Why Some People Are Eating Eggshells for their Health

iPublished 01 April 2021

Thinking of Eating Eggshells?  It sounds bizarre, but it’s true: people are eating eggshells for their health!

For most people, it is easy to consume enough dietary calcium, a vital component of eggshells, to satisfy their daily requirements.  But for others, eggshells represent an important source of this vital mineral. Read on to discover how and why people are eating eggshells.

What are eggshells made of?
Eggshells are the outer coverings that protect and encase eggs. Eggs are primarily composed of calcium carbonate, along with other minerals such as strontium, fluoride, selenium and magnesium. Calcium carbonate makes up 95% of an eggshell’s composition. Meaning that one eggshell contains more than your daily needed calcium intake.

What is Calcium, and why are people eating eggshells to ingest it?
Calcium is a mineral that all living organisms need to survive, including human beings. This mineral is responsible for building and maintaining strong bones, and 99% of the bodies’ calcium is found in your teeth and bones. Hugely valuable, Calcium is an important mineral for bone health, blood pressure, muscle contraction, blood clotting and serves as a co-factor for many enzymes.

Calcium contributes to the healthy development of children’s bones and after they stop growing, to bone maintenance. Calcium slows down bone density loss, a part of the ageing process which can cause osteoporosis.

Why should you think about eating eggshells?
Some people believe that you should be eating eggshells to increase calcium levels, strengthen bones, remineralise teeth and reduce pain & inflammation for those with joint disorders.

One 2013 study by Argentinean researchers suggested that by eating eggshells, people would easily be able to consume their daily recommended amounts of calcium. A study in Sub-Saharan Africa also found some support for claims of eggshells boosting calcium levels. 

How do people safely consume eggshells?
The next question is, of course, how do you safely eat eggshells? Are there any health risks associated with adding eggshells to your diet? For those looking to incorporate eggshells into their diet, there are some steps to follow: 

Before ingesting the eggshells, users will want to boil the cracked shells and let them dry. By boiling the eggshells, you’ll kill any bacteria that might be on the shells. Once they are dry, users grind them up using a blender or mortar and pestle. This process makes them easier to eat. Grind the eggshells until the mixture resembles a powder.

Some experts advise adding it to a smoothie or shake, or other food or drink items that make it easy to consume. The eggshells themselves are tasteless, but the eggshell powder can affect the texture of the foods you add them to.

In conclusion, it might be a bit unconventional, but eggshells are an inexpensive source of calcium, helping people keep their bodies healthy and happy. If you’ve tried adding eggshells to your diet, let us know!

For more traditional recipes, head over to our recipe pages!

Disclaimer: This article does constitute medical advice.  The information provided is for informational purposes only. Please contact a medical practictioner if you are seeking medical advice or treatment.