Debunking 4 myths! Are red-shell eggs more nutritious than white-shell eggs? The darker the egg yolk, the higher the nutritional value?

Eggs are rich in nutrients and have a tender taste. They are a common, easily available, and affordable source of high-quality protein for the elderly whose teeth and chewing abilities are gradually deteriorating. Are red-shell eggs more nutritious than white-shell eggs? The darker the egg yolk, the higher the nutritional value? Does the rougher the eggshell, the fresher the egg? Do eggs need to be stored in the refrigerator egg rack? Let the experts help you solve the 4 common myths about eggs!

Are red-shell eggs more nutritious than white-shell eggs?

Survey: People aged 40-44 eat the least eggs, with 67% eating less than one egg a day

In 2011, the Tung Foundation conducted a survey on the egg purchasing behavior of Chinese people. The results found that compared with other age groups, people aged 55 and above eat more eggs, consuming an average of more than one egg a day. People aged 40-44 eat the least eggs, with 67% eating less than one egg a day. The reason may be that this age group is worried that eating eggs will increase the cholesterol in the blood and cause cardiovascular problems. When eating eggs, many people even discard the egg yolks and only eat the egg whites.

Director Xu Huiyu of the Food Nutrition Center of the Tung Foundation explained that many studies have confirmed that the biggest factor affecting the cholesterol level in the blood is the "saturated fatty acids" we eat, not "cholesterol". Therefore, we should pay attention to whether the intake of other saturated fatty acids (such as pork belly, bacon, ghee, etc.) is excessive. Moreover, the lecithin in egg yolk can reduce intestinal lipid absorption, reduce liver fat, increase high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease! So don't throw away the egg yolk easily when eating eggs. In addition, the survey also found that Chinese people often have the following myths:

Debunking 4 common myths about eggs

Myth 1: The rougher the eggshell, the fresher the egg?

Professor Chen Yicheng from the Department of Animal Science and Technology at National Taiwan University said that the rough particles on the eggshell surface are caused by excessive and uneven distribution of calcium and have nothing to do with freshness. As long as the eggs are not stored for too long, they are fresh eggs!

Myth 2: Are red-shell eggs more nutritious than white-shell eggs?

Director Xu Huiyu explained that there is no direct correlation between eggshell color and egg nutrition, and it is mainly related to the chicken breed and genetics. The nutritional value of eggs depends on the feed supply and health of the chickens, and has nothing to do with the color of the eggshell, so there is no difference in the nutritional content of brown eggs and white eggs.

The darker the egg yolk, the higher the nutritional value?

Myth 3: The darker the egg yolk, the higher the nutritional value?

Director Xu Huiyu explained that the color of egg yolk is not only affected by genetics (breed), but also mainly by the amount of pigment contained in the feed. If the feed contains more green feed, yellow corn, marigold grass or beta-carotene, the yolk color of the eggs produced will be darker, but the main nutrients will not be much different; as long as the eggs are produced by healthy chickens, the nutritional components are similar.

Myth 4: How to store eggs?

Professor Chen Yicheng explained that if people buy boxed eggs, it is recommended to put them directly into the refrigerator along with the outer packaging box, without having to take them out one by one and place them on the egg rack above the refrigerator door. This is because the daily opening and closing of the refrigerator causes temperature changes and shaking, which easily produces moisture on the surface of the eggshell, giving residual pollutants and microorganisms on the surface of the egg the opportunity to penetrate into the egg, causing quality to deteriorate and also causing the egg to age faster. In addition, eggs are easily cracked by the impact when opening and closing the refrigerator door, which may cause the thin film inside the eggshell to rupture and the egg white to seep out. If not eaten immediately, the eggs will deteriorate and spoil.

Tips for storing eggs:

When refrigerating eggs, remember to keep the blunt end facing up, because the air chamber of the egg is at the blunt end. Keeping the eggs with the blunt end facing up and the pointed end facing down when refrigerating can prevent the increase of air in the air chamber from affecting the freshness of the eggs.

When storing in the refrigerator, try to avoid placing the eggs in front of the cold air outlet of the refrigerator to prevent the eggs from freezing and causing cracks, making it difficult to keep them fresh.

In response to the above myths, the Tung Foundation has specially filmed a video titled "Debunking the myth of 'eggs' - Do they cause high cholesterol? Are red shells more nutritious? Do they have to be washed to be clean?" Follow the experts to learn more about eggs, eat them properly, and supplement with high-quality protein.