Funny myths around Eggs

People share an intense relationship with food and as we witness different cultures, we come across different food habits. Culture definitely plays an important role in shaping our dietary requirements. However, it is also evident various cultures have different beliefs around food. Some of the believes are logical, intriguing, and some are a figment of the imagination.

In this article, we are going to talk about ‘Eggs’ and explore some popular myths revolving around the same.

The Quality of Eggs Depend on Its Size and Colour

One of the common errors we make in differentiating the quality of eggs is by its shape, size, and color. Lets us take a look, at the truth behind their appearance. The color of the eggshell is absolutely genetic, and it often varies between shades of white and brown, depending on the breed of the hen. In fact, experts might be able to tell the egg color, by checking the hen’s breed.

The most prevalent myth around the egg color is, all brown eggs are desi eggs. This is wrong, all brown eggs aren’t desi eggs, and also being brown does not assure you the quality of the same. Moreover, brown eggs are thought to be more nutritious than white eggs. Again a faulty notion, colour is not a predictor of nutrition for that matter.

The next question that can cross your mind is, what about the bright yellow egg yolks? Aren’t they better than the rest? Again, the answer would be a no. The color of the egg yolks depends on the xanthophyll content in the hen’s diet. The more yellow pigment in the yolks would hint at high beta carotin content.

Coming to the size of eggs, they depend on the size of the hen, age of the hen, and the laying cycle.  Remember this is also breed-specific.

The Two-Yolk Eggs

It is quite surprising the way people have attached their own theories and build superstitions around two-yolk eggs. In a few countries, it is taken to be an unlucky phenomenon, and in some, they believe it to be a lucky one. Let’s not get into all these stories and face the truth.

Two yolk eggs are a result of hens having hyperactive ovaries. Usually, the common process is one yolk maturing in the ovary and being released at the same moment. However, in certain exceptional cases, multiple yolks are matured and released in the ovary. This causes two yolks to get covered inside the same albumin and shell membrane, which forms the outer eggshell. This is absolutely natural. The reason can be as simple as a sudden rise in the feed of the hen or sudden exposure to artificial light.

Storing and Preserving Eggs for Future Consumption

Eggs are to be treated in a similar manner as you treat fresh fruits or vegetables. It is wrong to boil the eggs and refrigerate them for later consumption. The egg in this case will not only lose its freshness but also it is not safe to consume a fermented egg. Thus, the best idea would still be, take out some time from your hectic schedule and prepare the egg, right before you want to eat it. A good suggestion would be to have an egg daily, it is healthy and helps in building the immune. Do remember, the egg comes with a shelf life of 21 days, try consuming it before that.

Having eggs would stimulate a weight gain

Most of us consume unnecessary and unhealthy junk food into our diet, which might result in obesity. But strangely a few of us believe, the egg will lead to a weight gain, and also cause a rise in cholesterol and obesity. Point to ponder, 1 teaspoon of sugar in our tea contains 16 calories. Having tea twice a day would mean almost 32 cals. How about some biscuits along with tea? Each biscuit carries roughly around 49 calories. Summing up the total can reach a calories level as high as 130 cals. Whereas,  an egg gives you not more than 78 cals. Are you still worried about fitting eggs into your daily diet?

Having Organic Eggs makes Me healthier!

Clearly, nothing to boast about eating organic eggs. It is your call to spend some extra pennies on them and if you have been doing so for quite some time, then it is time to rethink. Organic eggs aren’t much different from the normal ones. There are two reasons behind this. Firstly, the nutrition content is the same. Secondly, the egg being organic depends on the hen, and what they have been fed? We will agree the hen’s diet is something that cannot be traced back easily. So, if you’ve already made your grocery bucket list with a dozen of organic eggs in it, time to give it a second thought.

These were a few of the most common myths around eggs. Might have missed out on a few more. In case you want to add to this, do not hesitate to mention it in the comments.

Let’s all do our part in breaking the myths and facing the reality.