Recently I read an article on the internet which was on healthy food items, and in the article the author talked about the EGG. I thought of sharing this information with you all, my friends who are vegetarian and don’t even eat an egg may not find this article very useful but other might.
Egg in various form is cooked and eaten like Fried, Scrambled, Boiled, Poached and Omelette. Eggs are packed with vitamins, minerals, protein, antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids. Although yolk and white are usually the reason we crack open the egg, but most of us are unaware that eggshell is also a marvel of nature.
The eggshell is composed of 95% of calcium carbonate, the shell is covered with around 17,000 tiny pores that allow air and moisture to enter the inner egg. The outermost layer of the shell has built in protection, which prevents dust and bacteria from getting inside, and this protection is called cuticle or bloom. Between shell and egg there is a transparent membrane, made up of proteins that also help in defence against foreign particles/contaminants..
Four Brilliant Benefits of Eggshell
1 Eggshell are an Excellent source of Calcium– You all are aware that calcium is necessary for maintaining healthy bones during one’s life span. This is specially true for children to reach their full height and adults over 50, who are at risk of developing osteoporosis. As per doctors recommended dose for men/women aged 19 to 50 years is between 1000mg to 2500 mg per day, Above 50 years women may need 1200 mg to 2000 mg per day. As our body do not produce calcium, hence you have to supplement it by consuming calcium rich food, and for body to absorb calcium we also need to ensure we are receiving enough vitamin D. One Eggshell provides 1000mg of calcium-enough to meet the daily requirement of an adult.
2 Eggshells Strengthen Bones and Improve Bone Density– Bones are living tissues that are continuously being broken down and replaced. In the old age they are removed at faster pace than they are replaced, therefore bones become weak & brittle, and may lead to osteoporosis. A study which took place 2 decades back have proved that diet enriched with eggshells, vitamin D, and magnesium had the effect of increasing bone density in a short period of time.
3 Eggshells Help Remineralise Teeth– A dental cavity begins when oral plaque becomes acidic. When we consume sugary food and drinks, the bacterial plaque in our mouths converts the sugars into acids which dissolve (demineralise) the tooth enamel. When this happens tooth releases calcium and phosphate into mouth saliva, this again neutralises the acids to remineralise your tooth. But when sugar intake is more than calcium supplement is required and at the time eggshell powder comes to the rescue.
4 Eggshells Relieve Pain & Inflammation in Joint Disorders– The eggshell membrane is the thin yet strong transparent layer that lies between eggshell and egg white. It is composed of keratin, collagen, glucosamine, and several other compounds, it has been shown to offer relief from painful joints and connective tissue disorder like arthritis. A study has proved that taking 500mg of eggshell membrane gives relief from joint pains, reduced flexibility .
In some country eggshell calcium capsules are available, collecting eggshells from eggs you eat is really easy, reduces waste and is practically free.
To make eggshell powder- first rinsed the cracked eggshell and set then out to dry. For quicker drying you can heat in oven upto 65 degree centigrade. Once dry and brittle grind them in blender or coffee grinder. The consistency should be powdery, you can remove larger fragments by sifting. Store this powder in container with good lid. To extract eggshell membrane simply peel off from the eggshell.
How to eat eggshell powder- To supplement your diet with eggshells, just add half teaspoon powder to food and drink, this will give you approx 500 mg of calcium carbonate. Be sure to take calcium with sources of vitamin D, to boost absorption. Because this powder is flavourless, you can add this powder in your favourite foods without altering the taste.
So friends, now you know how beneficial is the use of eggshell powder in our daily diet, this can give us daily dose of calcium which will help in bone density, osteoporosis, arthritis etc.
Anil Malik
Mumbai, India
10th Dec 2019