Whether you like them scrambled, boiled, fried or folded into an omelette, Britain is a nation of egg lovers.

The average person eats around 200 eggs a year – roughly one every other day – including those used in cooking and baking.

Yet despite their popularity, eggs have long been dogged by claims they are unhealthy, blamed for raising cholesterol, increasing heart disease risk and, in the past, carrying salmonella.

Nutrition experts say that reputation is largely outdated. 'Eggs are surprisingly controversial,' says Rob Hobson, a registered nutritionist and author of Unprocess Your Life.

'Research in the 1950s mistakenly linked them to heart disease, and that idea persisted into dietary guidelines in the 1970s and beyond.

'But people who ate more eggs in those early studies also tended to eat more processed meat, refined carbohydrates and sugary drinks—and fewer vegetables. Eggs were part of an overall less healthy diet, which muddied the results.'

Fears that eggs could harbour salmonella – and that runny yolks are dangerous – are also largely outdated. UK hens have been routinely vaccinated against the bacteria since the late 1990s, dramatically reducing the risk.

For most people, he says, eggs are a dietary powerhouse.

Eggs have long been vilified for their high cholesterol content. But nutritionists say they don't deserve such a bad rap 

A single large egg contains around 7.5g of protein – roughly a sixth of a woman's recommended daily intake – alongside almost no salt, just 78 calories, and a range of vitamins including B and D, which are vital for numerous bodily functions.

Eggs also contain a form of vitamin A that is more easily absorbed than the type found in vegetables, making them a useful addition to a vegetarian diet.

However, registered nutritionist Lily Soutter warns that how eggs are cooked matters. 'It's the processing, frying and heavy additions of fat and salt that can undermine their health benefits,' she says.

And while eggs are highly nutritious, experts caution against overdoing it – even for those trying to increase protein intake or build muscle.

The NHS advises that protein should form a significant part of the diet, with men needing around 55g a day and women around 45g. But Hobson stresses this shouldn't all come from eggs.

'They do contain fat, so variety is key,' he says. 'As with most foods, eggs are healthy in moderation.'

Importantly, there is no official UK limit on egg consumption for people with high cholesterol.

'The emphasis now is on reducing saturated fat, increasing fibre and improving overall diet quality,' Hobson adds.

Nutritionists say it's as much about what you pair your eggs with, as it is cooking method 

So how you cook your eggs – and what you eat them with – may matter just as much as how many you crack.