- Source of calcium: Eggshells consist of high levels of calcium, making them an excellent natural source of this essential mineral for boosting bones and teeth.
- Provides minerals: In addition to calcium, eggshells consist of other important minerals such as magnesium, potassium, and iron, which are beneficial for overall health.
- Nutritional supplement: After boiling and grinding them into powder, eggshells can be used as a natural nutritional supplement, providing essential minerals to our diet.
- Digestive Support: Eggshell powder can work as a gentle detoxifying agent and help stablize the stomach’s pH, which can aid digestion and ease heartburn.
- Plant fertilizer: By adding the eggshell cooking water to our plants, we offer them with an additional source of calcium and other nutrients, which can enhance their growth and overall health.
- Garden Pest Control: By sprinkling eggshell powder around plants, we can produce a physical barrier that deters certain insects and prevents damage to our crops.
- Natural Cleaning: Eggshell powder has abrasive and absorbent qualities that make it useful for cleaning delicate objects or surfaces without resorting to chemicals.
- Deodorizing: Crushed eggshells can also help remove unpleasant odors in your home or refrigerator.
- Waste reduction: Reusing eggshells helps reduce waste and boosts more sustainable practices.
- Educational Activity: Boiling eggshells can be an educational activity to teach children about recycling and environmental protection.
How to prepare eggshells for consumption: a simple and scientific guide
Eggshells, often discarded, are a high source of calcium, a crucial mineral for bone and muscle health. Blending them into your diet safely and effectively demands a simple but important preparation process. Below, we explain how to do it, backed by scientific information.
Step 1: Cleaning the shells
After using eggs, it’s crucial to thoroughly wash the shells under running water. This removes any remaining white or yolk. It’s also crucial to get rid of the inner membrane that covers the shell. This membrane can contain bacteria, such as Salmonella , which could cause food poisoning if mishandled.
Step 2: Boil the shells
Once cleaned, boil the shells in water for 10 minutes. This step is an important to remove bacteria and potential pathogens. Boiling them at this temperature ensures that the shells are completely sterilized, making them safe for human consumption.
Step 3: Dry the shells
After boiling, dry the husks. You can leave them in the air for several hours, or if you prefer something faster, dry them in the oven at a low temperature (approximately 90-100°C). It’s crucial that they are completely dry before grinding, as any moisture can affect the consistency of the powder and reduce its shelf life.
