Consuming one or two raw eggs daily is a good thing for your health. Here are just some of the reasons why you should consume raw eggs daily. One caveat here, you have to get your raw eggs from a reliable source. As much as possible, stay away from the store-bought, mass-produced eggs that come from unhappy hens. Better that your eggs come from organic, cage-free or free-range hens.
Raw eggs minimize risk of allergies
Cooking eggs changes the composition of fats and proteins. The chemical shape of the egg protein is altered when exposed to heat and this can cause allergies. Interestingly enough, many people who stop eating cooked eggs and switch to raw eggs find that their egg allergies disappear.
Raw eggs are loaded with vitamin B12 and folate
Raw eggs are loaded with essential vitamins, such as vitamin B12. One egg contains 0.2 milligrams of riboflavin or vitamin B12, which is needed to help the body break down fats, carbohydrates and proteins.
In addition, B12 also keeps blood and nerve cells in good working order. Raw egg yolks are also rich in folate, which guards against anemia, especially in pregnant women. Eggs also contain choline, which has been found to help in memory preservation.
Raw eggs contain fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, K
Fat-soluble vitamins are highly important in your body. Vitamins A, D and K work together with each other and with other essential minerals including magnesium, calcium and zinc. According to research, optimizing vitamin D levels can cut your risk of cancer in half.
Egg yolks contain antioxidants
Just two raw egg yolks contain almost twice the antioxidant properties found in an apple. This is due to the presence of two amino acids, tryptophan and tyrosine. In addition, yolks are also rich in lutein and zeaxanthin, carotenoids that protect from age-related macular degeneration — the most common cause of blindness.
Proteins and minerals
Eggs are an awesome source of protein. One egg contains about 6 grams of protein, which is needed for your body to repair cells and produce new ones. One egg yolk also has more than 66 mg of phosphorus and 22 mg of calcium. Each of our 37 trillion cells needs phosphorus to function.
Of course, everyone knows that we need calcium for our bones and teeth. A whole egg contains selenium, a mineral that is incorporated into proteins to make antioxidant enzymes (selenoproteins). In addition, small amounts of iron, zinc and copper are also found in eggs.
Egg yolks are rich in cholesterol
Wait a minute, you might say, “Isn’t cholesterol bad for us?” Cholesterol is a type of fat that is crucial to the body’s proper functioning. It is needed for the production of cell membranes, and also carries nutrients, such as CoQ10, beta carotene and vitamin E, which are essential to the mitochondria (energy center) of the cells. Cholesterol is also integral in cognitive function, as well as to support hormonal stability and the production of vitamin D.
Egg yolks contain biotin
Egg yolks contain one of the highest concentrations of biotin found in nature. So, contrary to what you might think, ditching the yolks and eating the whites is not the way to go. If you only consume raw egg whites, you will most definitely develop a biotin deficiency unless you take a biotin supplement. Biotin is needed for the formation of fatty acids and glucose. Both of these are used as fuels by the body and are critical for the metabolism of carbohydrates and amino acids.
Ways to eat raw eggs
You don't have you be like Rocky and drink your egg yolks on their own. There are, however, some clever ways to consume this nutrient powerhouse. You can blend one egg with a little goat’s milk or an avocado along with a touch of raw honey.
You can also mix them in with your favorite smoothie. Good partners are almond milk, a frozen banana, cocoa powder, pure vanilla, natural peanut butter and two egg yolks. Talk about a great way to start a busy day!