Some people may believe that eating an egg a day keeps the doctor away, but what happens when you consume more than 10 times that amount?Newsweek spoke to Ray Hicks who eats 12 eggs per day on average. “I could eat eggs in any way and never get tired of them,” Hicks told Newsweek. Eggs are a nutrient-rich food, providing a good source of protein at about six grams per large egg and only 78 calories. The American Heart Association reports they also offer essential nutrients such as vitamin D, which supports bone health and the immune system, and choline, which benefits metabolism and liver function. However, too much of a good thing can be bad, according to two doctors who spoke to Newsweek about 26-year-old Hicks' diet.
Ray Hicks has turned his passion for eggs into a diet that has sparked both curiosity and concern. His daily consumption of eggs far exceeds typical dietary recommendations, prompting questions about the effects on health. While eggs can be a great source of nutrition, the implications of high cholesterol intake from consuming a dozen eggs a day have raised alarms among health professionals. In this article, we will explore Hicks' diet, the nutritional benefits of eggs, and the potential risks associated with such high consumption.
About Ray Hicks
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Name | Ray Hicks |
| Age | 26 years |
| Location | Nashville, Tennessee |
| Occupation | Fitness Enthusiast and Content Creator |
| Diet Type | Carnivore Diet (primarily meat and eggs) |
What Experts Say About a High Egg Diet
Registered dietitian, Melanie Betz told Newsweek: “The thing that is most alarming about this diet is the amount of cholesterol it contains. Twelve large eggs contain 2,484 mg of cholesterol.” The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend that cholesterol intake be limited to no more than 300 milligrams per day. “The guidelines still suggest keeping cholesterol as low as possible without compromising the nutritional quality of the diet,” Betz added.
Dr. Praveen Guntipalli, a board-certified physician specializing in Internal Medicine and Obesity Medicine, echoed these concerns. He stated that consuming 12 eggs daily far exceeds typical dietary recommendations and can lead to high cholesterol and saturated fat intake, increasing the risk of cardiovascular problems, especially for individuals with heart conditions or genetic predispositions. “It’s crucial to consider the overall dietary context. Combining eggs with high-fat foods may intensify risks,” he advised.
How Eating 12 Eggs Changed Hicks' Body
At the start of August 2023, Hicks weighed 295 pounds. After discovering the carnivore diet, which consists solely of animal products like meat, eggs, and dairy, he transformed his body within 10 weeks, now maintaining a weight of 205 pounds. He no longer suffers from joint pain and even reports improvements in his dental hygiene.
“Of all the benefits I’ve experienced, the mental health side has to be my favorite,” Hicks shared. “As someone who has battled depression from a very early age, and has successfully used antidepressants, nothing comes close to what this diet has done for me mentally. Meat and eggs are like happy pills.”
Continued Research and Findings
In 2020, researchers at Harvard University conducted a social media study on the carnivore diet, surveying over 2,000 people who follow it. Their findings, published in November 2021, suggested that participants experienced few adverse effects and instead reported health benefits and high satisfaction levels. However, they noted that the generalizability of these findings and the long-term effects of this dietary pattern require further study.
Hicks himself has yet to consult healthcare professionals for guidance on the carnivore diet. “I am by no means an expert in nutrition considering I have zero credentials to back me. However, I have ample experience within health and fitness,” he noted. He emphasizes that while his experience has been beneficial, it does not mean that everyone would thrive on such a diet.
The Rising Demand for Eggs
According to Statista, there has been an increasing demand for eggs in the United States over recent years. In 2023, it was estimated that each person in the U.S. consumed an average of 281.3 eggs per year, which is less than one per day. This number is expected to rise to 284.4 eggs per person in 2024.
Hicks believes that eggs are “cost-effective” and has shared his love for them on social media, racking up thousands of views on his videos showcasing his unique diet. He urges viewers to consider the nutritional benefits while being mindful of potential health risks associated with excessive consumption.
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