Raw eggs are also high in lutein and zeaxanthin. Unless you're really into the texture of raw oysters, we doubt you're clamoring to sip on a glass of six raw eggs (note that Rocky doesn't bother to beat the yolks, either). However, from the 1970s through the 1990s, contaminated egg shells were the most common source of Salmonella infection (16, 17, 18). Avidin binds to biotin in the small intestine, preventing its absorption (8, 9, 10). Let me tell you about my past, during which I drank up to 15–20 raw eggs a day. Storing them at room temperature may induce rapid growth of harmful bacteria. Raw eggs won’t do that to you. However, the source of your egg can make a difference, health-wise, as the United States Department of Agriculture says you should stay away from unpasteurized eggs. Same thing happens with milk. Come by my house around 6.) protein is needed for muscle repair and growth. © 2005-2020 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. Drinking down the raw eggs, or mixing them into a shake, happens a lot faster, and for athletes looking to pack on muscle, it's not so time-consuming. The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) considers it safe to use raw eggs if they are pasteurized. Although protein is better absorbed from cooked eggs, some other nutrients may be slightly reduced by cooking. Eggs are a great source of protein, but drinking them raw can put you at risk for salmonella. Raw fish is highly nutritious but there are some risks, especially for pregnant women. Research indicates protein in cooked eggs is much more digestible than protein in raw eggs. You can actually pasteurize eggs yourself, by heating (but not cooking) them for a little over six minutes (via Medical News Today). Rese… Choline is a nutrient important in cell membrane structure, and also vital for the proper function of the nervous system. You must first cook the egg to break down the avidin. Here's a look at the nutritional profile of egg whites, including whether they’re a healthier choice than whole…. Eggs provide lots of beneficial nutrients that are good for a person’s health. Eggs are one of the best sources of protein in your diet. However, protein absorption is lower from raw eggs, and the uptake of biotin may be prevented. In fact, eggs contain all 9 essential amino acids in the right ratios. We've probably all watched the cringe-worthy scene in Rocky where the prizefighter unabashedly slurps down a glass of slippery raw eggs in preparation for the big fight (via YouTube). Eggs are a superfood, but not all cooking methods are equal. What was he thinking? For this reason, they’re often referred to as a “complete” protein source. Raw eggs contain 23 percent more choline than cooked eggs. The bottom line? Raw eggs do have all the same benefits as cooked eggs. If you're not a boxer, you still might encounter them in rich ice cream or a tasty, creamy hollandaise sauce. They contain numerous important nutrients and can provide you with impressive health benefits. Raw eggs may contain a type of pathogenic bacteria called Salmonella, which can cause food poisoning. We can't help but question whether eating eggs Rocky-style is actually beneficial — or more trouble than it's worth. This process uses heat treatment to reduce the number of bacteria and other microorganisms in foods (19). Raw milk is far safer. Back then, I was 16–17 years old. If you want to gain weight then buy a weight gainer. If you cook milk, you oxidize the cholesterol within it. Perhaps the appeal (if you can even call it that) is not pleasure, but efficiency. The yolks contain most of the nutrients. Raw and undercooked eggs may contain Salmonella, a type of harmful bacteria (12). Buying pasteurized eggs will lower your risk of infection. He could have poached them and sprinkled them with a little coarse salt. Eggs are packed full of nutrients and high-quality protein. Some claim that eating primarily raw foods benefits your health, but others disagree. The Salmonella bacteria live in the intestines of humans and animals. But how much protein do they actually contain, and is it affected by cooking? According to Healthline, a large raw egg contains around six grams of protein. Eggs and Cholesterol – How Many Can You Safely Eat? What really happens when you drink raw eggs. Just like cooked eggs, raw eggs are extremely nutritious. Whether eating raw eggs is worth the risk is something you need to decide for yourself. This article discusses the benefits of both raw and cooked foods. So you might be relieved to learn that raw eggs don't really have any health benefits over cooked eggs⁠— plus, consuming raw eggs can pose a small health risk, while the main risk that comes with making an omelet is burning the bottom when you forget the stove is still on. Omega-3s are crucial to optimal heart and brain health, and most Americans do not eat enough of them. This bacteria can be found on egg shells but also inside eggs (13). The raw-egg diet continued straight through the 20 th century: As Mr. Universe, a young Arnold Schwarzenegger advocated drinking a thermos of eggs … Raw eggs are not necessarily more nutritious than cooked. While you may find that cooking does degrade some nutrient amounts, cooking can also enhance the absorption. They’re also an excellent source of choline. A raw foods diet can be very healthy, but it’s probably best that you cook your eggs. Homemade foods that often contain them include mayonnaise, cake icings and ice cream. However, there are ways to reduce it (24). They’re rich in high-quality protein, healthy fats, vitamins, minerals, eye-protecting antioxidants and various other nutrients. But what's the science behind it all? However, the only sure way to eliminate the risk is to cook your eggs thoroughly. Because heat destroys avidin, this is not an issue when the egg has been cooked. Salmonella infection is more of a concern in certain populations. In these groups, Salmonella infection may lead to serious, life-threatening complications. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. However, if a raw egg is pasteurized, the risk of contracting salmonella poisoning is extremely low. For well over a century, the practice of drinking raw eggs has been touted by fitness enthusiasts and bodybuilders as a quick and efficient way to gain weight (via Slate).Even Arnold Schwarzenegger has admitted to chowing down on a protein shake laden with milk powder, honey, and raw eggs as a young man (via Twitter).. All rights reserved. Many popular foods are made with raw fish, including sushi. Eggs provide a variety of benefits, but swallowing a raw egg might provide special boons for your health, as some nutrients can decrease when foods are cooked. Still, even pasteurized raw eggs can pose a risk for foodborne illness. Consuming contaminated eggs can cause food poisoning. Raw eggs do have all the same benefits as cooked eggs. Proper storage and handling after you purchase them is also important. Eggs are one of the world’s healthiest foods.