Popular around the world for the nutrient rich content and delicious taste, eggs are an everyday staple for many people. Despite this, there is a widespread amount of misinformation and old-fashioned myths about eggs that continue to be spread even today. Let’s have a look at some of those myths and discover what is true and what is not.
Myth: Egg whites are healthier than whole eggs
Fact: While many health junkies have opted for “Egg-white only” omelettes and scrambled eggs, egg whites aren’t necessarily healthier than the yolks. It’s true that egg whites do contain fewer calories when compared to the yolks, and no fat, but the yolks also contain a large portion of the nutrients and vitamins that make eggs so good for you. The yolks of eggs contain vitamin D, choline and vitamin B12.
Myth: You cannot freeze chicken eggs
Fact: It is easy and convenient to freeze eggs for later use! While it is true that you cannot freeze eggs in their shells, you can easily freeze the whites, the yolks, or even whisk up whole eggs and pack them away in the freezer. By freezing eggs, you extend the time that you can safely consume them for. Make sure that you freeze them in airtight containers or bags, and defrost before using.
Myth: Eggs are bad for your cholesterol
Fact: Consuming a moderate number of eggs does not raise cholesterol. Recent studies have demonstrated that eggs have no marked effect on bad cholesterol. In previous decades, many people incorrectly believed that eggs impacted cholesterol negatively, and that eating eggs could lead to heart problems, but researchers have since found that to be untrue.
Myth: Eggs are healthier raw than cooked
Fact: Raw eggs aren’t better for you than cooked eggs. In fact, raw eggs aren’t absorbed as well as cooked ones and can carry the added risk of causing you to contract salmonella, rather stick to cooked eggs and enjoy the taste of scrambled or poached eggs, for example.
Myth: Chicken eggs only come in white or brown
Fact: False! Chicken eggs naturally occur in a spectrum of different colours, including green and blue. These eggshells colours are relatively rare, however, and most commercial egg farms produce either white or brown eggs. Eggshell colours depend on the breed of chicken laying the egg.
Myth: Pregnant women should not eat eggs
Fact: Eggs can form part of a healthy diet during pregnancy. In the past, people believed that eating eggs during pregnancy would cause the child to develop an allergy to eggs, however, there is no reputable research to support this belief. Eggs contain a number of vitamins and minerals which can aid healthy foetal development, including choline which supports the neurological development of babies in the womb.
As always, consult your doctor for medical advice and guidance.
Myth: You should give raw eggs to people when sick
Fact: Raw eggs carry several health risks, including the chance of contracting salmonella. Never give raw egg products to someone who is ill but rather provide them with cooked eggs.
Did you learn something new? For more information about eggs, have a look at our Egg Facts pages!