Eggs are not just a staple food; they are a wellspring of nutritional and medicinal benefits. In addition to their high nutritional value, eggs have a long history of being used for therapeutic purposes.
The Nutritional Power of Eggs
Eggs are rich in protein, lecithin, vitamins, and a variety of minerals. Dr. Jhang Wei-Jyun, the fifth-generation heir of Taiwan’s traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) family Huai Sheng Tang, highlights various egg-based therapies that promote vascular and bone health.
Cholesterol Concerns and Realities
Many worry about cholesterol in eggs. However, a Harvard Medical School report indicates that approximately 80% of the body's cholesterol is produced by the liver and intestines, with only 20% derived from food. Dr. Jhang explains that high cholesterol is more often caused by excessive intake of unhealthy fats and sugars, leading to inflammation in blood vessels. The liver produces cholesterol to repair these damaged vessels. Cholesterol-lowering drugs inhibit this process but do not address the underlying inflammation. Dr. Jhang recommends that most adults can safely consume four to five eggs daily, while middle-aged to elderly individuals should limit intake to two to three eggs per day.
Research on Egg Consumption
A 2022 study in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism found no link between egg consumption and lipid levels in people with metabolic disorders. In fact, those with normal metabolism who ate more eggs had better lipid profiles and lower levels of triglycerides and bad cholesterol. This indicates that eating eggs can be safe for individuals with hyperlipidemia and beneficial for those with normal metabolism.
Medicinal Properties of Egg Yolks
Egg yolks are rich in calcium, magnesium, zinc, copper, and vitamins A, D, and B-complex, as well as lutein and zeaxanthin, which support eye health. Oleic acid and lecithin in egg yolks can lower blood lipids, enhance brain function, improve memory, and support development. Lecithin is a natural lipid-lowering agent and emulsifier, aiding in fat transport and preventing deposition, which is beneficial for atherosclerosis, fatty liver, and cerebrovascular diseases.
Therapeutic Uses of Eggs in TCM
According to TCM, egg yolk has a calming effect on the mind. Historical records indicate that lily and egg yolk soup can remedy overthinking and restlessness.
Lily and Egg Yolk Soup Recipe:
- Ingredients: 45 grams dried lilies, 3 egg yolks, 400 milliliters water
- Directions: Soak lilies overnight. Boil in fresh water until reduced by half, then add egg yolks and bring to a boil.
Medicinal Properties of Egg Whites
Egg whites are rich in high-quality protein and have external applications:
Reduce Swelling and Pain:
- Ginger Egg White Paste: Mix 40 ml ginger juice, 1 Tbsp egg white, 1 Tbsp flour, and 1 Tbsp rice wine to form a paste. Apply to bruises and swelling (without open wounds).
Protect Mucous Membranes:
- Black Tea with Egg Whites: Mix raw egg white with hot black tea, let it cool, then sip slowly to soothe vocal cords.
Skin Lightening:
- Egg White Sweet Wine Mask: Mix 1 Tbsp egg white with 1 Tbsp sweet wine. Apply to dark spots overnight, rinsing off in the morning.
Medicinal Properties of Eggshells and Membrane
The inner membrane of eggshells, known as the “phoenix coat” in TCM, is used for minor burns to reduce evaporation and infection. Ground eggshells, mainly calcium carbonate, can neutralize stomach acid and serve as a calcium supplement.
Vinegar Eggs Recipe:
- Directions: Sterilize an egg, marinate in vinegar for three days, remove shell and membrane, and mix the egg with the vinegar. Consume by diluting with water, adding to soup, or using as a salad dressing.
Egg Remedies for Muscle Building
For age-related muscle loss (sarcopenia), Dr. Jhang recommends:
Four Spirits Egg Soup:
- Ingredients: 20 gm poria, 20 gm Chinese yam, 40 gm lotus seed, 20 gm Gordon Euryale seed, 1 egg
- Directions: Simmer herbs, strain, add an egg, and cook.
Diced Pumpkin and Egg:
- Directions: Cook pumpkin, scramble eggs with garlic, mix with pumpkin, and garnish with scallions.
Chinese Tea Eggs:
- Ingredients: 6 eggs, 1 braised tea bag, 2 black tea bags, ½ cup soy sauce, 1 Tbsp rock sugar, 1 tsp salt
- Directions: Crack boiled eggs, marinate with ingredients in a cooker, and let sit for flavor infusion.
Note: Always consult a doctor for individual treatment options based on personal health conditions.
Credit: Based on a report by Amber Yang, Epoch Times
