Eating one breakfast item regularly could stave off heart disease and help you live longer

Scots are regularly encouraged to look after their health through a good diet and exercise to prevent heart hang-ups like cardiovascular disease.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a general term for conditions affecting the heart or blood vessels. It's usually associated with a build-up of fatty deposits inside the arteries and an increased risk of blood clots.

It can also be tied in with damage to arteries in organs such as the brain, heart, kidneys and eyes. CVD is one of the main causes of death and disability in the UK, and coronary heart disease (CHD) is a huge killer in Scotland.

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But, did you know that one breakfast item could lower your risk of cardiovascular disease-related death?

Regular consumption of eggs is associated with a 29 per cent decreased risk of cardiovascular disease-related death in relatively healthy older adults, according to new research from a Monash University-led team.

Researchers found that for these adults, eating eggs one to six times per week was linked with a lower risk of death from any cause (15 per cent) and CVD mortality (29 per cent) compared to those who rarely or never eat eggs.

"Eggs are a nutrient-dense food, they are a rich source of protein and a good source of essential nutrients, such as B vitamins, folate, unsaturated fatty acids, fat-soluble vitamins (E, D, A, and K), choline, and numerous minerals and trace elements," author Holly Wild said.

"Eggs are an accessible source of protein and nutrition in older adults, with research suggesting that they are the preferred source of protein for older adults who might be experiencing age-related physical and sensory decline."

Eating eggs infrequently would mean up to twice a month. The study also suggests that eating eggs alongside a moderate or high-quality diet may help you live longer.

There's no recommended limit on how many eggs you can eat in the UK, according to the Department of Health. However, people with familial hypercholesterolaemia should limit their egg intake.

What's more, British Dietetic Association says one or two eggs per day is fine, while some European countries suggest limiting it to three to four eggs per week.