Eggs are known to be rich in nutrients such as protein and choline, which help boost brain function.
However, a lesser-known fact is that the discarded eggshells contain an abundance of valuable nutrients, making them a treasure trove for health enthusiasts.
Each gram of an eggshell contains approximately 380 milligrams of calcium, nature’s most ubiquitous bone-building mineral.
Just half an eggshell can provide an adult with their daily requirement of 1,000 milligrams of calcium.
This abundance makes powdered eggshells a highly accessible and affordable calcium supplement that could help address global calcium deficiencies linked to osteoporosis, pregnancy complications, certain cancers, and cardiovascular issues.
The eggshell membrane is not only rich in calcium but also contains other nutrients like glycosaminoglycans that regulate cell growth, proliferation, and wound repair.
Jacqueline Vernarelli, a nutritional epidemiologist, public health nutritionist, and professor at Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, Connecticut, explained this to The Epoch Times.
Incorporating eggshell powder into one’s diet is quite simple, as Ms.
Vernarelli suggests that like many culinary powders, eggshell powder can be mixed into soups, sauces, or used for breading.
While there are very few serious risks or side effects associated with the consumption of eggshells, it’s crucial to ensure proper preparation.
Inadequately ground shells could contain sharp bits that may cause throat irritation or damage the esophagus.
Additionally, improperly sterilized shells might harbor harmful bacteria like salmonella.
Although there are numerous benefits to incorporating eggshell powder into one’s diet, it is essential not to overdo it.
Increased dietary calcium from eggshell powder could lead to an overdose, with excessive intake potentially causing side effects such as nausea, vomiting, fatigue, irregular heartbeat, and low blood pressure.
Furthermore, it’s essential to monitor other vitamins and medications that can affect calcium levels in the body.
This is particularly important for those taking high doses of vitamins A and D, which increase calcium absorption.
Additionally, people using over-the-counter antacid chews or tablets may be consuming significant amounts of calcium as well, so it’s crucial to keep track of overall calcium intake.