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How does Just Egg affect cholesterol? The complete guide

3 min read

Unlike traditional chicken eggs, which contain a significant amount of dietary cholesterol, Just Egg is made entirely from plant-based sources and contains zero cholesterol per serving. Here's a deep dive into how Just Egg affects cholesterol and how it compares to its conventional counterpart for your heart health.

Quick Summary

Just Egg, a plant-based egg substitute, has zero cholesterol and saturated fat, contrasting with traditional chicken eggs. Its main ingredient, mung bean protein, has been studied for potential cholesterol-lowering properties, though moderate intake of eggs is generally considered acceptable for healthy individuals. This makes Just Egg a suitable option for those monitoring their dietary cholesterol.

Key Points

  • Zero Cholesterol: Just Egg is made from mung bean protein and contains no cholesterol, unlike traditional chicken eggs which have about 186-207mg per serving.

  • Low Saturated Fat: The plant-based formula contains 0 grams of saturated fat, a key dietary component linked to higher blood cholesterol.

  • Mung Bean Benefits: Research suggests that mung bean protein, the core ingredient, may have cholesterol-lowering effects by inhibiting absorption and increasing excretion.

  • Not a Cure-All: While beneficial for those monitoring dietary cholesterol, overall heart health depends on a balanced diet low in saturated fats and refined carbs, not just avoiding eggs.

  • Ideal for At-Risk Groups: Individuals with high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes, or genetic predispositions that make them 'hyper-responders' to dietary cholesterol may particularly benefit from this alternative.

  • Beyond Cholesterol: As a legume-based product, Just Egg offers additional health benefits like fiber, which can contribute to lower cholesterol and improved digestive health.

In This Article

Just Egg vs. Chicken Eggs: A Nutritional Breakdown

When considering how Just Egg affects cholesterol, it's crucial to understand the fundamental difference in composition. Just Egg is a vegan product, primarily made from mung bean protein, water, and canola oil. A traditional chicken egg is an animal product, which is where its cholesterol comes from. The cholesterol in a chicken egg is found entirely within the yolk.

The Role of Dietary Cholesterol in the Body

For decades, dietary cholesterol was considered a major contributor to high blood cholesterol. However, modern nutritional science has found that for most healthy people, the impact of dietary cholesterol on blood cholesterol levels is minimal. The liver produces most of the body's cholesterol and adjusts its production in response to dietary intake. The more impactful factors are saturated and trans fats, which stimulate the liver to produce more cholesterol.

Just Egg's Ingredients and Their Potential Impact

Just Egg's main protein source, mung bean protein, has been the subject of research for its potential health benefits. Animal studies have indicated that mung bean protein can have a hypocholesterolemic (cholesterol-lowering) effect by increasing fecal cholesterol excretion and potentially inhibiting cholesterol absorption. While more human-specific studies are needed to confirm these effects, the absence of cholesterol and saturated fat in Just Egg is a clear advantage for those mindful of their heart health.

Comparison Table: Just Egg vs. Conventional Egg

Nutrient (per serving) Just Egg (3 Tbsp or ~46g) Large Conventional Egg (~50g)
Calories 60 72
Total Fat 4g 5g
Saturated Fat 0g ~1.6g
Cholesterol 0mg ~186-207mg
Protein 5g 6g
Sodium 210mg 65mg

Who Benefits Most from a Cholesterol-Free Alternative?

While moderate egg consumption is considered safe for most healthy individuals, certain groups may benefit from choosing a cholesterol-free option like Just Egg:

  • Individuals with High Cholesterol or Heart Disease: Those who already have elevated cholesterol or a diagnosed heart condition may be advised by their healthcare provider to limit dietary cholesterol intake.
  • People with Type 2 Diabetes: Some research has suggested a potential link between higher egg consumption and increased heart disease risk in people with diabetes, making a cholesterol-free option a safer bet.
  • Hyper-Responders to Dietary Cholesterol: A small percentage of the population are 'hyper-responders,' meaning their blood cholesterol levels increase more significantly in response to dietary cholesterol. For these individuals, a zero-cholesterol food can be very beneficial.
  • Vegans and those with Egg Allergies: For those following a vegan diet or who have an egg allergy, Just Egg provides a functional and flavorful alternative without compromising dietary or health restrictions.

Making Heart-Healthy Dietary Choices

Choosing Just Egg can be one part of a broader strategy for managing cholesterol and improving heart health. Other factors are equally, if not more, important. For example, focusing on a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and healthy fats is key. The way a food is prepared also matters. Scrambling Just Egg with vegetables in a heart-healthy oil, like olive or canola, is a better choice than serving it with high-saturated-fat sides like bacon and sausage.

The Mung Bean Advantage: Beyond Cholesterol

The mung bean protein in Just Egg offers benefits that go beyond its cholesterol-free status. As a legume, mung beans are naturally high in fiber, which also helps to lower cholesterol levels. The bioactive compounds found in legumes, such as proteins and flavonoids, can interfere with cholesterol absorption and modulate lipid metabolism. Choosing a product based on this kind of whole-food ingredient ensures you're gaining additional nutritional advantages.

For further reading on how eggs and dietary cholesterol impact serum lipids, consider reviewing this extensive publication from the National Institutes of Health.

Conclusion

In summary, because it is entirely plant-based, Just Egg contains no cholesterol and no saturated fat, unlike a conventional egg. For most healthy individuals, moderate consumption of chicken eggs has a minimal impact on blood cholesterol, but for those with existing conditions like diabetes or high cholesterol, Just Egg is a clear, heart-healthy choice. The product's mung bean protein base adds potential cholesterol-lowering properties, offering another advantage over animal-based foods. Ultimately, Just Egg serves as a valuable tool for those looking to manage dietary cholesterol or follow a vegan lifestyle, without sacrificing the enjoyment of scrambled eggs, omelets, and other favorites.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Just Egg is completely cholesterol-free. It is a plant-based product made from mung bean protein, so it contains no animal products that would naturally have cholesterol.

A single large chicken egg contains approximately 186 to 207mg of cholesterol, primarily in the yolk. Just Egg, in contrast, contains 0mg of cholesterol per serving.

Yes, studies have shown that mung bean protein, the main ingredient in Just Egg, can have a hypocholesterolemic effect by inhibiting cholesterol absorption and promoting its excretion. However, more research on its effects in humans is needed.

For those needing to limit dietary cholesterol due to conditions like existing heart disease, high cholesterol, or type 2 diabetes, Just Egg is a heart-healthier choice due to its zero cholesterol and saturated fat content. For most healthy people, moderate egg consumption is not a major issue, but Just Egg remains a safer alternative for those closely monitoring their intake.

Just Egg contains 0g of saturated fat per serving, whereas a large conventional egg has about 1.6g. Minimizing saturated fat is a key strategy for managing blood cholesterol levels.

Modern research indicates that dietary cholesterol has a minimal impact on blood cholesterol for most healthy individuals. The more significant factors are saturated and trans fats. However, certain individuals, like those with genetic predispositions or existing health issues, may be more sensitive.

Just Egg is primarily made from mung bean protein isolate, water, and canola oil, along with other ingredients for flavor, color (turmeric), and texture.

References

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Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice.