Raw eggs consumption can be unhealthy for a couple of reasons. While it might seem logical that an eggshell would protect the contents from contamination, infected chickens can produce salmonella-tainted eggs before the shell has formed, the Mayo Clinic explains.
In addition, avidin, a protein contained in egg whites can block the absorption of biotin or vitamin H. The body depends on biotin to form fuel producing fatty acids and glucose and help regulate metabolism.
One egg contains 0.2 milligrams of riboflavin or vitamin B-12. B-12 is needed to help the body break down fats, carbohydrates and protein while keeping blood and nerve cells in good working order. Folate or folic acid which helps maintain and make new cells is also found in eggs.
One egg has 24 mcg of folate, most of which is found in the yolk. Pregnant women are frequently advised to take folate supplements to guard against deficiency and anaemia. Eggs also contain the nutrient choline which has been associated with memory preservation.
Eggs are great sources of protein. One egg contains about 6 g of protein. Protein helps your body repair cells and produce new ones. Eggs contain a number of minerals. One egg yolk has more than 66 mg of phosphorus, and 22 mg of calcium. A whole egg has 16 mcg of selenium.
Every cell in the body needs phosphorus to function normally. Calcium helps teeth and bones stay strong. Selenium is incorporated into proteins to make critical antioxidant enzymes called selenoproteins. Small amounts of iron, copper and zinc are also found in eggs.
Look to raw eggs for energy and improvements to sperm quality and fetal health, but understand the risks associated with eating them. Never consume eggs to treat a health problem without first seeking the counsel of your health care provider. Below is a list of consuming raw eggs benefits.
CONTRIBUTES TO ENERGY
Consuming a raw egg is a good choice for increasing the amount of energy you have on hand to help you move throughout your day. Your body reaches for the protein in your diet for fuel when you have inadequate amounts of carbohydrates in your meal plan.
One large raw egg provides you with 6.3 g of protein, as well as other nutrients B vitamins that help your body use food for energy. You get small amounts of thiamin, vitamin B-6, pantothenic acid and folate, and raw eggs also serve as a good source of vitamin B-12 and riboflavin, all B vitamins important for energy.
BOOST FERTILITY
Fertility can suffer due to a number of reasons, but swallowing raw eggs might offer benefits if you have trouble conceiving a baby. Raw eggs are a good source of selenium, a mineral that might improve the quality of sperm. A large raw egg has 15.3 mcg of selenium; adults need 55 mcg of this mineral each day.
Raw eggs also might benefit male fertility thanks to the vitamin B-12 — the University of Maryland Medical Center website cites weak research on the positive influence of vitamin B-12 on sperm motility. One large egg contains 0.4 mcg of this vitamin; your body requires 2.4 mcg daily.
IMPROVES FETAL HEALTH
While eating raw eggs during pregnancy is not recommended due to food poisoning risk, doing so might help protect fetal health. Raw eggs are sources of folate and vitamin B-12, both of which protect against neural tube birth defects.
One large egg contains 24 mcg and 0.4 mcg of these nutrients, respectively. Pregnant women require 600 mcg of folate and 2.6 mcg of vitamin B-12 daily. If you consume raw eggs while you are pregnant, seek out pasteurized eggs, which reduce your risk of problems.
However, raw or uncooked eggs pose a potential health risk, especially if you consume them on a regular basis over long periods of time. Eating raw eggs not only increases your risk of contracting