more eggs in 2019 than in the 20 previous years. But, that could all change with information gathered from recent research.

Eggs May Increase Risk of Heart Problems

A review of studies concerning foods containing cholesterol, especially eggs, brought up health concerns again. Researchers looked at data collected from six previous studies involving a total of around 30,000 people in the United States. Each of the studies included information about the diets of the participants.

The results of the studies showed that eating just half an egg per day increased the risk of having a heart attack, stroke, or dying early by between six and eight percent in comparison to people who did not eat eggs. The more eggs people ate, the higher their risk. Eating one egg daily increased the risk by 12 percent. Two per day increased it by 24 percent. The risks were similar to those associated with eating red meat.

Still, experts say that this recent study doesn’t prove that eggs are bad. It merely shows an association between eggs and heart problems. If eggs do raise cholesterol levels, it’s because of the yolks, which are the part that contains cholesterol. The bottom line is that eating an egg now and then isn’t likely to hurt your aging relative, but as with most things, it’s probably best to eat them in moderation.

Other Ways to Lower Cholesterol

In addition to helping your aging relative eat a healthier diet, there are other things you can do to help them lower their cholesterol levels. Doctors at the Mayo Clinic recommend these steps:

• Increasing physical activity.
• Stopping smoking.
• Losing weight.
• Drinking only moderate amounts of alcohol.

Senior care can also help your aging relative to manage cholesterol levels. Senior care providers can assist with ensuring the senior eats a healthy diet. Senior care providers can plan meals, take the older adult grocery shopping, and cook meals. Senior care providers can also keep older adults more physically active by going for walks with them, involving them in household activities, or driving them to exercise classes.

The staff at Home Care Matters is available to talk with you and your family about all of your needs. Home Care Matters is a home care agency providing quality and affordable Elderly Care in Gainesville, GA, and surrounding areas. Call (678) 828-2195 for more information.

Sources
Webmd.com
Heart.org
Mayoclinic.org

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Valerie Darling

Founder, Owner at Home Care Matters

Valerie was born in Miami, FL and after a few family moves, grew up locally in the Marietta, GA area.Valerie is the oldest of 4 (3 younger brothers).She is married and has one child.Valerie is the Founder, Owner and CEO of Home Care Matters.Valerie’s mom, Dee, is the inspiration and primary driver as the how and why the business was born.Valerie says, “My mom is never far from our thoughts.Mom was an integral part of developing and starting HCM before she passed away.Our goal is to stay true to her memory and continue to honor her with the love, values, and ethics she taught us.”

Valerie has the unique experience with home care as she has experienced it from both ends of the spectrum, as a caregiver and as needing care herself as a cancer survivor. Valerie says, “Taking care of someone you love is a physically, mentally and demanding labor of love.Taking care of my mom was the hardest thing I have ever done. It has given me an insight and perspective not many people understand unless you are doing it or have done it.I loved taking care of my mom.I love helping others take care of their love ones too.And now that I’ve been sick, it’s given me a whole new level of empathy and understanding for those who are sick and need help.”

Valerie’s schedule varies daily, but she loves visiting with our clients, families, caregivers, our network partners and being in the office.Says Valerie, “Every day is different, but I wake up excited about what we do, inspired by our team, clients and caregivers.I strive to be a resource to the community.I love my team and I love what we do every day. I like to think my mom would be proud.”

You can reach Valerie by email (Valerie@homecarematters.com) or in our office (770.965.4004).

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