Are Your Kids Eating Eggs Often? Here's What You Should Know

Many of us enjoy an egg at least once a day. It might be included in breakfast or dinner and prepared in various ways. But here's the question: What should you do and avoid when it comes to eggs, especially during the hot summer months? What's the best time to eat them, and how can you steer clear of bacterial contamination? Hagit Lev, a clinical dietitian with Maccabi Healthcare Services in the southern region, and an expert in children's nutrition, bariatrics, pregnancy, and nursing, tells N12 that specific guidelines must be followed to prevent bacterial infection, especially from salmonella, which can be present in raw eggs.

The first and most crucial rule, she says, is to avoid eating raw, uncooked eggs. Make sure eggs are fully cooked by boiling them in boiling water for at least ten minutes. This method ensures the elimination of bacteria, including salmonella, reducing the risk of infection.

When buying eggs, several precautions should be taken: don't buy eggs without clear labeling, avoid cracked or broken eggs, and make sure the eggshell is clean. Eggs in such conditions may contain bacteria and are thus risky to use.

Additionally, eggs should only be stored in the refrigerator in a closed plastic container. This practice keeps the eggs fresh and prevents external contaminants from entering. It's important to remove the egg from the fridge just before using it to prevent temperature changes that could affect freshness.

Another important factor is to avoid washing eggs before using them. Washing can introduce bacteria through the shell. It's crucial to maintain a complete separation between cooked and uncooked eggs, and wash your hands with soap and water thoroughly before and after handling eggs or their packaging.

According to her, adhering to these guidelines will ensure safe egg consumption and prevent health risks.

Recently, dietitian Dr. Maya Rosman investigated how many eggs should be eaten weekly. She explained, "In the scientific journals to which I subscribe, numerous studies on the subject have been published, and recently, all have emphasized a trend—there isn't necessarily a connection between the number of eggs consumed and heart disease. The latest study I read compared blood tests over time between those who eat less than one egg a week and those who eat more than 14 eggs per week, with results showing no difference."