If you love consuming raw foods, one thing that may have trouble you must be- can you die from eating raw eggs on their own? The answer to this question depends on the state of your egg-whether it is contaminated with salmonella bacteria. A contaminated egg risks bacterial infections beginning from your intestines, which, if left untreated, can be harmful. So in this article, we are going to learn more about whether one can die from eating raw eggs.
What are raw eggs?
A raw egg is a fresh, uncooked, and unpasteurized egg. Raw eggs comprise the egg white part and the yolk. The egg white is the clear, slippery liquid, and it contains considerably low calories and macronutrients than the yolk. It is also packed with proteins that make you feel full for extended periods and helps in muscle growth.
The egg yolk, which is at the center of the egg, is high in healthy cholesterol. It reduces any risks associated with vision, lowers blood pressure, and reduces the risk of gastrointestinal inflammations. Raw eggs are carriers of salmonella that is transmitted from an infected hen before egg shells are formed. At least one in 20,000 eggs is infected and may lead to food-borne diseases.
Once a contaminated egg is consumed, the illness symptoms can manifest from 12 to 72 hours. Signs like fever, diarrhea, and cramps could be dangerous signs of salmonella infection. This bacterium can, however, be destroyed by cooking the egg.
Storing eggs in the refrigerator can significantly reduce the number of salmonella in the eggs byinhibiting multiplying. This doesn’t mean that they will be zero salmonellae in the eggs, but they will be lesser such that when you consume the egg, the stomach acids will fight the fewer number of salmonella.
Why do people eat raw eggs?
Raw eggs have a bland taste, with the yolk having a buttery yet creamy feel that feels smooth in the mouth. If you are a sensitive person, gulping into raw eggs can be challenging, and you are left wondering why anyone would consume something so disgusting. Read through the benefits one reaps from eating raw eggs.
Nutrients rich
Eggs lose some nutrients once cooked. This is regardless of whether it’s cooked, poached, or boiled. A raw egg will offer more micronutrients and protein levels. They provide incredible amounts of calcium, Vitamin A and D, potassium, and phosphorous.
Heart-friendly
Raw eggs are packed with HDL, which is the good cholesterol necessary to protect against bad cholesterol. Raw eggs have both good and bad cholesterol, so consuming them in lower quantities will ensure that you don’t take too much of the bad ones.
Helps brain
The choline in eggs is vital for your brain health. It helps the brain to function better.
Increases energy
The nutrients in eggs leave you feeling energized and full of life. That is why eating raw eggs are popular with bodybuilders. Apart from being rich in protein, they offer essential amino acids to our bodies.
A strong and healthy immune system
The Vitamins in eggs, coupled with other nutrients and antioxidants, offer extra protection to our immune system.
How to eat raw eggs
Raw eggs do not have the best taste, especially for a beginner trying it out. Drinking it from a cup can be really difficult due to its smell and having to see that slippery mess getting to your mouth. There are however, foods that you can have with raw eggs. Some of which you hardly notice contain raw eggs.
1. In sweet dishes
Ice cream
Raw eggs can be added to homemade ice cream. There might be a risk of salmonella infection, and that is why it is advised to use pasteurized eggs in your recipe. The egg yolk makes ice cream creamy and soft with no chunks in it.
The yolks also make the ice cream stable, so it doesn’t melt fast. That translates to an increase in the ice creams’ shelf life in the freezer. So you can add two to ten egg yolks into your vanilla ice cream to bring out that rich, tasty goodness in the ice cream.
Eggnog
Eggnog includes milk, cream, raw eggs, and some sugar. It’s a good drink at holiday celebrations, especially when splashed with some brandy. Refrain from taking too much of it, though.
Others:
- cookie and cake dough
- Chocolate mousse
- Unbaked cheesecake with egg whites
2. Sauces
Hollandaise sauce
Hollandaise sauce also referred to as eggs benedict sauce, tastes so good you wouldn’t even notice traces of a raw egg. You will need some butter, egg yolk, pepper, lime juice, and salt to make it. You will start by melting butter in a saucepan, then beat your egg yolks and other ingredients in a separate bowl.
You can now add butter in tiny amounts to the egg mixture as you stir till you have a smooth sauce or add in the blender and run it. The last step should be adding the mixture into a pan and cooking it for more seconds to have a thick sauce.
Mayonnaise(homemade)
Homemade mayonnaise is made with raw eggs, and it’s a great way to eat those raw eggs. The store-bought mayonnaise is made with pasteurized eggs, and so there is a reduced risk of salmonella.
Others:
Aioli sauce
3. Main dishes
Eat-in Caesar dressing
Raw eggs are used in Caesar dressings to emulsify the dressing, so it sticks to the lettuce. To ensure that you consume them safely, add 2 egg yolks into a bowl, add 1 ½ teaspoons of water and a teaspoon of lemon juice(fresh), then cover the bowl with tin foil and cook till it bubbles.
After bubbling, uncover the contents, replace the tin foil, cook for an additional 10 to 20 seconds, then stir and allow the mixture to cool at room temperature.
Others:
- Steak tartar with raw egg yolk
- Poached egg with tomato sauce
- Sautéed vegetables topped with raw egg
Best time to eat raw eggs
An egg is a powerful source of protein, calcium, and iron. The best time you can consume a raw egg is when our bodies produce enzymes that aid in destroying bacteria. You can also jumpstart your energy levels with a raw egg on those lazy mornings.
A raw egg contains riboflavin and Vitamin B2, which produce enzymes and help process fats, drugs, and steroids. This is a reason why bodybuilders and athletes drink raw eggs before workouts. Not only does the protein in them boost energy, but it also helps in rebuilding muscles and increasing glycogen.
After purchasing your eggs, you should not let them sit for long at room temperature as they quickly spoil. If left at room temperature for long, the salmonella bacteria, if any, will multiply, whether the egg is cracked open or not.
After cracking open your egg, you should avoid leaving it to sit for long too. Lastly, eating raw eggs before going to bed is not recommended because bacteria tend to be active during the night when the body is at rest and with lesser power to fight bacteria.
Can you die from eating raw eggs?
Well, yes!
Some raw eggs might contain salmonella but in minimal amounts. If an infected egg is consumed, the bacteria from the egg gets into our bodies and can be lethal if not treated in time. This, however, happens if lots of raw infected eggs are consumed. One infected egg carries a tiny amount of bacteria that can be overpowered by stomach acids upon consumption.
It takes up to 3 days for the symptoms of salmonella bacteria infection to start manifesting in the body. Fever, diarrhea, cramps, muscle aches, chills, and vomiting are symptoms to watch out for. Treating the bacteria in time is necessary as it can spread from the stomach intestines to the bloodstream.
The infections are very prevalent in kids and the aged, and those people with weak immune systems. If left untreated, it could further spread into the brain and spinal cord and lead to death. Raw eggs may also contain avian influenza that weakens once the egg is cooked.
Salmonella infections can be reduced by:
- Purchasing and using pasteurized eggs in recipes that need raw eggs.
- Refrigerating the eggs
- Discarding eggs with cracks and dirt.
- Avoiding leaving eggs at room temperature for too long.
- Refrigerating leftovers with raw eggs.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQS)
Is there a difference between consuming raw and cooked eggs?
Eggs contain lots of proteins that are vital for our bodies. Unlike where raw eggs infect you with salmonella, there is a reduced risk of infections with cooked eggs. The absorption of proteins into our bodies is also faster with boiled eggs and slower with raw eggs.
Does drinking raw eggs increase my sperm count?
Eggs contain proteins and vitamin E, essential in protecting sperms from oxidative stress, thus improving sperm count and mortality. This is achieved only when they are consumed regularly.
Can I eat five raw eggs in a day?
Normally No!
A maximum of three eggs a day is enough. But those who are build body they need more than one egg. It may be 4-5.
Has anyone died from eating raw eggs?
According to FDA, at least 30 people die yearly from eating/drinking eggs infected with salmonella bacteria.
How safe is it to drink raw eggs with milk?
An egg and milk mixture increases cholesterol levels in our bodies, increasing fat, and isn’t healthy for our hearts.
Can I add raw eggs to my shakes?
Yes, the eggs are nutrient-rich, and although they do not add any flavor to your milkshake, they can help boost energy levels.
Conclusion
You can only die from eating raw eggs if the bacterial load is so high that they overpower your stomach acids. If there are so many salmonella bacteria, then there are higher chances of severe food poisoning. If you suspect a salmonella infection, seek treatment immediately before the disease spreads to other parts of the body.
