Egg shells: health benefits and harms

Eggs is a very popular product that is used everywhere and constantly. From it, even children can cook various elementary dishes. At the same time, many professional recipes for haute cuisine are not complete without eggs. Every day around the world, people throw eggshells without even thinking about the fact that this ingredient can be used with benefit. For example, the shell can be included in the feed of poultry and other animals, as it improves their growth and improves health. It is used as fertilizer, and sometimes even as bleach.

Composition and calorie content

• Calories - 0 kcal.
• Proteins - 0 g.
• Fats - 0 g.
• Carbohydrates - 0.

The shell of any bird's egg is 90% calcium carbonate. It also contains manganese, molybdenum, copper, fluorine, iron, silicon, selenium, phosphorus, sulfur, zinc and other elements important to humans - there are 27 in total. The shell also contains water, nitrogen and inorganic substances.

What is useful eggshell

Egg shells are useful not only as fertilizers for soil or food for animals, but they can also improve human health. This ingredient is quite widely used in alternative medicine, in recipes, many of which are even forgotten today.

At one time, ancient healers were well aware of the properties that eggshell possesses. They gained most of their knowledge from animal observations. Some animals consume eggs, while they eat them with shells. Over time, when people had already domesticated the bird, they noticed that the martens, who managed to get into the chicken coops, ate the eggs together with the shell. Today, experts note that animals sometimes may not even eat up the internal contents of eggs, but at the same time they eat the shell completely. Females especially favor it, since the substances contained in the product support the body during the period of gestation.

The benefits of eggshell

1. It is a source of calcium. The body needs calcium to maintain healthy bones. The human body itself does not produce this element, therefore, it is necessary to include products in the diet in which this vital component is present. This is especially important for children and people over 50, as these age groups are more at risk of bone damage. Studies have shown that the inclusion of crushed shell powder in the diet can prevent osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. The high level of dietary calcium in this product promotes better bone density and prevents bone loss.
2. Saturates teeth with essential minerals. Regular consumption of sugary foods can lead to demineralization of tooth enamel. When a large amount of sugar enters the oral cavity, it is much easier for bacteria to affect the teeth. Since eggshell powder is rich in calcium, it can be used to remineralize teeth.
3. Relieves joint pain. Active physical activity in youth often affects the joints at an already more mature age. At the age of 35–40, a person may begin to experience pain in the joints. In this case, it will be useful to include crushed shells in your diet, which can alleviate this condition.For example, you can prepare a product, in which, in addition to crushed shells, apple cider vinegar will also be present. It will help to dissolve the shell well and give the product a uniform consistency. Such a mixture should be periodically applied to painful areas - this will help soothe inflammation.
4. Fights skin irritation. A solution of crushed eggshell and apple cider vinegar can also help get rid of irritation of the skin, reduce itching and redness. The solution should be applied to the irritation area, while it is important to wait until the mixture is completely dry, and only then rinse it off.
5. It softens the skin. The crushed shell helps soften the skin, as it is able to exfoliate dry and dead cells. In addition, calcium actively contributes to their regeneration.
6. Reduces acidity in coffee. Coffee is a drink that energizes the body for the whole day. However, for some people it can be too powerful due to its high acidity, especially if it is used on an empty stomach. In this case, crushed shells can be used to reduce the acidity of coffee. When it is added to a drink, its taste will become more vivid, while bitterness will go away, since calcium is an acid neutralizer.

The benefits of quail eggshell

1. Prevents hypertension. Calcium, as already mentioned, is the basis of bone structure. But, in addition to this, this mineral helps to remove sodium from the body, thereby preventing hypertension.
2. Normalizes the work of blood vessels. The interaction of calcium with magnesium normalizes the functioning of blood vessels, affects the functioning of muscles. Magnesium contained in this product is involved in the absorption of thiamine and various acids, and also restores cells.
3. Strengthens blood vessels and helps in the absorption of nutrients. The product is also rich in silicon, which supports the health and strength of blood vessels, and also affects bone tissue. It helps to absorb fluoride, magnesium and remove chlorine from the body.
4. Supports metabolic processes. The molybdenum present in the shell supports the normal course of processes associated with the formation of chemicals. It is involved in the metabolism of carbohydrates and fats, in the process of removing free radicals from the body. It also affects the formation of red blood cells and the strength of tooth enamel.
5. Strengthens the immune system. The use of shells will help maintain the normal functioning of the nervous and endocrine systems. It is manganese, which strengthens blood vessels, and iron, which provides saturation of blood vessels with oxygen, in optimal quantities contained in this product. The shell will also help to strengthen the health of cartilage and increase immunity.
6. Improves brain activity. The shell is rich in selenium, zinc and phosphorus. Therefore, when using this product, brain function improves, digestion processes normalize. It also stimulates energy production and increases the amount of collagen.
7. Saturates with amino acids. They help slow down aging, improve mood, strengthen bones, normalize blood cholesterol and support immunity.

How to give eggshells to children

Before eating, you must wash the eggs in warm water with soap and rinse thoroughly. The shell can also be specially sterilized, but this is not necessary if you use the product from your healthy chickens.

If the shell is used to prepare a vitamin product for children, it must be placed in boiling water for 5 minutes. You can use the shell of boiled eggs, because it has already passed the sterilization procedure during cooking. The permissible daily dosage is 1.5–3 g (depending on age). Up to 1 year old, the shell is given in the form of powder on the tip of a knife.

It is recommended to use a mortar for grinding into powder, since due to the use of electrical devices, such as coffee grinders, the ingredient loses part of its active properties.It is better to use the product in the morning as part of cereal or with cheese.

Is it possible for pregnant eggshell

It will be very useful for pregnant women to include eggshells in their diet, because it is during this period that the female body needs to be fed with calcium. The lack of this element can provoke weakening of the muscles of the uterus and lead to difficulties during childbirth. Calcium will have a positive effect on the body of both the expectant mother and the child, since it supports the normal development of bone tissue.

How to take egg shells as a source of calcium

Consider how eggshell is used as a source of calcium:

1. In the powder (a third of a tablespoon) add lemon juice in the same amount. Wait for the formation of lush foam.
2. Use the mass and drink clean warm water.

Recommended daily dosage:

• children under 7 years old - up to 1/4 tsp spoons;
• from 7 to 13 years - 1/2 tsp;
• from 13 years old it is allowed to eat up to 1 tsp. in a day.

It is recommended to use the drug in the morning meal.

The use of eggshells in medicine

90% of the eggshell is calcium, while high quality. This element is very well received and absorbed by the body, much better than the drugs intended for this. People have known about the healing properties of this product for a long time.

Studies by scientists from different countries have shown that the composition of the shell has a huge resemblance to human bones and teeth. Therefore, with regular consumption of this product, osteoporosis and calcium deficiency can be avoided. In addition, it can act as a prevention of caries, problems with the spine and gums, eliminates irritability and allergies. Egg shells can significantly alleviate or completely eliminate asthma attacks. In the field of traditional medicine, there are many recipes using shells, with which you can get rid of ulcers, burns, diarrhea and gastritis.

Egg shell in cosmetology

Egg shell cosmetic products have a positive effect on the skin, and the effect is not inferior to store cosmetics. As a rule, eggshells are used in 2 directions. Firstly, to maintain the beauty and health of the skin using hyaluronic acid contained in the shells. Secondly, the product is ground into powder and added to the composition of the masks.

For face

Mask for dry skin

Ingredients:

• yolk (raw) - 1 pc.;
• shell powder - 1 tsp;
• vegetable oil (unrefined) - 1 tsp;
• lemon juice - 1 tsp;
• lemon zest (finely grated) - 1 tsp

How to cook and apply:

1. Mix the yolk with the zest and let the mixture brew for about half an hour.
2. Add powder, oil, lemon juice to the mass and mix well.
3. Apply mask to face.
4. Wait 30 minutes. Wash your face with water.

The mask can be done up to 3 times a month.

Wrinkle mask
Ingredients:

• shell powder - 1 tsp;
• banana - 1 pc.;
• natural cream - 2 tsp;
• fat sour cream - 2 tsp;
• starch (potato) - 1/2 tbsp.

How to cook and apply:

1. Pressing the banana with a fork, knead it to a homogeneous mass. Then mix the mass with starch and cream. After that add sour cream.
2. The resulting mixture is divided into 2 parts.
3. Add the powder in the first portion and mix thoroughly.
4. Apply a mask with powder to the cleansed face.
5. When it dries, apply a second portion of the mixture to the face. You can also cover your face with a gauze.
6. Wait 30 minutes. Wash your face with water.

For hair

Mask for strengthening hair
Ingredients:

• egg - 1 pc.;
• shell powder - 1 tsp;
• cucumber - 1 pc.;
• olive oil - 2 tbsp.

How to cook and apply:

1. Grind the cucumber to the consistency of small gruel.
2. In the mass add powder, egg and olive oil.
3. Rub the mask into the hair.
4. Wait 15-20 minutes.
5. Wash hair with light shampoo.

As a prophylaxis, this tool can be used up to 2 times a month.

Harm and contraindications

An important fact is that in case of violation of the rules of preparation of the product, it can harm the body. In this case, a number of side effects or even diseases can occur.

Large pieces of shell when ingested in the digestive system can damage internal organs, thereby provoking ulcers or gastritis. Therefore, when grinding this ingredient, it is very important to ensure that no large particles remain.

In addition, there is always a chance of salmonella infection. Therefore, it is necessary to thoroughly clean and rinse the eggs to avoid this dangerous infection.

It is also worth focusing on contraindications. The product is contraindicated:

• in case of an excess of vitamin D;
• with urinary and cholelithiasis;
• with intestinal obstruction;
• in case of cardiac arrhythmia;
• with an ulcer or gastritis;
• with hypertension.

Egg shells are not a panacea. Of course, if properly processed, it can enrich the body with high-quality calcium. But at the same time, you should not focus on this particular product, since there are other, no less high-quality sources of useful substances.

How to store eggshells properly

When storing eggshells, sometimes it happens that after a while the product spoils, a rather unpleasant smell starts to come out from it. To avoid such a problem, the shell should be washed thoroughly, and this should be done until the protein residue dries. Also, as the product accumulates, you need to calcine the raw materials in the oven.

Depending on the condition of the shell, the storage conditions of the product also vary. The whole, calcined shell must be stored in a dry place without access to light. You should place the product in a box (cardboard) or in a bag of canvas. If we talk about the powder, it is recommended to store it in glass sealed jars, in a cool place without access to light. The whole shell can be stored for 12 months, and the powder - for 6.

In addition, the product can be stored in the refrigerator. Under such conditions, it can be stored for a very long time, but only at a normal level of humidity, and if there are no temperature differences. The shell can be placed in the freezer - this will allow you to store it for unlimited time.

It is important to know that the powder can damp quickly, even if placed in a jar.

How to grind eggshell into powder

For this, it is recommended to use raw eggs, since the thermal effect on the shell will lead to the loss of some important trace elements, and the benefits of the product will be significantly reduced.

How to cook:

1. In hot water and soap, wash the eggs well.
2. Pour the inside and rinse the inside thoroughly.
3. Lower the shells into the solution (soda - 1 tbsp., Warm water - 1 l) for 10 minutes. This will help to clean it better.
4. Remove the soft film from the inside.
5. Place the shells in a pan or in the oven (temperature up to 100 ° C) for 5-6 minutes. This will protect against infections.
6. Grind the shell with a mortar.

The powder should be stored in an opaque container (glass) in a well-ventilated and cool place (up to 6 months).

Egg shells as fertilizer for the garden

A set of useful elements contained in the shells is actively involved in the life of all living things. They are also very useful for plants, especially during their active development, therefore the use of such fertilizers has a beneficial effect on the level of productivity, and also improves the general condition of the crop. Shell-based products also demonstrate their effectiveness with the example of indoor plants, especially since in this case they will not need standard chemical additives.

Here are some of the benefits of egg shell fertilizer:

• a large amount of calcium;
• optimal concentration;
• a great way to lower the acidity of the soil;
• very cheap feeding method;
• environmentally friendly method, since the shell is a natural product.

This set of qualities makes fertilizers with shells an excellent organic supplement, which is also available all year round.

Let's see how to properly prepare the fertilizer, especially since there are some significant nuances in this matter. Before starting, a sufficient number of eggshells should be collected. On 1 sq.m. a shell of 30 eggs should be introduced; for this reason, preparation should begin in advance. The best option is to use the shell of domestic eggs, but this is not necessary (for lack of those, they can be purchased at the store). Shells with a brown color are usually thicker, so they can be taken in smaller quantities.

It is not recommended to use the shell of boiled eggs, as some useful components may not be preserved in it. To avoid unwanted effects, it must be dried on a stove or calcined in the oven. When the shell dries and becomes as brittle as possible, it can be left in the storage place for a while.

Prepared shells can be stored for about 12 months. You can start harvesting at any time, while it is worth noting that the best option would be to use the shell of a winter sock, because at this moment the eggs are very strong. Shredded raw materials are used not only for fertilizing plants. This product can also be included in the animal menu, especially it will be useful to birds, as it will help strengthen their bone structure.

There are many ways to use shells. The simplest is the scattering of crushed raw materials around the plant. But this method has its drawbacks. For example, different animals can live in wet shells. In addition, you can get a cut during cultivation or harvesting. The shell has sharp edges that can harm the feet, so this method is not recommended for use. With all this, the digestibility of substances will be low. It is worth noting that in order for the plants to receive proper nutrition, per 1 sq.m. about a hundred eggs must be introduced, which limits the use of such fertilizer on a large scale.

The second method of using the shell for feeding is to create a special solution. This method is more expensive, but it is more effective. The process of preparing the infusion:

1. Finely chop the shell.
2. Pour the shells with water (3 liters of water per 30 shells).
3. Allow the solution to infuse (3-4 days), while it needs to be shaken periodically and mixed.
4. Strain the infusion (this procedure is optional).

If we talk strictly about garden crops, then, as a rule, eggshells begin to be introduced during the period of digging the soil. It is recommended to combine top dressing and mineral fertilizers. To reduce the acidity of the soil, you need to make a certain amount of powder. On 1 sq.m. 50 shells (50 eggs) will be enough. You should not make the entire volume once, but it is better to divide it into 3 servings.

An original way is also growing seedlings directly in the shell. To do this, use the lower part of the clean shell, in which holes are made from below using a needle. In this way, seedlings can be grown for a very short time. This method is well suited for greens. Planting is carried out directly in the container so that the roots do not suffer.

The crops that can be fed in this way are tomatoes, eggplant, potatoes, peppers (Bulgarian), radishes and cabbage (cauliflower).

Is it possible to give animals eggshell

As for dogs, they are allowed to give shells. However, you can only feed the animal with powder. It is not recommended to make your own powder, but it is better to purchase a ready-made vitamin-mineral complex, since it contains the necessary substances in the optimal ratio.Experts recommend the use of drugs sold in pet stores and veterinary pharmacies.

If we talk about cats, then the shell is also not contraindicated for them. But at the same time, you can only include the product in the pet's diet after the permission of the veterinarian. In case of urolithiasis or a tendency to it, the cat should not be given an egg shell, otherwise this may lead to a worsening of the condition. Like dogs, shells can be offered to the pet in crushed form. Cats can be added a pinch of powder to food up to 3 times a week.

Interesting Eggshell Facts

1. The shell can be used to remove dyes from factory waste. They are excellent means for adsorption, can absorb chlorophenol dyes from wastewater created by the textile industry, and purify water.
2. Calcined egg shells are more effective catalysts for the synthesis of biodiesel than sodium or potassium hydroxide.
3. Egg shells can be used to make wollastonite. It is used for the production of ceramics, paints and special cements. In addition, wollastonite is used to create dentures.

Eggshell photo