How many eggs should we eat per week?

We all know that eggs have a lot of cholesterol. And cholesterol can cause heart disease. But eggs are also a good source of protein. They're easy to make and delicious. So how many are too many?

Dieticians have eased up on eggs. They used to tell people with heart disease not to eat more than two per week, but now, up to four are allowed. If you don't have high cholesterol, diabetes, or another heart condition, you can eat up to six, according to Cleveland Clinic dietician Julia Zumpano, RD.

One large egg has about 186 mg of cholesterol. That's almost the total daily maximum for someone with heart disease. So on days you eat an egg or two, try to cut down on other sources of cholesterollike red meat, cheese, and butter. The way you prepare them is also important.

Zumpano recommends drier or oil-free cooking methods -- poaching, boiling, or pan frying with a cooking spray. And remember, all the cholesterol is in the yolk so you can eat as many egg whites as you want!