Raw Eggs?

I've done some research via the internet and also by talking with a few friends who have tried raw eggs in their post-workout shakes.  There is a lot of controversy out there over the safety of raw eggs (just like so many other things, I suppose!) and was wondering if anyone here drinks shakes with the extra kick of a raw egg?  I drank one the other day and couldn't taste the egg, and also, the eggs I buy are pasteurized, so they'd be safe, right? 

Its the nasty stuff on the outside of the egg that contaminates.  Also if the egg is a little cracked throw it away for sure rather than use it at all.  My grandmother taught me to open the egg container and check to be sure that each of the eggs is loose and will move.  That means that there are likely no cracks and that nothing has spilled on it (like a leak from some other container).  CC has a better rating for the raw eggs than any of the cooked eggs.

It depends where you are.  There was an issue in the UK, for example, about 20 years ago with salmonella in the laying flock.  Since then the egg industry has been routinely vaccinating against salmonella so if you buy eggs with the British 'lion mark' you can be fairly confident that they are salmonella-free.  They should be kept refrigerated and I'd second the advice to avoid cracked eggs.

Even so, raw fresh eggs are still not recommended for anyone who is sick, eldery, very young or pregnant.

Eggs can get contaminated on the inside of the egg when the mother is infected. It's called transovarian transmission and the white actually has salmonella in it. I wouldn't recommend putting raw egg in your shakes.

I have consumed raw eggs for years. 

I use the freshest ones I can get. 

There is a possibility of getting sick. I believe the chance is very slim (personally).

I have yet to get sick from raw eggs. (Not exactly a scientific study)

Good luck to you whatever you choose.

What is the benefit of eating a raw egg over a cooked one?

Just curious!

Dawn

The composition changes.  Eggs are WAY more healthy and beneficial in their original form.  I was just worried about possible contamination, but I'm pretty sure I'm safe.  The eggs I buy are from a local Hutterite Colony, so I know where they come from.  Thanks!

Dawn, here's a link for you!

http://www.regenerativenutrition.com/content. asp?id=268

From what I have read, a raw product contains more nutrients, where as heat or cooking tends to deplete them.

Raw meat is better for you in the regards, but it is not really viable given the environment and process it goes through.  You would get sick if you ate raw meat regularly, assuming you weren't raising the livestock yourself. 

A rare steak is better for you and reduces the the chance of getting sick as the outside is cooked and the inside temperature stays low.  The outside is where most of the bacteria would form.  That's why you should cook your hamburgers to well done, as all it is exposed during processing i.e. it is all surface area.  Amino acids are heat sensitive so lower cooking times and temps are better.

Best solution is to find someone who has some chickens and get unpasteurized eggs from them (knowing they are fresh) and consume raw within a week or look for eggs from organic cage free chickens. 

Interesting!

So Four Folks, how do you consume your raw eggs?  I've been reading that the chemical makeup can be disturbed if they are blended? That's the only way I can see eating them...blended into something.  Also, I'm trying to avoid the costly protein powders, that's where the egg comes in. 

My family makes their own ceasar salad dressing every weekend using 2 raw eggs, 1 cup olive oil, 4 cloves garlic, splash of lemon juice, and splash of worchestershire sauce. (blended though cause that's how it gets thick) We have it every sunday for more years then i can remember and even my young cousins eat it. never been sick or any of us. they put the warning out there because its a low chance and they need to cover their butts.

Original Post by mallymom:

So Four Folks, how do you consume your raw eggs?  I've been reading that the chemical makeup can be disturbed if they are blended? That's the only way I can see eating them...blended into something.  Also, I'm trying to avoid the costly protein powders, that's where the egg comes in. 

I crack them in a glass and just a single gulp.

Here is website, about 1/3rd of the way down are some guidelines for selecting raw eggs (you have to read it creatively to see behind the ad, or sign up).

Oh boy!  I don't know if I could handle that!  When I try, I'll make sure to let you know the result of my efforts!  :)  Thanks for the info...I'll check out the site. 

Outside of the contamination concern, there is also the issue of biotin depletion.  Raw egg whites contain a protein called avidin that binds biotin (an important vitamin).  Avidin prevents biotin from being absorbed in your body.  This is a problem if you care about having shiny hair and strong nails.

You could skip the egg white if you are worried about biotin binding, or you could have two yolks and one white.  (I assume know one is trying to live off of raw eggs).  I think with a well balanced diet, and assuming a couple of eggs a day biotin binding is a non issue for people who are healthy and not pregnant.

I don't have a problem with raw eggs (cookie dough! Hello!?) but I would never put raw eggs in some postworkout shake.

I'd rather consume calories that I enjoy. I mean, liver is super good for you... but unless it comes from a fatty goose I don't even want to smell it.

Personal preference.

Four Folks,

I LOVED Mercola.com!  I subscribed just because I agree with so many of the articles and such.  I'm all about holistic living, but it can be hard to do sometimes (for me at least).  I read about the biotin issue, and am not too concerned about it.  Thanks everyone for your input.