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Eggs are typically considered a ‘superfood,’ full of protein, vitamins and fatty acids.  However, a new study suggests the cholesterol in egg yolks is almost as dangerous as smoking cigarettes, Fox 31 Denver reported.

Researchers found that eating egg yolks regularly increased plaque buildup approximately two-thirds as much as smoking would.

Using data from more than 1200 people in London, it appeared those who ate three or more egg yolks a week had significantly more plaque in their arteries than those who ate less.

“One large egg has 100 calories, 230 milligrams of cholesterol in the yolk,” registered dietician Jessica Crandall with Denver Wellness and Nutrition in Englewood told Fox Denver.

She said people should have no more than 300 milligrams of cholesterol a day, but added there’s conflicting research on whether eggs affect people’s cholesterol levels.

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The study did not take into account factors such as exercise, waist size and genetics.

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