London, Apr 10: ''Sunday ho ya Monday, Roz mat khao Ande.'' This new mantra is to be followed if a new study, stating that seven or more eggs a week increased the risk of premature death for middle-aged men by 23 per cent, is to be believed.

The latest research could re-open the debate about how many eggs are safe to eat. Conflicting findings about the benefits and harm of eating eggs centre on their relatively high cholesterol content, at around 220 milligrams per yolk, which might contribute to blood cholesterol levels and heart disease risk. Many experts believe the risks have been exaggerated, as most healthy people can dispose of dietary cholesterol naturally.

The study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, conducted by researchers Luc Djousse and J Michael Gaziano, further revealed that any egg consumption was associated with a greater risk of all-cause mortality, and there was suggestive evidence for a greater risk of heart attack and stroke among diabetic males.

The study observed that men eating the most eggs were also older, fatter, were more likely to drink alcohol, smoke and less likely to exercise - all factors that could affect the risk of heart attack and death.

UNI