Eggs have been projected as the de facto breakfast option in the modern-day world. However, with so much being said about eggs, there continues to be a large section of people that warn against them.
So, the question arises how much do we know about eggs? Here are some points to note before consuming eggs:
Eggs are not essential
Notably, there is no consensus regarding the recommended egg intake. This is because eggs are not an essential part of our diet but have been added to it by creating a demand for them. Research has shown that consuming egg yolks can be two-thirds as harmful as smoking and cause heart complications and stroke.
Furthermore, eggs contain choline, which, when consumed in excess, can cause arterial plaques, stroke, and cardiovascular disorders. In addition, daily egg consumption tends to double the risk of type-2 diabetes in men and women by affecting blood sugar metabolism.
Eggs are not the only good source of protein
Eggs are pale compared to plant-based protein as one egg of 50 gm contains only about 6-7 gm of protein, whereas 50 gm of boiled soybean contains approximately 8.5 gm of protein. Furthermore, soybean is devoid of saturated fats, while eggs contain saturated fat and cholesterol that can cause some health hazards.
Eggs can cause food poisoning
Several studies have shown that eggs can cause food poisoning. In addition, it has been well reported that egg consumption can cause Salmonella poisoning, as eggs are the primary source of Salmonella bacteria which is commonly transmitted if eggs are not cooked properly.
Moreover, hens that lay the eggs are often treated with antibiotics and hormones, which can cause infections, disorders, and even cancer in humans. Apart from this, hens often eat feed treated with pesticides. Any traces of these dangerous pesticides can be highly harmful to the human body.
Eggs are farmed unethically
India is the third-largest egg producer worldwide, with 460 million hens per year. To meet the growing demand for eggs, industrial farms force hens to lay about 30 times more eggs than naturally. Unfortunately, more than 80% of eggs are produced on inhumane industrial or factory farms. Unfortunately, the birds are cruelly treated, debeaked, and cramped inside cages, causing haemorrhages, fractures, and dehydration.
Egg farming adversely affects the environment
The carbon footprint of eggs per dozen is approximately 2.7 kg of CO2 equivalent. Research suggests that excessive industrial farming of eggs can have serious environmental effects, including ozone depletion, global warming, climate change, land and water pollution and acidification, and toxicity to humans.
A 2017 research study has shown that caged poultry farming can result in groundwater contamination with dangerous levels of nitrates, sulfates, and heavy metals. Exposure to these contaminants through drinking water can result in diseases such as cancer and fatality in humans and organ dysfunction in animals.
These clear facts are extremely shocking but are less known to people who eat eggs regularly. So spread this information and think about your food source before you consume animal products such as eggs. If this has changed your mind about eggs and you are looking for alternatives, here is a plant-based and compassionate path.