In the ever-curious world of nutritional experiments, Dr. Nick Norwitz—a Harvard-trained researcher and YouTuber—decided to take things to the extreme. His mission? To consume 720 eggs in a single month and document the effects on his body, particularly his cholesterol levels. That’s right: 24 eggs per day, every day, for 30 days.

The idea may sound shocking, even dangerous—but the results were anything but expected.

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The Challenge: 24 Eggs a Day

Dr. Norwitz embarked on this high-cholesterol journey to test a theory: could consuming massive amounts of eggs actually lower his LDL cholesterol—the so-called “bad” cholesterol? Most would assume the opposite, but his goal was to challenge conventional dietary dogma and put biochemistry to the test.

Eggs, after all, are rich in cholesterol. For decades, they’ve been demonized by the heart health community. But are they really the villain?

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The Results: A Surprise for Science

To nearly everyone’s surprise, Dr. Norwitz didn’t see a spike in cholesterol. Instead, after just two weeks, his LDL levels dropped by 2%. By the end of the month, they had decreased by 18%.

How could this be?

The answer lies in the body’s self-regulating system. The liver plays a major role in cholesterol synthesis and adjusts its production based on dietary intake. When the body receives more cholesterol from food, the liver produces less—essentially maintaining balance.

And there's another twist: during the second half of his experiment, Dr. Norwitz introduced more carbohydrates into his diet, which appeared to further regulate his cholesterol levels. It was a fascinating reminder that cholesterol is not just about how much you eat—it's about how your body processes it.

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Understanding Cholesterol: Not All Created Equal

We often hear the terms LDL and HDL when talking about cholesterol. LDL (low-density lipoprotein) is labeled “bad” because it can deposit cholesterol in the arteries. HDL (high-density lipoprotein), on the other hand, is the “good” kind—it helps remove cholesterol from the bloodstream.

But not all LDL is equally harmful. In fact, research shows that large, fluffy LDL particles, which eggs tend to increase, are much less dangerous than small, dense LDL particles often associated with processed foods and high-sugar diets.

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Dietary Cholesterol vs. Blood Cholesterol

Despite past fears, dietary cholesterol from foods like eggs doesn’t necessarily raise blood cholesterol in most people. The body is equipped to regulate its levels, unless someone is genetically predisposed (a “hyper-responder”).

This means for the vast majority of people, eating eggs in moderation—even several per day—won’t negatively impact heart health. In some cases, as seen with Dr. Norwitz, it may even improve lipid profiles.

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Should We Fear Cholesterol-Rich Foods?

Modern research suggests we may have misunderstood cholesterol for decades. According to recent findings:

• Eggs are nutrient-dense, containing protein, choline, and antioxidants.

• No significant link has been found between egg consumption and increased heart disease in healthy individuals.

• In fact, eggs may improve HDL levels and even reduce certain types of harmful LDL.

So no, high-cholesterol foods are not automatically harmful—context matters.

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Building a Heart-Healthy Diet (Without Demonizing Eggs)

Rather than focusing on avoiding cholesterol, health experts now advise prioritizing overall diet quality. A balanced, heart-healthy eating plan includes:

✅ Whole fruits and vegetables
✅ Whole grains (like oats, quinoa, brown rice)
✅ Lean proteins (beans, fish, poultry)
✅ Healthy fats (olive oil, nuts, seeds)
✅ Limited processed foods and added sugars

Eggs can certainly fit into this plan.

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Why Home Cooking Helps

Cooking at home gives you more control over what goes into your meals. Restaurant food is often high in sodium, sugar, and processed fats—things that do impact heart health more directly than cholesterol itself.

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Don’t Forget Fiber

Soluble fiber, found in foods like oats, oranges, and legumes, can help lower LDL cholesterol. Most people don’t get enough. Adding fiber-rich foods or supplements like psyllium can enhance the benefits of a healthy diet.

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Final Thoughts: What 720 Eggs Can Teach Us

Dr. Nick Norwitz’s experiment may seem radical, but it reveals a powerful truth: the body is more adaptable than we think. His journey challenges outdated beliefs and shows that dietary cholesterol, particularly from natural sources like eggs, may not be the villain it was once believed to be.

As nutrition science evolves, so should our habits—and perhaps our breakfast plates too.

🥚 Takeaway: Eggs aren’t the enemy. In fact, they might be one of the most misunderstood superfoods of our time.