We've all heard it before--eggs, specifically their delicious runny yolks, will sky-rocket your cholesterol level straight to the moon. This reputation has long followed eggs around, prompting many of us to evict them from our breakfast tables in fear of heart-health repercussions. However, recent studies seem to be hatching evidence to the contrary.

Sure, one bit of research slapped average egg-eaters consuming three or four eggs per week with a 6% increase in the risk of cardiovascular disease. But let's not put all our eggs in one basket here. Other studies have pointed out that chowing down up to seven eggs weekly hasn't shown to associate with heart disease, at least not in fit individuals.

Now imagine a world where eggs--not any egg--but fortified eggs feeding on vitamin-dense chow, could confidently and guiltlessly feature on your menu. A study led by a team of researchers at Duke University attempted just that.

They pitted egg-eaters against each other. One group feasting on a dozen fortified eggs every week, and the other, sticking to the modest number of two eggs. After an exciting four months of, likely eggcellent adventures, the scientists found, much to their surprise, cholesterol levels remained pretty much the same between the groups.

So, why did these researchers play egg roulette? It seems fortified eggs may just be better than the regular ones. They offer a necessary bonus of vitamins D, B, and E, a much-needed dose of omega fatty acids, and that all-important iodine, while limiting the intake of saturated fats. Not to mention, they probably taste just as eggcellent.

These findings serve up a tantalizing suggestion, perhaps it's time to reintroduce eggs into our diets, provided they are the much-heralded fortified variety. As Dr. Garg, a cardiologist, noted, "eggs don't really adversely affect your cholesterol". This might let us enjoy our omelets without that side of guilt.

But hold your sunny-side up order for now; this was a pilot study. More rigorous research into dietary habits, preparation methods, and correlations to exercise and medication is needed before we can confidently present these findings as hard-boiled facts. Also, it's important to remember, the study was funded by Eggland's Best, a company that hatches these fortified eggs. Thus, take this information with a pinch of salt, or pepper if you prefer.

In the end, we might be on the brink of an exciting food revolution, where fortified eggs could offer potential health benefits to the older population and individuals with diabetes. So, before you purge your pantry of eggs, maybe it's time to think twice. Eggs might just be the good guy in the nutritional narrative.