Is it okay to eat raw eggs?
In this brief guide, we’ll address the query “Is it okay to eat raw eggs?” Also, we’ll explore the dangers of eating raw eggs, what the advantages of eating cooked eggs are, what the nutritional content of eggs is, and what are the health benefits of eating eggs.
Is it okay to eat raw eggs?
No, there’s always a risk when eating raw eggs. Though they are nutritious, there is a possibility of you contracting salmonella poisoning.
However, eating raw eggs may be instructed in some odd circumstances, and practices such as refrigeration and pasteurization allegedly make eggs safe to eat raw.
Regardless, only cooking eggs thoroughly guarantees the destruction of any potentially noxious salmonella bacterium. Salmonella can survive subzero temperatures by going into an inactive state, and therefore, freezing eggs does not guarantee that they’ll be innocuous once thawed out.
Salmonellosis can trigger severe symptoms of food poisoning in at-risk groups; it may cause severe complications that may require hospitalization
What are the dangers of eating raw eggs?
As we said before, eating raw eggs can lead to salmonella poisoning.
Salmonella poisoning symptoms include fevers, abdominal aches, diarrhea, vomiting, muscle aches, and in severe cases dehydration.
At-risk groups that are especially vulnerable to salmonella poisoning include pregnant women, children, the elderly, and those who are immune compromised.
Treatment for especially vulnerable groups requires specialized medical attention such as that given by internal medicine specialists. Pregnant women are especially vulnerable, as not all antibiotics and medication used to abate symptoms may be indicated for pregnant women.
These dangers extend to anything prepared with raw eggs that have yet to be cooked, such as cookie dough, batters, merengues, etc.
We encourage you to prioritize your health and avoid eating raw eggs.
What are the advantages of eating cooked eggs?
Cooked eggs not only have no salmonella bacterium but also are easier to assimilate. This is because the protein in eggs has been denatured into smaller molecules that your digestive system will easily reap benefits from.
In other words, a raw egg is harder to digest than a cooked egg.
Also, cooked eggs can be incorporated into a variety of dishes, whereas raw eggs May have fewer uses, and these may require cooking (such as dough) down the line.
Additionally, the taste of raw eggs may not appeal to all, and it may provoke feelings of repulsion in some. Repulsion can lead to involuntary regurgitation, which may lead to a further association of displeasure with raw eggs.
To summarize, cooked eggs are healthier and may be tastier to eat than raw eggs.
What is the nutritional content of eggs?
The exact nutritional content of an egg will depend on its size. For reference a 50 g portion of an egg will provide:
- 72 cal of which 43 are sourced from fat
- 6.3 g of protein
- 4.8 g of fat (7% of the recommended daily intake) – of which 1.6 g are saturated fat (8% of the recommended daily intake), 1 g of polyunsaturated fat, and 1.8 g are monounsaturated fat
- 0.4 g of carbohydrates dash of which 0.2 g or sugars
- 186 mg of cholesterol (62% of the recommended daily intake)
- 69 mg of potassium (2% of the recommended daily intake)
- 71 mg of sodium (3% of the recommended daily intake)
Additionally, the same portion will provide 5.4% of the recommended daily intake of vitamin A, 2.2% of calcium, and 4.9% of iron.
*Recommended daily intake values are based on 2000 calories a day diet
What are the health benefits of eating eggs?
Eggs can provide many health benefits. Namely, their source of protein, unsaturated fats, antioxidants, and many vitamins and minerals.
The protein content is essential for maintaining healthy muscle mass, proper immune function, recovering from injuries such as surgery, and enzyme synthesis. Notably, egg protein is affordable when stacked up against other animal products such as meats.
The antioxidants present and eggs can help your cells stave off damage caused by oxidative stress. Constant exposure to oxidative stress is associated with the early onset of many diseases such as heart disease, liver disease, cancer, type two diabetes, and others.
Ergo consuming eggs can reduce the likelihood of these diseases.
Eggs are also a source of antioxidants that promote ocular health and due to eggs’ fat content, they’re more readily usable by your body.
Also, eggs are rich in vitamin D and choline, both of which are associated with neural development and cognitive health.
Eggs also contain selenium, which is essential for enzyme and protein function. Selenium plays an important role in the synthesis of DNA and cell health.
The phosphorus content of eggs plays an important role in energy metabolism and bone health.
To summarize, eggs can provide many health benefits to those who consume them, and they can easily be incorporated into many dishes and be made part of a balanced diet.
Conclusion
In this brief guide, we’ve addressed the query: “Is it okay to eat raw eggs?” Also, we’ve explored the dangers of eating raw eggs, what the advantages of eating cooked are, what the nutritional content of eggs is, and what are the health benefits of eating eggs.
References
https://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/ss/slideshow-eggs-6-ways
https://www.healthline.com/health/how-your-body-uses-phosphorus
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/eating-healthy-eggs
https://www.nutritionix.com/food/eggs
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/eating-raw-eggs#people-most-at-risk
