Most people grew up hearing not to eat raw cookie dough or cake batter, and why is that? The reason that most people’s parents gave is that you cannot eat raw eggs. However, that may not be entirely true.
It is possible to die from eating raw eggs due to salmonella infection. However, this is uncommon and there are several health benefits associated with consuming raw eggs.
This article will cover the health risks associated with eating raw eggs, as well as the consequences of salmonella infection. It will also go over the health benefits associated with eating raw eggs.
Is Eating Raw Eggs Safe and Healthy?
From a purely nutritional perspective, eating raw eggs is healthy. After all, just like cooked eggs, they are filled with nutrients that are vital to human health. Some of these nutrients are protein, healthy fats, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, all of which raw eggs contain. So they’re most certainly healthy. The real question is, are raw eggs safe?
The main health concern that you’ll hear about when the consumption of raw eggs is mentioned is salmonella. Salmonella is a bacteria that can be found in raw eggs, meat, and unpasteurized milk.
If someone is infected with salmonella, they will have some pretty unpleasant symptoms including fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain. In a healthy adult, these symptoms are unpleasant but are rarely dangerous. However, in the elderly, young, or sick these symptoms can have serious consequences.
Generally speaking, these symptoms should clear up after a few days. However, if they don’t the situation can become very serious and lead to dehydration. In some cases, salmonella infections have resulted in death.
Can You Get Salmonella from Eating Raw Eggs?
It is possible to get salmonella from eating raw eggs. However, it is very uncommon. It’s estimated that only 1 in 20,000 eggs in the United States carry salmonella.
Although it is uncommon, it is important to remember that salmonella is not only unpleasant, it’s dangerous. In the United States, approximately 1.35 million people are infected by salmonella every year. Out of those 1.35 million, 26,500 will be hospitalized and a total of 420 people will die.
That’s not an extremely high percentage, but that’s still several hundred people every year. This means that it’s important to consider the risks when exposing yourself to salmonella and that includes when eating raw eggs.
Is There a Benefit to Eating Raw Eggs?
There are several benefits associated with eating raw eggs. Raw eggs contain many important nutrients that human bodies need to function properly.
One of the first benefits of eating raw eggs is that they are a quick and easy source of protein. Since you don’t have to cook the eggs, you can quickly down them and go on with your day while getting a protein-filled meal that will provide you with lots of energy.
To learn about one of the most common ways that people eat raw eggs, click here.
Another benefit of eating raw eggs is that raw eggs contain some important antioxidants. These antioxidants are lutein and zeaxanthin, both of which are known to protect your eyes and prevent eye-related diseases.
Just like cooked eggs, raw eggs have HDL cholesterol which is also referred to as “good” cholesterol. This cholesterol can help to protect your heart from LDL cholesterol, more commonly known as “bad” cholesterol. LDL cholesterol is the cholesterol responsible for clogging your arteries and causing heart problems.
Raw Eggs Are Nutritious
Raw eggs contain many important nutrients that can be beneficial. To start, they contain a good amount of protein which helps to build muscle and keep you full and satiated for longer.
Raw eggs contain several important vitamins and minerals including vitamin A, vitamin D, calcium, phosphorous, and potassium.
They also contain many fatty acids which are essential for brain health. Without these nutrients, your brain is not able to function properly.
Another important part of raw eggs that is good for brain health is choline. One raw egg contains 27% of your daily choline requirements. Choline is neither a vitamin nor a mineral however, it is crucial for your brain to function properly. It is required to make a neurotransmitter that is involved in both memory and muscle movement.
Conclusion
There are several health benefits to eating raw eggs. Raw eggs are full of important nutrients that humans need in order to thrive. However, there are also health risks associated with eating raw eggs.
Raw eggs have the potential to carry salmonella. In average, healthy adults salmonella infections are unpleasant but pose no long-term health risks. However, in the young, old, or immuno-compromised, salmonella infection can be deadly. The infection can spread into surrounding tissues which can become fatal if left untreated.
