A medical student, Dr. Nick Norwitz, embarked on an extraordinary **experiment**—eating a staggering **720 eggs in just 30 days**. That’s an average of **24 eggs per day**, a number that would concern most health experts due to the high **cholesterol** content. However, what happened next was truly surprising.
Testing the Cholesterol Hypothesis
Dr. Norwitz, a **metabolism scientist** and medical student at **Harvard University**, set out to prove that consuming excessive **dietary cholesterol**—a whopping **133,200 mg from eggs**—would not necessarily spike his **LDL cholesterol levels**. LDL, often referred to as “bad cholesterol,” has long been associated with increased risk of **heart disease**.
To test his theory, he documented the journey in a **YouTube video**, tracking changes in his **bloodwork and overall health** throughout the month.
Unexpected Results: LDL Cholesterol Dropped
Contrary to conventional belief, his **LDL cholesterol did not skyrocket**. In fact, within the **first two weeks**, his LDL cholesterol actually **dropped by 2%**. As he continued, the numbers became even more astonishing—by the end of the month, his **LDL levels had plummeted by 18%**.
Dr. Norwitz explained the science behind this, stating that the body **self-regulates cholesterol production**. The **intake of dietary cholesterol** triggers a response in the gut, stimulating **hormone release** that signals the liver to reduce its own cholesterol production, thereby maintaining balance.
The Science Behind the Experiment
According to Norwitz, the process works as follows:
- Dietary cholesterol binds to **gut cell receptors**.
- This stimulates the release of a hormone called **cholecystokinin (CCK)**.
- CCK binds to **GPR146 receptors in the liver**, inhibiting **endogenous cholesterol synthesis**.
- The body adjusts and maintains **homeostasis**, keeping levels stable.
These findings align with some **recent studies** suggesting that dietary cholesterol **does not necessarily contribute** to high cholesterol levels in the bloodstream for everyone. Instead, factors like **genetics, metabolic health, and diet composition** play a crucial role.
Not a One-Size-Fits-All Diet
Dr. Norwitz emphasized that this experiment was not meant to suggest that everyone should start consuming massive amounts of **eggs daily**. Instead, it was a **metabolic demonstration** to showcase how different individuals **respond differently to cholesterol-rich foods**.
“There is no universal ‘best’ diet,” he explained. “Each person’s **metabolism** reacts uniquely based on a variety of factors, including **gut microbiome, genetics, and overall lifestyle**.”
Takeaways from the Egg Experiment
- Eating **720 eggs in a month** did not result in a **cholesterol spike**.
- LDL **dropped by 18%**, contrary to expectations.
- The body **self-regulates cholesterol production** to maintain balance.
- Not everyone reacts the same way to **dietary cholesterol**.
- More research is needed to understand how **individual metabolism** plays a role.
Should You Eat More Eggs?
While eggs are a **nutrient-dense food** rich in **protein, vitamins, and essential fats**, consuming **excessive amounts** may not be advisable for everyone. Those with **existing cholesterol issues** or genetic predispositions should consult with a **doctor or registered dietitian** before making drastic dietary changes.
For more insights into metabolic health and nutrition science, you can check out **trusted resources like** Healthline and National Institutes of Health (NIH).
What do you think about this **bold experiment**? Would you try consuming **24 eggs per day**?
