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A new trend promoted by nutrition influencers has raised questions: does eating boiled eggs with their shells really benefit your health? Although the outer layer contains calcium, swallowing it whole is neither a common practice nor necessarily a safe one.
As seen in the video included below, influencer Juan Manuel Martino (Instagram: juan_manuel_martino) appears eating boiled eggs without removing the shells.
In his post, he recommends chewing them very thoroughly and notes that they were boiled for more than 15 minutes. However, boiling an egg does not automatically make its shell suitable food for everyone.
The shell can be difficult to chew and digest. Its hard or sharp fragments could injure the mouth, throat, or digestive tract. There is also some risk of choking, especially if large pieces are swallowed.
Hygiene is another important consideration. The egg's surface can come into contact with microorganisms, including Salmonella bacteria. Thorough cooking considerably reduces this risk, but it does not eliminate other issues related to texture, contamination during handling, or the amount consumed.
For this reason, copying a challenge seen on social media without knowing the health status, medical history, and diet of the person doing it is not a good idea. Just because a practice goes viral does not mean it has nutritional backing or is right for you.
If you are interested in improving your diet, you can also read Losing Weight with the Mediterranean Diet? Experts Answer Your Questions.
The shell is made primarily of calcium carbonate. For this reason, some people present it as an inexpensive source of this mineral. However, recognizing its composition is one thing; recommending that it be eaten whole is quite another.
Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body and takes part in many functions. The most important include:
All of this explains why we need calcium, but it does not prove that we should get it by biting into eggshells. In addition, consuming more than the necessary amount offers no extra benefits and may be unsuitable under certain circumstances.
To learn about another way to take care of your diet, this article on how to manage cholesterol with legumes and a healthy diet may help.
There are supplements made from processed and ground eggshells. These products should not be confused with a homemade preparation: they usually undergo controls designed to reduce contaminants, standardize the amount of calcium, and achieve very fine particles.
Grinding an eggshell at home does not guarantee that it is free of microorganisms, that it reaches the appropriate particle size, or that the dose is suitable. Even if it is boiled for several minutes, handling or storage mistakes may still occur.
If you are considering consuming calcium powder or taking a supplement, consult a doctor or nutritionist first. This is especially important if you have a history of kidney stones, kidney disease, calcium disorders, or take medication. Not everyone needs supplementation.
The good news is that you can get calcium through everyday foods without exposing yourself to the risks of swallowing an entire shell. Some options include:
The amount the body absorbs varies depending on the food. For instance, some vegetables contain substances that partly hinder absorption. That is why it is best to choose a varied diet rather than rely on a single source.
And if the problem is not eating them but removing their shells, this article explains why hard-boiled eggs are so difficult to peel and how to make the task easier.
Before trying viral advice, ask yourself who recommends it, what evidence they offer, and whether they mention risks. Also notice whether it promises extraordinary results from a single food. Real nutrition is usually less eye-catching than a video, but much safer.
Eating boiled eggs can be part of a balanced diet. Eating them with the shell, on the other hand, offers an uncertain benefit compared with avoidable discomfort and risks. If you need to increase your calcium intake, seek safe food sources and professional guidance based on your needs. Your well-being is worth more than any social media challenge.
As seen in the video included below, influencer Juan Manuel Martino (Instagram: juan_manuel_martino) appears eating boiled eggs without removing the shells.
In his post, he recommends chewing them very thoroughly and notes that they were boiled for more than 15 minutes. However, boiling an egg does not automatically make its shell suitable food for everyone.
Is It Dangerous to Eat Eggs with Their Shells?
The shell can be difficult to chew and digest. Its hard or sharp fragments could injure the mouth, throat, or digestive tract. There is also some risk of choking, especially if large pieces are swallowed.
Hygiene is another important consideration. The egg's surface can come into contact with microorganisms, including Salmonella bacteria. Thorough cooking considerably reduces this risk, but it does not eliminate other issues related to texture, contamination during handling, or the amount consumed.
For this reason, copying a challenge seen on social media without knowing the health status, medical history, and diet of the person doing it is not a good idea. Just because a practice goes viral does not mean it has nutritional backing or is right for you.
If you are interested in improving your diet, you can also read Losing Weight with the Mediterranean Diet? Experts Answer Your Questions.
How Much Calcium Does an Eggshell Contain?
The shell is made primarily of calcium carbonate. For this reason, some people present it as an inexpensive source of this mineral. However, recognizing its composition is one thing; recommending that it be eaten whole is quite another.
Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body and takes part in many functions. The most important include:
- Bone and dental health: it contributes to maintaining bone and tooth structure. An appropriate diet, exercise, and other nutrients also play a fundamental role.
- Muscle function: it is involved in muscle contraction and relaxation.
- Blood clotting: it takes part in the mechanisms that help control bleeding.
- Nerve transmission: it helps signals travel between the brain and different parts of the body.
- Enzymatic activity: it contributes to various biochemical reactions needed for the body to function.
All of this explains why we need calcium, but it does not prove that we should get it by biting into eggshells. In addition, consuming more than the necessary amount offers no extra benefits and may be unsuitable under certain circumstances.
To learn about another way to take care of your diet, this article on how to manage cholesterol with legumes and a healthy diet may help.
Powdered Eggshell: Is It a Safe Alternative?
There are supplements made from processed and ground eggshells. These products should not be confused with a homemade preparation: they usually undergo controls designed to reduce contaminants, standardize the amount of calcium, and achieve very fine particles.
Grinding an eggshell at home does not guarantee that it is free of microorganisms, that it reaches the appropriate particle size, or that the dose is suitable. Even if it is boiled for several minutes, handling or storage mistakes may still occur.
If you are considering consuming calcium powder or taking a supplement, consult a doctor or nutritionist first. This is especially important if you have a history of kidney stones, kidney disease, calcium disorders, or take medication. Not everyone needs supplementation.
Safer Calcium-Rich Foods
The good news is that you can get calcium through everyday foods without exposing yourself to the risks of swallowing an entire shell. Some options include:
- Milk, cheese, and yogurt.
- Plant-based beverages and other products fortified with calcium.
- Sardines or canned salmon with soft, edible bones.
- Tofu prepared with calcium salts.
- Broccoli, kale, and other leafy green vegetables.
- Almonds, chia seeds, and sesame seeds.
- Chickpeas, lentils, and other legumes.
- Dried figs.
The amount the body absorbs varies depending on the food. For instance, some vegetables contain substances that partly hinder absorption. That is why it is best to choose a varied diet rather than rely on a single source.
And if the problem is not eating them but removing their shells, this article explains why hard-boiled eggs are so difficult to peel and how to make the task easier.
What to Do Before Following a Nutrition Trend
Before trying viral advice, ask yourself who recommends it, what evidence they offer, and whether they mention risks. Also notice whether it promises extraordinary results from a single food. Real nutrition is usually less eye-catching than a video, but much safer.
Eating boiled eggs can be part of a balanced diet. Eating them with the shell, on the other hand, offers an uncertain benefit compared with avoidable discomfort and risks. If you need to increase your calcium intake, seek safe food sources and professional guidance based on your needs. Your well-being is worth more than any social media challenge.
