One of life’s true miracles, the humble egg is perhaps one of the most versatile foods on the planet. It forms in 24 to 26 hours and hens can lay up to 250 eggs per year. The Amazing Egg is pure protein and there are many methods (sweet and savory) to prepare this natural egg. nutritional powerhouse.
Eggs can be added raw to smoothies, they can be fried, boiled, scrambled or poached and can be eaten for breakfast, lunch, tea and dinner.
They can be purchased almost anywhere, they last several weeks, they are relatively inexpensive, and they can do magical things for baked goods.
We all know how easily they can be gobbled up in a meal, but there’s also a lot more to the egg than meets the eye. Here’s everything you need to know about the mighty egg.
1. Eggs are ancient history
Humans have been eat eggs since the dawn of human time. The ancient Romans ate peacock eggs and the Chinese loved pigeon eggs. When most of us think of an egg, it is usually the type laid by a hen, but quail, duck, goose and turkey eggs are also among those eaten. Ostrich and emu eggs are probably the largest edible eggs weighing between 1 and 2 kg. Then there are also fish roe like Caviar and Hilsa – a delicacy packed with essential nutrients.
2. Eggs = a nutritional powerhouse
Eggs are considered one of the most nutritious food on the planet. They are a natural source of inexpensive, high-quality protein – more than half of the protein found in the white, which also includes vitamin B2 and lower amounts of fat than the yolk. The protein in eggs helps lower blood pressure, optimize bone health and increase muscle mass.
Eggs are also rich sources of selenium – an important antioxidant for thyroid function, our immune system and our mental health – as well as vitamin D, B6, B12, zinc and the iron. These are good sources of antioxidants and may also help reduce the risk of macular degeneration and ocular cataracts.
3. They had a bad reputation
For many years, eggs were considered unhealthy due to the high levels of cholesterol they contained. In fact, it was recommended to limit the amount of eggs consumed. But that fact stems from what are now believed to be incorrect conclusions drawn from early research indicating that dietary cholesterol contributed to high blood cholesterol. Many people think that cholesterol is harmful, but the truth is that it is essential for our body to function. So, despite what you may have heard, there is no recommended limit on the number eggs you can eat.
4. But they have always been symbolic
In many cultures around the world, the egg is a symbol of new life , fertility and rebirth. They signified new life far in the mists of human origin, long before Christianity. Indeed, an ancient Roman proverb said that all life comes from an egg.
5. No, eggs are not chicken periods
You may have heard the rumor that eating an egg is eating a hen’s rules. But since chickens are not mammals, they do not have a uterus and hence egg is actually classified as both egg and uterus. It is therefore not the same as human reproductive system. Eggs laid daily by hens and sold commercially have not been fertilized. If given the proper nutrients, hens will lay eggs with or without having been in the presence of a rooster. In fact, the only thing chickens need to lay eggs is light.
6. COVID has increased demand
Egg sales soar during the pandemic, topping 13 billion for the first time since the 1980swhich resulted in a significant increase in the egg price.
Demand for eggs has always been strong during tougher times economic stretches, perhaps due to the fact that they are a relatively inexpensive source of protein and other nutrients and are also an extremely versatile ingredient. And with more time spent at home, the current pandemic has led to more families cooking from scratch, cooking and eating at home – so more eggs.
7. Battery cages are banned in the EU
Over 90% of eggs produced in the UK have the lion trademark. This means the hens and eggs are guaranteed British, with all hens being vaccinated against Salmonella and kept to higher welfare standards than required by law. Across the EU, conventional ‘battery cages’ have been banned. And in the UK they have been replaced by larger, “enriched” cages which can allow hens to express more of their natural behaviors, such as perching, dust bathing and nesting.
8. So Many Uses
Eggs aren’t just meant to be eaten. They have many more uses both in and around the house and garden – besides being great in homemade beauty products. Eggs can make great homemade glue, leather cleaner, and can even be used as plant food. The shell is also a surprisingly useful resource and a vital element and important part of this nutrient-dense wonder food. Some of the many uses for eggshells include feeding your compost pile, using as an abrasive drain cleaner, or as a pest control in the garden. And eggshell membrane can even be used as a makeshift bandage for any cuts or scrapes – just be sure to clean it thoroughly first.
