Cooked eggs are generally considered healthier than raw eggs due to the potential risk of bacterial contamination in raw eggs. Cooking also increases the availability of certain nutrients in eggs.
Now let’s take a closer look
Cooked eggs are generally considered healthier than raw eggs due to the potential risk of bacterial contamination in raw eggs. Cooking also increases the availability of certain nutrients in eggs.
According to Harvard Health Publishing, cooking eggs can improve their protein digestibility and increase the absorption of certain vitamins and minerals, such as biotin and lutein. Additionally, cooking eggs can decrease the levels of avidin, a protein found in egg whites that can interfere with the body’s absorption of biotin.
Furthermore, the risk of salmonella contamination is significantly reduced by cooking eggs. Raw or undercooked eggs can potentially cause foodborne illness, especially among young children, older adults, pregnant women, and individuals with weakened immune systems.
On the other hand, some people believe that raw eggs offer certain health benefits, particularly for athletes and bodybuilders. Raw egg whites are rich in protein, while the yolks contain essential vitamins and minerals. However, it is important to note that consuming raw eggs can also increase the risk of bacterial infections.
In summary, while raw eggs may offer some nutritional benefits, cooked eggs are generally considered safer and healthier to consume.
As famous French chef and author Auguste Escoffier once said, “An egg is always an adventure; the next one may be different.”
Here are some interesting facts about eggs:
- Eggs are a complete protein, meaning they contain all nine essential amino acids.
- The color of the eggshell has no correlation to the quality or nutritional value of the egg.
- The average hen lays about 300-325 eggs per year.
- Double-yolked eggs occur in about one in every 1,000 eggs.
- The largest egg ever laid weighed over 2 pounds and had a circumference of over 7 inches.
- Eggs can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 weeks.
- The world record for most eggs cracked with one hand in one minute is 32.
- The United States produces the most eggs in the world, followed by China and India.
Table:
Nutrient | Raw Egg | Cooked Egg |
---|---|---|
Protein (g) | 6.3 | 6.5 |
Fat (g) | 5.0 | 5.5 |
Biotin (mcg) | 10.0 | 13.0 |
Lutein and Zeaxanthin (mcg) | 135 | 420 |
See a video about the subject.
This video discusses the health benefits of carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin found in egg yolks and how to cook eggs for maximum nutritional value. The speaker recommends avoiding inflammatory oils and eating foods high in these compounds to reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration and cataracts. To preserve the nutrients, he suggests cooking only the white part of eggs and leaving the yolk runny as heat sensitivity reduces nutritional value. The speaker recommends organic pasture-raised eggs and suggests a keto consultant is available for those in the US seeking help with their diet.
Other viewpoints exist
Despite raw eggs containing slightly more nutrients, the nutrients in cooked eggs are in fact easier for your body to digest and absorb. One study found that the body is able to absorb 90% of the protein found in cooked eggs compared to only 50% in raw eggs.
Though protein content is the same, the absorption of protein with cooked eggs is much more than the raw eggs. So cooked eggs are always healthier. On cooking eggs, you can reduce the risk of food poisoning caused by salmonella. Hence cooked eggs are safer and easy for your stomach to digest. Another bonus is the taste of eggs.
The main reason for consuming eggs is the high-quality protein it includes. Though protein content is the very same, the absorption of protein with cooked eggs is a lot more than the raw eggs. So cooked eggs are always much healthier. On cooking eggs, you can decrease the risk of gastrointestinal disorder triggered by salmonella.
These topics will undoubtedly pique your attention
Research has shown that cooking your eggs has a direct effect on digestibility by helping your body absorb protein. So even though there might be a bit more nutrients found in raw eggs, raw ones tend to be less healthy because the body can struggle to absorb these nutrients when they have not been cooked.