The egg, a common item found in every kitchen. It is associated with breakfast, used for baking and also symbolizes infinite cooking variations. However, this simple food holds many myths that are not true. Let’s learn about them together! These myths can prevent us from fully enjoying this nutritious and tasty food. Therefore, let’s break some of these eggs-cuses and distinguish between truth and falsehood.
Myth #1: Egg Yolks Are the Villain in Your Heart-Healthy Story
Egg yolks, for many years, were intensely criticized due to their cholesterol amount. The idea was that eating cholesterol in food would directly lead to high levels of blood cholesterol and increase the risk of heart sickness. However, studies have revealed a different story. In our bodies, we have a production of cholesterol. The way dietary cholesterol affects blood cholesterol levels might be different for each person due to things like genetic traits and the general type of food they eat.
Really and truly, eggs are a nutritional powerhouse. In the yolk part of an egg, you find important nutrients like choline that helps with brain function and growth of babies in the womb, plus lutein which acts as a protector for our eyes from harmful elements too. Thus don’t hesitate to have a whole yolk-acious egg when picking one up next time.
Myth #2: Brown Eggs Reign Supreme (Nutritionally Speaking)
Brown eggs are sometimes seen as a more expensive choice, causing people to think they have better taste and nutrition. But in reality, the color of an eggshell is only because of what type of chicken laid it. Eggs from brown hens are also brown in color, while eggs from white hens match their name and appear white. There isn’t a noticeable contrast in nutrient levels between these two types of eggs.
Thus, when you go to the supermarket again, make a decision based on what fits within your budget and also what you prefer. It could be that you just enjoy how brown eggs look on a brunch table or perhaps find it easier to hide white eggs in deviled egg creations. The final decision is yours!
Myth #3: Refrigeration is Mandatory for All Eggs (Globally)
In America, we have a habit of keeping eggs in the cooled area of the store. This comes from one particular step used in American egg production: washing. When you wash eggs, it takes away a layer that helps to protect them from bacteria on their shell – this is why they need chilling. Refrigeration slows bacterial growth, hence the need to keep them chilled.
But, in many other places around the globe, eggs are not washed. This is due to the fact that hens receive vaccination against Salmonella – a frequently occurring food-borne illness connected with eggs. These unwashed types of eggs possess an inherent protective layer which allows them to stay secure at room temperature for several weeks.
Therefore, if you are traveling and encounter eggs that are outside the refrigerator, there is no need for alarm. Make certain to adhere to the storage suggestions on the carton.
Myth #4: “Cage-Free” Guarantees Happy Hens (and More Ethical Eggs)
Don’t be fooled by egg labels! While we often hear “cage-free,” “free-range,” and “pasture-raised,” they paint different pictures. Cage-free hens escape cramped cages, but might still live in crowded buildings. Free-range hens get a sprinkle of outdoor time, while pasture-raised hens enjoy the freedom of roaming grassy fields most days.
Do you care about animal welfare? If so, choosing free-range or pasture-raised eggs allows you to make a more moral decision. These hens are known to lay eggs with slightly higher omega-3 fatty acid content, although the difference is minimal.
Myth #5: Only Old Eggs Float in Water
This might be a game to play at a party, however it is not dependable proof about the freshness of an egg. As an egg gets older, the air pocket inside it becomes bigger. This pocket of air makes sure that a fresh egg sinks in water while an older one may start floating up from bottom. However, even a floating egg can still be perfectly safe to eat.
The Julian date is the most effective method to gauge freshness. This code shows which day of the year an egg was laid. Eggs stay good for about four to five weeks from their laying date when stored properly in a refrigerator.
Myth #6: Vegetarians Can’t Enjoy the Benefits of Eggs
Eggs are typically put in the meat category, but they aren’t really animal flesh. They get laid by hens whether the hens have been fertilized or not. Therefore, eggs may be included in the diet of vegetarians who avoid meat but still eat things from animals like milk and eggs.
Eggs give us a good amount of complete protein, which signifies they contain each of the nine crucial amino acids that our bodies require. Additionally, eggs are filled with vitamins and minerals – an important aspect for any vegetarian meal plan.
Myth #7: They Don’t Belong in Your Beauty Regimen
Eggs are no longer just in the kitchen; they also found their way into the beauty world. Egg whites, which have high protein content, become a famous component for making face masks at home. The concept behind this is that the egg white helps to close pores and makes skin feel fresh. Though the science behind these statements is not strongly established, certain individuals firmly believe in the outcomes they suggest.
But, it’s still necessary to be careful with raw eggs on your face. They can carry bacteria such as Salmonella that could cause skin irritation or infection. If you want to attempt an egg white mask, make sure you get them from a good place and use them quickly. Also, it is recommended to carry out a patch test on your skin’s small area before applying. This will help determine if you have any allergies.
So, there you go! The truth about these usual beliefs regarding eggs helps us to understand and value this adaptable item. A range of dishes, starting from morning scrambles to lavish sweets can be prepared using then as they provide a yummy and healthy method for nourishing our bodies. In this way, the egg can be seen as a kind of kitchen and nutritional powerhouse. So, when you take an egg from your fridge or buy one at the store, feel assured that you have picked up a versatile ingredient packed with nutrients.
