Egg-eaters, beware: A recent Western University study suggests that regular consumption of egg yolks is almost as bad for your heart as smoking. Eggs are high in saturated fat and cholesterol, which can clog your arteries and raise your risk for a heart attack or stroke.

The researchers believe that eating egg yolks accelerates atherosclerosis, or coronary artery disease, much like smoking does. Study participants who ate three or more egg yolks a week had significantly more plaque than those who ate two or fewer yolks per week.

Eggs just aren’t all that they’re cracked up to be. They’ve also been linked to prostate cancer and gestational diabetes and they’re often contaminated with harmful salmonella bacteria, which flourish on filthy, overcrowded egg farms.

Fortunately, people can enjoy healthy, humane, and delicious vegan foods instead of eggs. Scrambled, seasoned tofu goes great with soy sausage, fruit, or whole wheat toast, and Ener-G Egg Replacer, a cholesterol-free powdered mix, can be used in place of eggs in baked goods. Bananas or canned pumpkin can also be used instead of eggs when baking.

Heather Moore
PETA Foundation Norfolk, Va.