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Rocky Balboa Did It!
The case for eating your morning eggs before they get cooked.
By Krista Carlson
Rocky Balboa did it, so you should too, right? Whenever the subject of eating raw eggs comes up, the conversation typically defaults to the famed cinema boxer. Why did Rocky eat raw eggs anyway? What can they do for you? Moreover, is it safe to eat raw eggs?
The overall opinion of gulping down a cupful of slimy egg to get the day started right is rather polarized. Many bodybuilders, athletes and fitness enthusiasts in general partake in the fare as a celebrated rite, much in the way Popeye depends on his spinach.
Those who don't jive with the idea are repulsed by the thought and are certain it would be a surefire route to either vomiting or salmonella poisoning. Both viewpoints have validity.
Although salmonella is a valid concern, less than half a percent of eggs produced annually are contaminated with salmonella, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Poisoning will cause diarrhea, fever and cramping 12 to 72 hours after consumption and typically last four to seven days. Rare cases require hospitalization.
Because of the very low chances of getting Salmonella from eating raw eggs, it is generally not a threat. Any person with a compromised immune system, including sick, elderly, children and pregnant women should not consume raw eggs. The risk of being affected by Salmonella for these individuals is greater.
The practice of eating raw eggs developed for several reasons. Primarily, eggs are known to be high in protein and good fats. Eggs can also be a valuable source of many nutrients as well, including vitamins A, D, E, and B vitamins 1, 2, 6, and 12; and the minerals iron, zinc, calcium, iodine and selenium.
It has been found that the proteins in eggs are changed when heated, and through the cooking process are less easily assimilated. Also, raw foods are known to contain enzymes that help the body digest and utilize the properties of the food which cooking would destroy. Some proponents of raw eggs have asserted that egg allergies are only a reaction to eggs that have been cooked, and in raw form the protein and enzymes present will not create an adverse reaction.
For anyone interested in eating raw egg yolks straight for the first time, it is best to start with just a small amount and gradually increase intake. It is widely suggested that one start with a half a teaspoon daily for at least 3 days and then slowly increase the amount. The reason for this is that the body is not used to eating eggs in this form, and may need to adapt. Otherwise a person may become nauseous, or have irregular bowel movements.
Raw eggs can be eaten alone or mixed with orange juice, tomato juice or avocados, potatoes or rice. Because of the fragile composition the egg protein, egg yolks should only be stirred gently and never blended - This will damage the structure of egg proteins.
Raw eggs are found as an ingredient in a number of foods - Frosting, salad dressing, flavored milk drinks including eggnog, ice cream and in a variety of sauces including aioli and mayonnaise.
It is important that anyone who consumes raw eggs take proper precautions to ensure that the eggs are safe to eat. A few things to check are:
#1 - If there is a crack in the shell, don't eat it.
#2 - Check for freshness. You can do this by rolling it across a flat surface. It should roll wobbly. If it does not, do not eat it.
#3 - Immerse it in a pan of cool, salted water. If it rises to the surface somewhat, do not eat it.
#4 - If it smells weird do not eat it.
#5 - Open the egg. The egg white should be gel-like and the egg yolk should be convex and firm and should not burst easily. If your egg doesn't meet these criteria, do not eat it.