The Raw Eggs Truth: 4 Health Implications of Taking Raw Eggs

Introduction

Raw eggs have been a staple in many fitness enthusiasts’ and health-conscious individuals’ diets, touted for their high-protein content and potential health benefits. However, concerns surrounding food safety and potential health risks have sparked debates about the wisdom of consuming raw eggs. In this post, we’ll delve into the implications of raw egg consumption on health.

Health Benefits of Raw Eggs 

Proponents of raw eggs argue that they:

1. Provide essential amino acids and protein.
2. Contain vitamins and minerals like vitamin D and B12, iron and zinc.
3. Support muscle growth and repair.
However, cooking eggs can increase the bioavailability of some nutrients, like lutein, and reduce the risk of foodborne illness.

Health Risks of Consuming Raw Eggs 

Despite potential benefits, raw eggs pose significant health risks:

Salmonella:

Raw eggs can contain Salmonella bacteria. Salmonella infection can have serious implications for human health, including:

1. Gastrointestinal symptoms: Nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, diarrhea.
   Fever and chills: High temperature, shivering.
2. Dehydration: Fluid loss due to diarrhea, leading to weakness and dizziness.
3. Neurological issues: Inflammation of the brain and spinal cord, causing headaches, confusion, and loss of muscle coordination.
4. Long-term complications: Inflammation of the intestines, gallstones, reactive arthritis, and typhoid fever (a life-threatening illness caused by a strain of Salmonella called Salmonella Typhi).

Other bacterial contaminants:

E. coli, Campylobacter, and Listeria can also be present.
Potential effects of E. coli, Campylobacter, and Listeria on human health:

E. coli: Some strains of E. coli can cause severe abdominal cramps, bloody diarrhea, and vomiting. In severe cases, the bacteria can cause life-threatening kidney failure or hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), which can damage the kidneys, nervous system, and digestive system.
Campylobacter: Campylobacter can cause diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever, nausea, and vomiting.
Listeria: Listeria can cause fever, muscle aches, nausea, and diarrhea. In pregnant women, it can cause miscarriage, stillbirth, or premature delivery. Listeria can also cause serious infections in people with weakened immune systems, such as those with cancer or HIV.

 Vitamin B7 (Biotin) deficiency:

Raw egg whites contain avidin, which can bind to biotin, potentially causing deficiency. Several studies have linked biotin deficiency with:

• Skin problems such as, rashes, dermatitis, and hair loss.
• Neurological symptoms: tingling and numbness of the limbs.
• Increased risk of cardiovascular diseases and can raise the cholesterol levels in humans.
• Immune dysfunction
• Increased risk of miscarriage, preterm labor and low birth weight.

 Cooking eggs gently on a medium heat denatures avidin, making biotin bioavailable to the body.

Cholesterol concerns:

Raw eggs are high in cholesterol. The effect of egg cholesterol on human cholesterol levels is a topic of ongoing research. Until the research is concluded, keep egg consumption to moderation.

Who Should Avoid Raw Eggs:

Raw eggs as the case maybe can have adverse effects on everyone that consumed them. But the most affected group are:

1. Pregnant women
2. Young children
3. Elderly individuals
4. People with weakened immune systems
5. Those with certain medical conditions (e.g., liver disease)

Safe Alternatives

If you still want to reap the benefits of eggs:

1. Choose pasteurized eggs.
2. Cook eggs thoroughly (until yolks are firm).
3. Consider egg substitutes or supplements.

Conclusion

While raw eggs may offer some benefits, the potential health risks cannot be ignored. If you choose to consume raw eggs, ensure you:

1. Source eggs from reputable, pasture-raised farms.
2. Handle eggs safely.
3. Weigh the risks and benefits.

Further studies
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

World Health Organization (WHO).

Mayo Clinic.
Truett, K., et al. (2017). Effect of Biotin Deficiency on Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Healthy Adults. Circulation, 135(4), 392-401.
Morton, D. J., et al. (2014). Maternal biotin deficiency during pregnancy causes poor pregnancy outcomes in mice: low birth weight, decreased pup survival, and altered fetal epigenetic landscape. Pediatrics, 134(4), e956-e965.  .

Additional Resources:

– CDC: Egg Safety. 
– FDA: Safe Handling and Preparation of Eggs
– Healthline: Raw Eggs and Health Risks