It is possible to observe that some eggs have a spot of blood or traces of it. From here the doubts arise as to whether it is possible to consume them or whether it is better to discard them to avoid problems. Here’s what science says about it.
Eggs are recommended foods in the diet. They have proteins and nutrients essential for tissue development and for the functioning of physiological reactions. In other times, their intake was limited to a weekly level, but this is something that has already happened stayed behind.
Why is the egg bleeding?
The presence of blood in the egg is a common occurrence. It can happen up to 3% of such foods. This is caused by small blood vessels rupturing as the egg detaches from the follicle. The interruption of the physiological processes located in the reproductive organs of the hens can generate a slight haemorrhage.
Some experts link this event to certain nutrient deficiencies in the egg. For example, low levels of vitamin K have been identified in some of the foods that have these bleeds in them. However, the evidence is not solid, and even if it were, it’s not a big deal, since this vitamin can be synthesized without problems in the human intestinal tract thanks to the microbiota. So says a study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
However, there are other factors that can also cause blood stains in egg yolks. An example is the animal’s diseases or defects in the vaccination schedule. However, These are very rare causes, as chicken health is highly controlled in the industry.
Is it normal for this to happen?
As we have discussed, the presence of blood in egg yolk is a relatively common phenomenon. It can happen up to 6% of brown eggs. Therefore, it shouldn’t surprise us too much, as it doesn’t indicate that this food is in bad shape.
In any case, it should be noted that if instead of a blood spot there is a blunt spot, it may well be that fertilization has occurred. This, even if the development of the embryo has subsequently stopped.
Is it safe to eat them?
The presence of blood in the eggs is not a reason to discard these foods. Its consumption is safe and its main properties are not altered; Neither organoleptic nor nutritional.
Because of this, there is no cause for concern in this type of situation. Keep in mind that this food is recommended and contains protein needed to maintain proper muscle function, according to a study published in Nutrients.
In any case, it is necessary to differentiate the red blood stains with a red spot which can also appear at times and indicates the contamination of the food with a pathogenic organism. However, it is something rare, although it can cause serious health problems due to poisoning.
It is also possible to find dense white spots in the albumen area.freshness index. While some people suspect these brands as well, they are associated with better product status.
How are these spots detected in industry?
The industry tries to avoid the presence of blood stains on the eggs. To do this, it addresses the different factors that trigger them, most of which are related to the animals’ stress. For this, the ventilation and lighting of the environments in which they live are taken care of, as well as offering the chickens a vaccination programme.
To detect the presence of blood inside the product, a sampling process can be performed. However, there are machines capable of signaling the presence of the problem through a system based on the emission of waves. In any case, it is a more reliable method of assessing the quality of the shell than the presence of blood inside.
Bloodstains on the egg aren’t a problem
There is no inconvenience to consuming eggs that have blood spots on the yolk. As a general rule, these only indicate the rupture of a blood vessel in a process related to the reproductive cycle. But this does not generate a negative impact on human health.
Although it is true that the presence of this coloring could indicate a health problem in the animal, this is a very rare cause due to the strict controls to which hens are subjected.
Remember that the egg is a food with a high nutritional density and that it is included in a healthy diet.. It is a source of protein quality ingredients that help ensure muscle vitality. Combine it with vegetables to obtain preparations with a high dietary value.
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