Chicken eggs: useful properties and contraindications.

Chicken eggs are one of the most common foods, unique in the amount of proteins, vitamins and minerals. Even vegetarians eat eggs regularly, not to mention people who eat traditional foods.

Why Chickens Lay Eggs of Different Colors

Everyone knows that chickens can lay eggs of white or brown color. But not many people know that the shell can also be blue or even olive.

There are many different factors that influence the shell color of chicken eggs:

The first such factor is environmental exposure:

1. Various stresses. If the hen is stressed, the shell color is lighter.
2. If the temperature is above +25 degrees, the eggs are also lighter in color.
3. If the lighting in the coop is bright, the eggs will be pale.

The second factor is the use of medications. They reduce the intensity of shell coloring. Some use hay bacillus or so-called Bacillus subtilis bacteria, which give the shells a brownish tint.

The third factor is sun exposure: the longer they are outdoors in sunny weather, the lighter their eggs are.

The fourth factor is physiological processes. The first egg a hen lays will always be darker than all subsequent eggs. This is because it takes longer to hatch.

How chicken eggs differ from duck and goose eggs

1. Unlike chicken eggs, goose eggs are larger, their shells are very strong and have a limestone color. In addition, their taste is richer, brighter, but has a specific bite, which is why such eggs are rarely used in cooking.
2. The composition and caloric content differ - goose eggs are less caloric.
3. Experts warn that raw goose eggs should not be eaten, as there is a possibility of contracting salmonellosis disease.

Duck eggs are in many ways superior to chicken eggs in many different ways:

1. Duck eggs are almost twice as nutritious as chicken eggs. Their freshness lasts longer because they have stronger shells.
2. Duck eggs are high in albumin (egg protein), so they are more suitable for cooking.
3. They have more Omega-3 fatty acids, which are very useful for the human body.
4. It is believed that duck eggs are an alkaline food, so they can prevent the development of cancer cells.
5. Duck eggs are less allergenic than chicken eggs.

The bad thing about duck eggs is that they contain a very high amount of cholesterol, which is bad for health. Therefore, people prefer to consume chicken eggs more.

Which eggs are healthier: chicken or quail eggs.

Despite the fact that the chemical composition of chicken and quail eggs is almost identical, the latter are more useful for a number of factors:

1. The degree of absorption of proteins, vitamins, minerals of quail eggs is twice as high as that of chicken eggs.
2. They contain more lecithin, iron, selenium, which are good for health.
3. One quail egg contains two grams more protein than a chicken egg.
4. The caloric value of quail eggs is lower.

Also, they cannot have salmonella and can be eaten raw.

Quail eggs are great helpers in building muscle mass, have a beneficial effect on the overall condition of the human body. They can strengthen the immune system, cleanse the body of various salts, increase hemoglobin levels, which helps to prevent the development of anemia and normalize hormonal background. All of these wonderful properties chicken eggs do not possess.

Composition and calories

The composition of chicken eggs is quite unique. It contains such useful elements for the human body:

1. Vitamin A - in large quantities is found in the yolk. The brighter the yolk, the more of this vitamin in it, which is excellent for skin repair and wound healing.
2. Vitamin E - helps to strengthen the human reproductive system.
3. Vitamin D - should always be in sufficient quantities in the bones of man. If it is not enough, then the bones will begin to break down.
4. Potassium, iron, zinc, magnesium, phosphorus - helps all organs of the human body to function properly.
5. Luten - has a beneficial effect on visual acuity.
6. Choline - is able to fight against various neoplasms. It is also good for the prevention of malignant tumors of the breast.
7. Folic acid and zinc - helps to restore reproductive functions.

The caloric value of a chicken egg per 100 grams of product is 157 kilocalories.

What are the benefits of chicken eggs

General benefits

Several useful properties of chicken eggs:

1. Reducing the risk of all heart and vascular diseases. This is due to the fact that they contain omega-3 fatty acids, which are of great benefit to the heart muscle - they can lower the concentration of triglycerides, control cholesterol levels.
2. Prevent the development of metabolic syndrome. Regular consumption of eggs has a positive effect on glucose and triglyceride levels. Eggs have carotenoids, which protect against most chronic diseases.
3. Promoting eye health. Carotenoids and luteins are very good for the eyes, helping to filter out the dangerous blue rays of the spectrum, and have an anti-inflammatory effect.
4. Help with weight loss. Lutein has a beneficial effect on a person's physical activity, making it easier to lose weight.
5. Support for the liver and brain. Eggs contain choline, which is essential for maintaining liver and brain function. If there is not enough choline, you can develop cancer. Choline helps relieve depression and stress, and improves memory.
6. Supports skin health. Eggs have five nutrients that prevent skin cancer.
7. Protein Source. Eggs are an excellent source of protein that contains a full range of amino acids.

For women

For women, chicken eggs are very beneficial:

1. Egg yolk is very high in minerals, amino acids and choline, which can lower the risk of breast malignancy. If you eat a couple of eggs every day, you can reduce that risk by about 50 percent.
2. There is a large amount of iron, which is of great benefit to women. They lose it during menstruation, so the reserves need to be replenished.
3. Vitamin D helps a woman's body absorb calcium, strengthen bone tissue, support the nervous system and heart muscle.
4. Folic acid contributes to the proper development of the fetus during pregnancy.
5. Eggs also help maintain a woman's beauty and slimness.

In addition to the "insides" of eggs, women also benefit from the shell. If you use it correctly (preferably courses), you can strengthen the hair and nails.

For men

Hen eggs have a very rich chemical structure. If men eat them regularly, they can significantly strengthen their immunity. Doctors recommend consuming them during the fall and winter, when there is a high risk of catching colds and other infectious diseases.

Men after surgery are also recommended to include eggs in the menu, as they help the body to recover faster.

In today's world, members of the stronger sex suffer from a variety of nervous disorders and stress due to the frantic pace of life. Regular consumption of chicken eggs can strengthen the nervous system, help the body become more resistant to depression and conflict situations, normalize sleep, improve memory.

Consumption of raw eggs has a beneficial effect on potency and stamina.

When pregnant

Since during pregnancy women need a lot more vitamins, it is almost necessary to consume eggs at this time, the main thing is not to go overboard.

Pregnant women should eat three chicken eggs a day, which will provide the body with the necessary protein. Protein and choline contribute to the normal development of the baby. Carotenoids contained in eggs help regulate the stability of chromosomes.

When breastfeeding

The question of whether you can eat eggs while breastfeeding is controversial. However, there are many positives, as eggs help:

• Prevent the development of rickets in a child;
• Increase hemoglobin;
• to develop mental activity;
• fight viruses, acting as a good antiviral agent;
• Kill many different types of bacteria;
• Normalize the growth and development of cells and tissues;
• Improve the condition of nails and hair.

No matter how high the benefits of chicken eggs, it is best to consult a doctor before using them, as they are an allergenic product.

For kids

Eggs in the diet of children are simply necessary. They are a very easily digestible product, almost completely digested. This means that after they are eaten in the body does not remain toxins and waste. The advantages of eggs:

1. Have many important substances in their composition, which together help the growth of muscle cells, the functioning of the central nervous system and other organs.
2. They are a wonderful tool for the prevention of rickets.
3. Help children who are prone to anemia.
4. Normalize the work of the liver.
5. Have a positive effect on the brain, strengthen memory.
6. Useful for vision.

At an early age, the egg yolk is more useful, as the protein can cause allergies.

What kind of chicken eggs are more useful?

Many people do not know in what form eggs are more useful: raw, fried or boiled.

Raw

Nutritionists believe that the greatest benefits come from eggs in their raw form. The reasons for this opinion:

1. Without heat treatment, the protein is better absorbed.
2. Mineral and vitamin complexes remain intact.
3. Raw eggs are beneficial to the mucosa of the stomach, help reduce acidity and are an excellent preventive against gastritis.

Raw eggs help:

• relieve coughs;
• rejuvenate the body;
• prevent breast cancer;
• improve the timbre of the voice.

Despite the fact that raw eggs have a huge number of health benefits, not everyone wants to eat them in this form.

Boiled

Boiled eggs are also very useful for human body. They, as the experts assure, are a great option for those who do not want to drink raw eggs.

The most useful are soft-boiled eggs, they have a pleasant taste, and their heat treatment is brief, so most of the useful substances are preserved. Hard-boiled eggs are more difficult for the body to digest.

Fried

Previously, people were worried about the fact that fried eggs have a lot of cholesterol. But then scientists found out that in addition to cholesterol, they have other substances that neutralize its harmful effects on the body.

Fried eggs are less useful than boiled or raw eggs, but they can also bring benefits, since the heat treatment still preserves some of the vitamins.

Which is healthier white or yolk

This is the question many people ask. To give an answer, it is necessary to consider the properties of protein and yolk separately.

The main useful properties of proteins are:

• They have no fat, few calories;
• are rich in vitamin B;
• are a great addition to diets;
• used in cosmetology
• Help lower blood pressure.

Main properties of yolks:

• are saturated with fats;
• They contain a useful substance for the body - choline;
• contain a no less useful substance - lecithin.

Which is more useful? Both parts of the egg are very useful, so it is best to eat them together.

The benefits of the shells

The shells of chicken eggs are a natural source of calcium. Calcium deficiency is very dangerous for the human body, because problems with internal organs can appear. In addition to calcium, the shell has almost all the elements of the Mendeleev's table, which are necessary for the organs and systems of the body to function normally.

Useful properties of the shells:

1. Calcium helps strengthen human bone tissue.
2. It does not contain any harmful substances.
3. It can stimulate hematopoietic processes in the bone marrow and restore blood cells.
4. If you grind the shells into powder and take them internally, you can improve the condition of your hair, nails, and skin.

These are not all listed, but the most basic useful properties of the shell.

Is it possible to eat eggs while losing weight?

Eggs when losing weight are not only possible, but also necessary for a number of reasons:

1. They are high in albumin, which is one of the components of blood plasma. During strict diets, there is less albumin, which leads to edema. Eggs are just the thing to get rid of this frequent problem.
2. Eggs contain biotins, which are fat-burning enzymes.
3. Eggs take a long time to digest and satiate quickly. Therefore, one egg is enough for a nourishing snack, besides there are not many calories in them.
4. Eggs can stimulate the metabolism.

Tip! To lose weight, it is better to eat eggs for breakfast.

Chicken eggs in medicine

Chicken eggs are unique. The combination of minerals and vitamins contained in them is simply necessary for the normal functioning of the human body. Because of this, they are a very valuable product in the diet of people with chronic diseases.

For diabetes mellitus

Diabetes mellitus is a disease in which you have to adhere to a strict diet. Eggs of chickens can be safely consumed in this disease in any form, but it is not recommended to eat more than 2 pieces per day.

So that a dish of eggs does not cause harm and does not increase the cholesterol content in the blood, you should not use any animal fats when cooking. Diabetics are best served with eggs cooked in olive oil or steamed. One hard-boiled egg is good for breakfast.

You can also eat one raw chicken egg a day if you are diabetic, but you have to wash it well beforehand. In raw form, you can use this product only from their chickens, as you can catch such a disease as salmonellosis, which is very difficult to treat.

Important: The glycemic index of a chicken egg is 48 units.

For pancreatitis

People with pancreatitis need a lot of protein to restore their strength and normalize the work of the pancreatic cells. Eggs in pancreatitis are useful as a good dietary, easily digestible product. They help the body produce the insulin needed in pancreatitis.

Eggs for gastritis

The healing effects of eggs in gastritis:

1. Protect the mucosa from large amounts of gastric juice.
2. Restore the lining of the stomach, strengthen the immune system.
3. Block bacterial environment and pathogenic gastric microflora.
4. Fight bacteria that cause disease, thanks to the lysine they contain.
5. They help to get rid of stress.

But it is worth remembering that with gastritis, eggs should be cooked only steamed, since fried dishes can harm the stomach, cause painful sensations, nausea.

For gout

Those diagnosed with gout are allowed to eat chicken eggs, but with the restriction of not more than one per day. It would seem that purine substances, which are destructive in gout, there is very little in eggs, so they can safely eat. However, this is not entirely true, because gout can impair the function of the liver and gallbladder. And eggs have cholesterol and cystine, which, if consumed in large quantities, can complicate liver function and promote stone formation.

For cholecystitis.

Cholecystitis is a severe condition in which the gallbladder becomes inflamed. It is not recommended to eat a lot of chicken eggs during such a disease, only two or three pieces per week are allowed. When this disease is often prescribed diets that include eggs, but again, in very small quantities - only to maintain protein in the body. If really with cholecystitis strongly want to eat eggs, it is best to replace chicken eggs with quail eggs - they are a useful product, they have no cholesterol, and you can eat them in any quantity.

Recipes of folk medicine based on chicken eggs

In folk medicine, there are many recipes based on chicken eggs. It is said that they can even take away the spoilage and the evil eye.

Recipe with chicken eggs with a cough

You will need:

• two raw eggs;
• 100 grams of pork fat;
• Two heads of garlic.

Take two raw eggs and mash them with 100 grams of pork fat and two heads of garlic. Received mixture before going to sleep for three days rub your feet.

Recipe for burns

Need:

• Two whites of raw eggs;
• One tablespoon of vegetable oil;
• One tablespoon of sour cream.

All this should be mixed and kneaded. The resulting ointment should be smeared on the burned area.

Recipe for allergies and calcium deficiency

You will need:

• egg shells;
• lemon juice.

Egg shells should be thoroughly washed, cleaned of film. Then grind the shells to flour, it is best to use a coffee grinder. From the resulting powder, take half a teaspoon and pour one tablespoon of lemon juice. There will be a hiss, during which you should have time to drink this drink. You should take it once a day in the morning before breakfast. If it will be disgusting, you can drink the medicine with water.

Recipe for night cramps, insomnia, asthma

This recipe is universal, it is believed that it helps with many diseases.

You will need:

• lemon juice;
• raw eggs;
• honey;
• cognac.

To start, fresh raw eggs must be washed and pour the lemon juice so that its level is higher by three centimeters. Then close the container and leave it to stand for two weeks. After two weeks, the shell will dissolve, the eggs will be filmy and soft. Break up the film with a fork, stir everything to make a homogeneous mass, and then filter it. Add 0.5 milliliters of honey and 250 milliliters of cognac. Drink the resulting mixture should be three times a day, one tablespoon for half an hour before a meal.

Recipe for pus formations

Required:

• Two raw eggs;
• one tablespoon of honey;
• half a teaspoon of salt.

Eggs with honey and salt should be mashed and turned into a scone, which should be applied to pus formations.

Hen eggs in cosmetology

The eggs have been used in cosmetology since ancient times. Even when their chemical composition was still unknown, through experiments girls discovered this useful means from this very side.

As part of cosmetic products, chicken eggs:

• Tone and refresh the skin of the face;
• fight against various inflammations;
• return hair shine, get rid of split ends;
• Eliminate greasy hair and skin;
• They are an excellent remedy for moisturizing dry skin;
• Restore skin cells, eliminate wrinkles;
• Improve skin tone.

For face

Egg-based maxi facials can suit any skin type. The main thing is not to get confused and remember that the yolk is better for dry skin, and the protein part is perfect for oily skin.

A mask for overly oily skin
Separate the raw egg, whisk the white a little together with a teaspoon of baking soda. Then apply the mass to the skin of the face and wait until it dries. Then rinse the mask with water at room temperature.

Purifying Mask
Needed:

• one protein;
• One small spoonful of lemon juice;
• One half teaspoon of honey.

In a clean bowl, whip the egg white with lemon juice until foamy. After that, add the honey and mix everything. Wash the skin of the face with hot water to open the pores. With absorbent cotton disks apply the mask to the face, excluding the areas around the eyes and lips. The composition should hold for a quarter of an hour, at the end rinse your face with warm water.

Mask for the prevention of wrinkles
Required:

• one protein;
• a quarter of an avocado;
• One small spoonful of yogurt.

Use a fork to crush the avocado slices to make a paste. Add the protein and yoghurt, mix everything thoroughly. Apply the resulting mask to the face in a thick layer, sit for fifteen minutes without moving, as it can flow away, then wash off the composition with water.

For hair

Mask for overly oily hair
Need:

• one egg yolk;
• Two big spoonfuls of honey;
• A small scoop of crushed green onions.

You need to melt honey in a water bath. The yolks should be mashed with melted honey and mixed with onions. The resulting mass should be rubbed into the roots of hair, and the remainder should be distributed along the entire length of the locks (clean and dry). Then put a shower cap on your head and wrap it with a towel. After an hour, the mask can be washed off by shampooing your hair.

Mask for dry hair
Need:

• two tablespoons of chamomile flowers;
• One egg white;
• One glass of boiling water.

Make chamomile with boiling water and insist for 30 minutes under a lid. Whip the egg white and combine with half of the resulting infusion. The resulting mixture is applied to dry and clean hair, rub into the roots and ends. After half an hour, wash everything off with water.

Harm and contraindications

Who is forbidden to use chicken eggs in food:

• People with high cholesterol;
• People who suffer from psoriasis, as it can cause severe allergies;
• People with digestive problems;
• Elderly people (if your doctor says so).

What other harm chicken eggs can do:

1. Eating them in large quantities can cause high cholesterol and cholesterol plaques.
2. You can also get salmonellosis, a serious disease that can sometimes even be fatal.
3. Some studies have proven that eggs can shorten life expectancy. So eating too many omelets every day can be a big problem.

How to choose and store eggs

It seems that choosing eggs in the store is very easy, but you should take into account a few important nuances. Namely:

1. Pay attention to the marking. Each egg should be labeled. For example, the letter "D" on the egg means that the egg is dietary. The letter "C" indicates that the egg is a table egg. A diet egg is fresher than a table egg.
2. There are many eggs in stores with bright labels that say "rich in iodine," "rustic," and "fitness." If you come across eggs with these labels, it means that the right ingredients have been added to the bird feed.
3. The labels may be labeled "eco", "bio", etc. In Russia such labels do not guarantee anything in particular, but abroad they mean a lot.

Chicken eggs can benefit the body, to diversify the diet. But it is necessary to know the basic rules of their storage. If you store the eggs incorrectly, you can very much regret it later.

The average storage time for chicken eggs is 25 days.

To keep eggs longer, it is best to store them in a cool, dry place with the sharp end down. If there are any cracks or chips on them, you should use them immediately, because they will not keep for a long time.

How to tell if eggs are fresh

There are simple ways to know if eggs are fresh:

1. Bringing it out to the light. You need to bring the egg to a bright source of light and look at it well. There is a large distance between the shell and the protective film of a stale egg, and there are blood clots in the white and yolk.
2. Immerse the eggs in water. This method is the most popular. If the egg is fresh, it will lie on the bottom on its side, if it lies on the bottom at an angle (the blunt side has surfaced), it is a week old. If the egg is floating on the surface of the water, it is rotten.
3. Inspect the egg. The shells of fresh specimens should be rough and matt. It is also worth smelling them - fresh eggs have the smell of lime.

The color of the yolk or shell does not depend on the age.

Can I Wash Eggs Before Storing them?

Many people wash eggs before putting them in the refrigerator or any other storage area. The explanation for this is simple - people are afraid of getting salmonella. However, chicken eggs should not be washed because the protective film that covers the shell is removed, and this will spoil the product faster. After washing the eggs can be stored for no more than five days.

It is better after buying the eggs just to wipe them gently with a dry cloth. You can wash them just before you eat them.

Why there is blood in chicken eggs

There are several reasons why hens lay eggs with blood:

• Frequent stress;
• a poor or low-quality diet;
• reduced immunity;
• Infectious or parasitic diseases;
• Absence of a rooster or, on the contrary, too many of them;
• old age of birds;
• Poor genetics.

The question of whether it is possible to eat eggs with blood worries many housewives. Experts say that such eggs can be eaten without restrictions, but heat treatment is necessary.

How many chicken eggs can be eaten per day?

There is an opinion that it is impossible to eat more than one egg a day, otherwise you can cause an increase in cholesterol, which will lead to heart and vascular disease. But doctors believe that if you eat eggs in reasonable quantities, then you should not fear any increase in cholesterol.

Of course, if you eat more than ten eggs a day, it can lead to negative consequences. But it has nothing to do with cholesterol, it just needs to be balanced in the right way. Without harm to health, you can safely eat two or three pieces a day.

How to cook chicken eggs

Eggs are included in many dishes. They are added to omelets, baked goods, salads, etc.

How to fry.

People call scrambled eggs the standard bachelor's dish, as it is very easy to prepare. Even a person who does not have any skills in cooking can cope with it.

A few secrets of cooking the perfect scrambled eggs:

1. For it to turn out bright and beautiful, you need to use homemade eggs.
2. It is best to fry them in butter - the dish turns out delicious and tender. If the eggs are cooked with additives in the form of vegetables or meat, you should choose sunflower or olive oil.
3. To make the dish perfect, it is necessary to fry it on medium heat. If you cook it on a high heat, the edges of the eggs will dry out, which will negatively affect the taste.

If you follow these simple tips, you can get a very delicious dish for the whole family.

How to boil

Every adult has tried to boil eggs at least once in his life. Before you cook them, you should take the eggs out of the refrigerator beforehand so that they warm up to room temperature. This will take about half an hour. If you use the hot cooking method, the eggs should be immersed in water gently and smoothly, preferably with a slotted spoon. During cooking, the shell may crack. To avoid this, you need to choose a small pan, so that the eggs lie close to each other. Water should be poured so much that it completely covers the contents of the container.

If there are few eggs to be cooked, it is better to boil them on steam. For this purpose, a sieve should be placed over the pot, so that it does not touch the water, and the eggs should be placed in it. You can also use a steam cooker.

On the stove eggs are usually boiled in three different ways: hard-boiled, soft-boiled and poached.

1. For hard-boiled eggs you should use fresh products stored for no more than six days. Eggs are placed in a pot of cold water and brought to a boil over high heat. As soon as the water boils, the fire should be lowered to medium. To keep the yolk liquid, they need to boil for no more than three minutes.
2. Hard-boiled eggs can be cooked in the same way, but the cooking time should be longer - 8-10 minutes.

Eggs poached have become insanely popular nowadays. Such eggs are cooked without the shell and are used for salads, first courses, meat appetizers.

Choose only fresh products. To prepare these ingredients will be needed:

• egg;
• vinegar (100 grams);
• a pan with low sides;
• half a spoon of salt;
• One and a half liters of water.

The water must be brought to a boil. When it boils, add salt and vinegar to it. Break the egg on a chopping board or some flat saucer. This should be done carefully so that the yolk remains intact. Dip the egg white and yolk in water with a spoon to shape the egg. Boil for no more than four minutes.

Can we give chicken eggs to animals?

Eggs can be eaten by animals, as they are an additional source of vitamins. Eggs are especially good for pets such as cats or dogs.

But you can't get too carried away. Pets should not eat eggs every day. It is best for dogs to eat one egg a day three times a week, and for cats, one egg a week.

Can I eat eggs during Lent?

Lent is the most important and strictest of all existing fasts. Any food of animal origin (meat, dairy products, fish, etc.) is forbidden. Eggs are products of animal origin, so eating them at this time is also not welcome.

Interesting facts about chicken eggs

A few interesting facts about chicken eggs:

1. The Romans are the inventors of the omelet. It is not known exactly whether this information is correct. However, it is known for sure that they are among the first to start cooking this wonderful dish. In ancient Rome, the omelet was called "ovmelet". It was prepared without additional ingredients and served with honey.
2. According to researchers, the average person eats between 250 and 700 eggs a year.
3. To determine that the eggs are of good quality, will help the yolk. If it is bright in color, the birds were given enough vitamins.
4. The temperature of a freshly laid egg is 40 degrees.
5. One hen can lay about 300 eggs per year, which is an excellent rate.

Photo of chicken eggs