Dr. Geo Prostate Podcast: Should You Be Eating Eggs?

Geo [00:00:00]:
All right, so you might have heard that egg prices are going up. The question is, should you be eating eggs? Are they bad for prostate cancer and longevity? Do people who consume eggs die earlier? That’s what we’re going to discuss today.

By the way, it’s just you and me—no guests—just a conversation about eggs. Should you eat them? If so, how much? What’s the difference between caged, free-roaming, and pasture-raised eggs? And is it worth eating eggs at all?

Before we begin, I want to clarify that this podcast and all Dr. Geo content are separate from my faculty position at NYU Langone Health. The views and opinions expressed here are my own. Our guests and sponsors are curated by me and are not affiliated with NYU Langone Health. Sponsorships help us provide high-quality, free information so you can take better control of your prostate health, testosterone, erectile function, and overall longevity.

Eggs & Prostate Health

Geo [00:02:00]:
Hello, everyone. Welcome to the Dr. Geo Prostate Podcast. I’m Dr. Geo, and my goal is to empower you with knowledge about prostate health, including prostate cancer, so we can all live better as we age.

Today’s episode is just me talking about eggs. I haven’t done a solo episode in a while, and I have a lot of thoughts to share. Many of our previous podcast topics deserve summaries, so I plan to do more solo episodes to break things down in a practical way.

Recently, I wrote a newsletter about the rising price of eggs and their association with prostate cancer. The feedback varied: some said eggs are terrible, citing various websites, while others argued that eggs are an essential source of high-quality protein with all the right amino acids. There’s no universal agreement.

From my experience—both personal and clinical—having worked with thousands of patients, studied various diets, and researched prostate health for over 20 years, I want to offer a balanced, practical perspective.

Do Eggs Cause Disease?

Geo [00:05:00]:
First, no single food causes or cures a disease, including prostate cancer. There’s no magical “superfood” that will prevent or reverse illness, nor is there a single food that will automatically lead to disease.

When it comes to research on food and health, most studies are observational, meaning researchers follow large groups of people for years and rely on self-reported food frequency questionnaires. The problem is, most people don’t accurately remember what they ate yesterday, let alone over the past two years. So while observational studies can suggest patterns, they don’t prove cause and effect.

That said, some studies have found an association between egg consumption and advanced prostate cancer. A 2024 study also linked higher egg intake to increased overall mortality—not necessarily from cancer, but more so from heart disease and strokes.

The general trend suggests that consuming more than one egg per day is associated with higher mortality risks. The possible reason? Eggs contain high levels of methionine (an amino acid) and choline (a key nutrient). While these are essential for health, excess intake may stimulate cancer growth in certain conditions.

How Many Eggs Should You Eat?

Geo [00:10:00]:
Based on current research and clinical insights:

If you eat eggs, limit them to no more than one per day.
Even better, consume only 2–3 eggs per week to play it safe.
Avoid consuming seven eggs all at once thinking you can “catch up” on missed days. That’s not how it works.

If you enjoy eggs, it’s about moderation. If you need high-quality protein, there are alternatives, but eggs can be a convenient option. For individuals on hormone deprivation therapy for prostate cancer, maintaining muscle mass is critical, and in some cases, eggs may be part of the best available protein sources.

Are Egg Whites Better?

Geo [00:17:00]:
Some people only eat egg whites, thinking they’re avoiding cholesterol. The truth is:

The yolk contains essential nutrients, including choline.
The white contains methionine, which is associated with certain health risks in excess.
A reasonable approach? Limit whole egg intake to 2–3 per week and consume egg whites for additional protein when needed.

For those needing high-quality protein but looking to minimize certain risks, mixing whole eggs with egg whites can be a good strategy.

Types of Eggs: Caged, Free-Roaming, and Pasture-Raised

Geo [00:21:00]:
Not all eggs are created equal. The way hens are raised affects the nutritional quality of eggs:

Caged Eggs – These come from hens raised in cramped, unnatural conditions, fed low-quality, processed feed (often soy-based). These eggs tend to be less nutritious and may contain higher levels of toxins.
- Recommendation: Avoid or consume very sparingly (no more than 1 per day, ideally just 2–3 per week).
Free-Roaming Eggs – Hens have some room to move but still consume conventional feed.
- Slightly better than caged eggs, but still not ideal.
Pasture-Raised Eggs – These come from hens that roam freely and eat a natural diet of seeds, grass, and insects. They have:
- Higher Omega-3 content (anti-inflammatory, protective for health).
- More carotenoids (evident in the deeper orange yolk color).
- Better overall nutrition.
- Recommendation: If you eat eggs, opt for pasture-raised whenever possible.

Final Thoughts: Should You Eat Eggs?

Geo [00:25:00]:
The key takeaway is that diet quality matters. We tend to eat too much food overall, and that’s likely a bigger problem than eggs alone.

If you consume caged eggs, limit them to no more than 2–3 per week.
If you consume pasture-raised eggs, you can likely eat them more frequently, but still in moderation.
Be mindful of what you eat eggs with—avoid pairing them with processed meats (like bacon) and refined carbs (like white bread).

For those over 60 or undergoing hormone deprivation therapy, maintaining muscle mass is crucial, and protein intake (including eggs) may be beneficial.

If you want a deeper dive into the research, visit DrGeo.com and sign up for my newsletter.

Closing & Call to Action

Geo [00:27:00]:
I appreciate all of you for supporting the podcast! We’re approaching 30,000 subscribers on YouTube, and I couldn’t be more grateful.