White and brown chicken eggs are available. Both are readily available in local supermarkets. Many people, however, choose eggs depending on their colour. Many people assume that brown eggs are more natural or nutritious than white eggs.
White eggs, on the other hand, are thought to be more delicious. They also believe that they are more sanitary than brown eggs. The distinction between brown and white eggs, on the other hand, is not limited to the shell. Let’s take a closer look at the distinction between brown eggs and white eggs.
Also Read – Boiled Eggs Health Benefits, Nutrients, Side Effects, Recipes, and More
The Reason behind the Color Distinction
The colour of the egg is determined solely by the breed of chicken. Similarly, the colour of eggshells is determined by the pigments produced by the hen. Protoporphyrin IX is the primary pigment found in brown eggshells. It is composed of heme, which is responsible for the red colour of blood.
Colors can differ between breeds at times. It is caused by genetic differences between chickens. However, it is also influenced by other factors. Some hens, for example, lay brown eggs. They do, however, lay larger, lighter-colored eggs as they age.
Diet, stress levels, and the environment all have an impact on shell colour. As a result, the colour may be lighter or darker. It does not, however, invariably modify the colour of eggshells. When it comes to egg colour, the breed is still the most important influence.
Blue or blue-green eggs are also laid by some chicken breeds. These hens come from the Ameraucana, Araucana, Lushi, and Dongxiang species. Biliverdin is the primary pigment found in blue eggshells. This pigment is similarly derived from heme.
Nutritional Facts
Brown and white eggs have the same nutritional value. However, a hen’s food and environment might have an impact on the nutrition of her eggs.
50 g, or one large egg, comprises the following ingredients:
- 71 kCalories of energy
- 6.3g protein
- 0.3g carbohydrate
- 4.7g of fat
- Minerals and vitamins
An egg also has a good amount of vitamins and minerals.
- 0.8mg iron
- 0.6mg zinc
- 15.4mg selenium
- 23.5mg Folate
- 147 mg choline
- 0.4mcg vitamin B12
- 80mcg vitamin A
Also Read – Facts About Vitamins and Minerals: What They Are and What They Do
Which is better for you: brown eggs or white eggs?
Many people prefer brown eggs to white eggs. Because they believe brown eggs are more natural, this is the case. Brown eggs are also said to be a healthier option to white eggs. Nonetheless, regardless of grade, colour, or size, all varieties of eggs are nutritionally pretty comparable. As a result, both white and brown eggs are healthful options.
A traditional egg contains a variety of nutrients and vitamins. They also provide high-quality protein and a low calorie count of 70kCals. Several studies have been conducted to investigate the differences between white and brown shells. They did it mostly to learn about the nutritional differences.
According to certain research, shell colour has little effect on quality, implying that the colour has nothing to do with the nutrient profile. The only real distinction is the shell pigment. Nonetheless, a variety of additional factors can have an impact on the nutritional content.
Factors Influencing Eggshell Color
Environment
The hen’s breeding and growing environment may have an effect. Eggs from hens that are allowed to range freely in the sun, for example, contain higher vitamin D. They have 3-4 times the vitamin D content of confined hen eggs.
Food
The nutritional quality of eggs is also affected by the sort of diet a hen consumes. Several studies, for example, reveal that chickens fed an omega-3 fatty acid-rich feed lay eggs with greater omega-3 contents than typical. When chickens are fed a vitamin D-rich diet, the same difference is observed.
Does the colour of the egg impact its taste?
Some people feel that brown shelled eggs taste better than white shelled eggs. Others, on the other hand, prefer white ones. However, there is no difference in flavour between the two, just as there is no difference in nutritional content. However, this does not necessarily imply that all eggs taste the same. Other elements that influence egg flavour include:
- Color of the shell
- Feeding method
- Freshness
- Breed of chicken
- Cooking method
- Differences in hen diet patterns
Furthermore, if the eggs are stored for an extended period of time, they may develop an off-flavor. Eggs, on the other hand, can be preserved by storing them in the refrigerator at a constant and low temperature. As a result, some individuals believe that eggs from home-reared hens taste better.
Furthermore, backyard eggs are neither processed or sent. As a result, they frequently end up in your basket faster. As a result, they are often fresher and taste better. Although several factors influence egg flavour, shell colour is not one of them.
Why are brown eggs more expensive?
There are no discernible distinctions between white and brown eggs. Brown shelled eggs, on the other hand, are pricey in local stores. It is possible that this is why many assume brown eggs are healthier.
Nonetheless, brown eggs are more expensive since hens lay larger and fewer eggs. As a result, retailers and poultry farms charge a premium price for them. It is mostly to cover the extraneous expenses.
Hens laying brown eggs now have nearly identical production costs to hens laying white eggs. However, their eggs are still more expensive. It could be because organic and free-range eggs are brown rather than white.
Eggs’ Health Benefits
Helps with Weight Loss
Many studies indicate that eggs are high in important nutrients. They are high in vitamin A, B5, B6, D, E, and K. Minerals such as calcium, zinc, folate, phosphorus, and selenium are also present. Furthermore, eggs are strong in protein and healthy fats.
These minerals have a number of health benefits. Furthermore, their low calorie content makes them an ideal weight-loss snack. Protein appears to increase metabolism, according to research. Eggs have a high protein content. As a result, they aid in weight loss.
Improves HDL levels
HDL is an abbreviation for high-density lipoprotein. It is also referred to as “healthy cholesterol.” Furthermore, research show that eggs are beneficial to heart health. Contrary to widespread belief, it may lower the risk of strokes and heart disease.
Enhances Eye Health
Eggs are high in vitamin A, which is crucial for eye health. One of the most common causes of blindness is a lack of vitamin A. It primarily affects youngsters.
Furthermore, lutein and zeaxanthin help to lower the incidence of cataracts and macular degeneration. These nutrients can be found in the yolk of the eye. According to one study, eating one egg yolk each day significantly enhances the levels of these nutrients in the blood.
Choline is present.
People are less familiar with the vitamin choline, which is found in eggs. It’s a fantastic substance. It is sometimes used with B complex vitamins. Choline performs a variety of tasks, including the formation of cell membranes. They also contribute to the production of signalling molecules in the brain.
Choline deficiency has negative health consequences. It is, however, extremely unusual. Fortunately, eggs are a high-quality supply of choline. This extraordinary vitamin is found in roughly 100mg of a medium-sized egg.
Has a high level of satisfaction
An egg has a reasonably high Satiety Index value. The satiety index value evaluates a food’s potential to make you feel full while consuming the fewest calories. Because eggs are nutrient-dense and filling, they induce a feeling of fullness.
Consuming foods like eggs can also help to reduce snacking between meals. This is due to the fact that they keep you full for a long period. Furthermore, according to one study, incorporating eggs in your diet can help you lose weight.
Improves Brain Function
The mineral choline is present in 125.5mg in a single egg. It provides around a quarter of our daily requirement of this vitamin. Choline has been shown in studies to be crucial for heart health and brain function. It also aids in mood and memory regulation.
According to studies, choline aids with cognitive skills such as verbal and visual memory. Furthermore, choline aids in the creation of membranes that enclose our cells. As a result, choline is required for the brain development of the newborn during pregnancy and nursing.
Protein-rich
Protein is referred to as the building block of our bodies. Protein is the building block of our muscles, and it is responsible for muscle maintenance and repair. A single egg contains around 6.5 grammes of protein.
Egg protein is a first-class protein with significant biological value. So three eggs provide around 20 grammes of protein.
How do you chose your eggs?
We now know that colour isn’t a deciding element. As a result, before making a decision, read the nutrition label. Here’s an example of what the various labels on egg carton signify.
Authenticity
“All-natural” or “naturally reared” eggs are frequently labelled. It means they are identical to other eggs.
Free Range
The word “free-range” refers to eggs laid by chickens that have access to the outside world. As a result, the chickens’ quality of life will improve, as will the nutritious worth of their eggs. Hens exposed to sunlight, for example, lay eggs with greater vitamin D levels.
Omega-3 Rich
This marking indicates that the eggs were laid by hens on a healthy, omega-3-rich diet. It nourishes the eggs, increasing their omega-3 fatty acid content. Furthermore, these eggs have a higher concentration of omega-3 fatty acids. As a result, these eggs provide significant health benefits.
According to one study, consuming omega-3-rich eggs enhances the omega-3 content of nursing women’s breast milk. As a result, choosing omega-3 fortified eggs may provide great health benefits.
Natural
Eggs are now certified ‘organic.’ It denotes that they are laid by chickens fed non-GMO and organic feed. These hens have year-round access to the outdoors. They have also not been administered any hormones or antibiotics.
The term “organic” suggests that the chickens were not given antibiotics or that they were given only when medically necessary. However, no research has found that organic eggs are more healthy. However, the quality of organically certified hens may be higher. Furthermore, their exposure to sunshine boosts the vitamin D concentration of the eggs they deposit.
No cages
This word is frequently misunderstood. Cage-free chickens, for example, are housed in an open space. As a result, cage-free environments are preferable for chickens. Nonetheless, cage-free hen eggs have the same nutritional value as regular hen eggs.
Local and Backyard
These eggs are sourced from backyard flocks. Otherwise, they are purchased directly from local farmers. As a result, these eggs are the freshest and come from hens maintained in natural conditions. They also have higher exposure to sunshine.
These chickens’ diets may differ from those of conventionally kept hens. As a result, it has an impact on the nutritional value of the egg. This is possible, particularly if the hen has access to grass. Backyard hens, on the other hand, are not as clean as commercial hens. As a result, it is advisable to learn about the source before acquiring them.
Conclusion
Depending on the chicken breed, eggs might be white, brown, or even blue. However, despite the colour difference, the nutritional value of the eggs is the same.
Furthermore, the only distinction is the colour of the shell. Because of their bigger size, brown eggs are more expensive than white eggs. However, their availability is limited, which contributes to their high price.
Its flavour is unaffected by its colour. Other elements, however, may have an impact on the taste of these eggs. The taste and quality are influenced by factors such as hen house conditions, diet, ambient conditions, and so on.
The nutrition label is the best approach to choose eggs. Keep these variables in mind the next time you buy a box of eggs. Also, keep in mind that the colour of the egg does not always tell the complete story.
Questions and Answers (FAQs)
Q: Are brown eggs better for you than white eggs?
A. There is no scientific proof that brown and white eggs are nutritionally different. However, the nutrition of the hen influences the nutrition of the egg. As a result, the colour difference is caused only by a change in the hen’s nutritional diet.
Q. Which egg contains the most protein?
A. Brown and white eggs provide the same amount of protein, roughly 6 grammes. As a result, there is no change in nutritional value or protein content based on colour.
Q. What can be used in place of eggs as a source of protein?
A. An egg is a complete food. While lean meats, fish, and chicken cannot equal the protein value of eggs, they can be substituted. Furthermore, for vegetarians, quinoa, paneer, and tofu can be used as an alternative source of protein.
Q. What can I add to eggs to increase their protein content?
A. Eggs are a great source of protein on their own. However, you can increase the protein content of your meal by adding steak and sausages. Remember to keep an eye on your caloric intake to avoid fat accumulation in the body, which can lead to obesity.
Q. How much protein does a brown egg contain?
A brown egg contains about 6 grammes of protein. White eggs have nearly the same content. They also include suitable levels of iron, sodium, potassium, and vitamin A.
Q: Which contains more protein, chicken or eggs?
A. Chicken is certainly a better source of protein. One egg contains 6 g of protein, but one meal of chicken (100 gm) contains 27 g. Both, however, are equally nutritious.
Q. Are two eggs per day sufficient for protein?
A. Two eggs contain about 12 grammes of protein, which is enough for breakfast. A protein intake of 50-70 grammes per day is considered normal for an adult man. The remaining protein can be consumed with other foods during other meals.
Q. Are boiled eggs healthy?
A. Yes, boiled eggs are often high in all of the nutrients found in eggs. Furthermore, eating boiled eggs can help you gain muscle, lose body fat, and lose weight.
Q. Is it safe to eat raw eggs?
A. Yes, you can consume raw eggs. Raw eggs, on the other hand, contain Salmonella germs, which can impair stomach function. Salmonella sickness causes diarrhoea, vomiting, fever, and other symptoms. As a result, before eating raw eggs, you should clean up.
Q. Can I eat eggs on a daily basis?
A. Yes, you can eat eggs every day, but only in small amounts. Excessive egg eating may result in fat accumulation and obesity. It may also be harmful to the stomach and digestive system.
Q. Are 6 eggs per day excessive?
A. While everyone’s nutritional needs varies, six whole eggs is commonly considered excessive due to the high fat content of egg yolk. However, you can eat 1-2 whole eggs per day and additional egg whites to meet your protein needs.