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Many assume that brown eggs are healthier because they are more expensive. However, Dr Pal Manickam took to Instagram to clarify this misconception and said, “Most people think brown eggs are better. That’s a myth.”
Colour doesn’t determine nutrition
One of the biggest myths that exists is that brown eggs have more nutrition than white eggs. But Dr Pal explained that the egg colour has nothing to do with nutritional value. The colour is due to the chicken breed. It is a genetic trait and does not indicate its quality.
Also read | Health benefits of eggs: 10 things to know about this superfood for weight loss, heart health, more
Why are brown eggs more expensive than white eggs?
The gastroenterologist further clarified that brown eggs cost more because the chickens that lay them produce fewer eggs. Not because they’re better. So if you often buy the brown ones, thinking they are nutritionally better and contain more protein, you may be wrong.
Nutritional value of white eggs and brown eggs
From a nutritional perspective, Dr Pal added that there is absolutely no difference between the two. Both white eggs and brown eggs provide the same nutrition and the same amount of protein and calories. He clarified that shell colour doesn’t determine nutritional value.
Also read | What happens when you eat eggs daily for two weeks? Harvard-trained gastroenterologist explains
What really matters
Whether white eggs or brown eggs, there are a few things that should be considered before your purchase. These include checking how the hen is raised and what the hen eats. The true parameters are freshness, free-range/omega-3 eggs, and good storage.
Finally, Dr Pal added, taste doesn’t come from colour. "It comes from freshness and how you cook eggs. Buy them for quality, not colour.”
Health benefits of eggs
Eggs are a rich source of protein, healthy fats, minerals such as choline, selenium, folate, and iron, and vitamins like biotin and vitamins B12, A, D, E, and K. They contain antioxidants called lutein and zeaxanthin. Additionally, they are low in saturated fats and do not raise cholesterol for most people, contrary to popular belief.
FAQs on Health Benefits of Eggs
1. Are brown eggs healthier than white eggs?
No, brown eggs are not healthier than white eggs. The nutritional content of eggs is the same regardless of their shell colour, which is determined by the chicken breed.
2. Why are brown eggs more expensive than white eggs?
Brown eggs cost more because the hens that lay them produce fewer eggs, not because they are nutritionally superior.
3. Do eggs raise cholesterol levels?
Contrary to popular belief, eggs do not raise cholesterol levels for most people. They are low in saturated fats and contain healthy nutrients.
4. What are the nutritional benefits of eggs?
Eggs are rich in protein, healthy fats, choline, selenium, folate, iron, and vitamins B12, A, D, E, and K. They also contain antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin.
5. What should I consider when buying eggs?
When purchasing eggs, consider factors like how the hens are raised and their diet. Freshness, free-range/omega-3 options, and proper storage are more important than shell colour.
Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.
The short answer from most gastroenterologists and nutritionists is simple: Neither. There is no nutritional difference between a brown egg and a white egg.
The color of the eggshell is determined entirely by the breed of the hen. Generally, hens with white feathers and white earlobes lay white eggs, while hens with reddish-brown feathers and red earlobes lay brown eggs.
Here is the breakdown of why the "brown is healthier" myth persists and what actually matters for your health:
1. The Nutritional Breakdown
If you take a brown egg and a white egg from hens raised on the same feed, their macronutrient and micronutrient profiles will be identical.
Protein: Both contain about 6 to 7 grams of high-quality protein.
Fats: Both contain healthy unsaturated fats and omega-3s.
Cholesterol: The cholesterol content (roughly 186mg) is the same in both.
2. Why do Brown Eggs cost more?
The price difference often fuels the misconception that brown eggs are "premium" or "organic."
The Real Reason: Brown-egg-laying hens (like Rhode Island Reds) tend to be larger and require more feed to produce an egg than the smaller white-egg-laying breeds (like Leghorns).
Sustainability: Farmers pass the higher cost of raising these larger birds onto the consumer.
3. Why do some people think Brown Eggs taste better?
Taste is subjective, but it isn't linked to shell color.
Freshness: People often buy brown eggs from local farmers' markets. A fresh brown egg will always taste better than a white egg that has been sitting in a supermarket warehouse for weeks.
Diet: A hen's diet significantly affects the flavor and yolk color. Hens fed a diet rich in carotenoids (like maize or alfalfa) produce darker, richer yolks, regardless of the shell's color.
4. What a Gastroenterologist actually looks for
From a digestive health perspective, the focus isn't on the color, but on these factors:
Pasture-Raised vs. Conventional: Eggs from hens that roam outside often have higher levels of Vitamin D and Omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for reducing systemic inflammation.
Cooking Method: For optimal digestion, poached or boiled eggs are often recommended over fried eggs to avoid excess oxidized fats.
Egg Safety: Gastroenterologists emphasize proper storage and cooking to avoid Salmonella, which can affect any egg regardless of color.
Would you like me to find a list of specific nutrients in eggs that support liver health, or perhaps some light egg-based recipes that are easy on the digestive system?
