Chickens and eggs are foods that we have eaten for millions of years. During the earliest periods of human history, humans domesticated chickens in Southeast Asia. This is because animals were considered helpful to our civilization and a good food source. Today, the egg is one of the humans’ most popular animal foods.
Shell forming process
Egg shells are composed of calcium carbonate, and mineralization occurs in the hen’s uterus. It is one of the fastest biomineralization processes in nature. The body contains 99% calcium carbonate.
Calcium is deposited onto the eggshell through blood and dietary calcium during the mineralization process. The outer shell becomes hard when calcium is deposited in the form of calcite crystals. Moreover, a layer of green pigment can be formed around the egg yolk when the egg is cooked. This is a harmless layer and can be prevented by cooling the eggs quickly after cooking.
In the earliest stages of egg formation, a blue pigment is added to the shell. An enocyanin, a side product of bile, causes this coloring.
Shell Membrane
The shell membrane of eggs is a thin, semipermeable membrane located inside the egg. It consists of proteins and is designed to provide an efficient defense against bacteria. In addition, eggshell membranes have been used as heavy metal and carbon dioxide absorbers.
The shell gland produces eggshells. They contain calcium, which is an essential mineral for the growth of embryos. During an egg’s development, the shell membrane’s calcium concentration gradually declines. A gradual decrease in aragonite content accompanies this.
The shell membrane contains several other elements, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and glucosamine. These elements are present in trace amounts.
Choline
Choline in eggs is a vital component of your diet. It is a precursor to acetylcholine, which is a neurotransmitter. A choline deficiency can lead to various neurological problems, including persistent brain fog and lethargy.
For adults, the recommended daily intake of choline is 500 mg. A small amount is found in many foods, including roasted soybeans, roasted pecans, peanut butter, and pumpkin seeds. However, the dietary choline intake for most individuals is far below the recommended levels.
The United States National Academies of Medicine, Food and Nutrition Board established an adequate intake (AI) of choline for adults and children. However, it is essential to remember that these intakes differ for each age group.
Vitamins
Eggs are a great source of vitamins. A variety of nutrients in eggs support a healthy immune system and brain functions. The essential vitamins in eggs include Vitamin D, B12, A, and E. They also contain the antioxidant carotenoids. These compounds protect against macular degeneration and age-related vision loss.
Eggs are also a good source of protein. Protein helps the body maintain and repair tissues. This can help reduce overall calorie intake and allow you to feel fuller longer.
Another benefit of eggs is that they contain omega-3 fats. Omega-3s help to strengthen the immune system and improve circulation.
Omega-3 fatty acids
Omega-3 fatty acids in eggs have been shown to benefit cardiovascular health. Eggs contain a significant amount of ALA and DHA. These are considered essential fatty acids and are known to reduce the risk of chronic diseases. Moreover, omega-3 fatty acids reduce oxidative stress and promote recovery.
While conventional eggs are high in nutrients that are good for human health, the nutritional value of omega-3-enriched eggs is significantly higher. The fatty acid content of these eggs is five times higher than those of conventional eggs. In addition, the egg yolk contains antioxidants that help to maintain total cholesterol levels.
Vegetarian diets
There are a variety of reasons why people choose to become vegetarian. Some have a stance on animal rights, while others believe factory farming harms the environment. Either way, there is no doubt that vegetarian diets are becoming more popular.
Eggs are a great vegetarian protein source. They contain high-quality protein as well as essential vitamins and minerals. For instance, eggs contain naturally occurring DHA and omega-3 fatty acids. This is important to your brain health.
Eggs are not only a good source of protein, but they are a great source of vitamin B12. Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin crucial to your brain’s function.
