YouTuber Dr. Nick Norwitz conducted a unique experiment by consuming 720 eggs in a single month, averaging 24 eggs a day, to explore its impact on his body. He hypothesized that despite the high cholesterol content in eggs, this diet wouldn’t significantly raise his cholesterol levels, particularly the “bad” LDL cholesterol. Surprisingly, his results supported this theory. Not only did his LDL cholesterol not increase, but it actually decreased by 2 percent in the first two weeks. By the end of the month, his LDL levels had dropped a further 18 percent, even as his dietary cholesterol intake skyrocketed.
Norwitz explained that when dietary cholesterol is increased, it binds to receptors in the gut, which then sends signals to the liver to decrease its own cholesterol production, maintaining a balance. He further clarified that introducing more carbohydrates into his diet in the latter half of the experiment, alongside fruits, helped stabilize his LDL cholesterol levels. While his findings might encourage some to reconsider their views on dietary cholesterol, Norwitz’s experiment isn’t likely to convince most people to consume such large quantities of eggs daily.
Despite his findings suggesting that eating a high number of eggs might not be as harmful as commonly thought, Norwitz himself does not recommend this approach for others. Consuming two cartons of eggs daily is extreme and impractical for the average person. His experiment highlights that the relationship between dietary cholesterol and blood cholesterol is complex and individualized. Even though his LDL levels decreased, this doesn’t mean the same results would apply universally, as factors like genetics and overall diet play a crucial role.
Ultimately, Norwitz’s experiment serves as an interesting case study on how the body can adapt to dietary changes, particularly with cholesterol management. However, it underscores the importance of moderation and a balanced diet tailored to one’s personal health needs rather than extreme dietary experiments.
