Contrary to popular belief, eggs aren’t dairy; they’re proteins. And, as proteins, they’re great for building muscle when you have a competition to prepare for.
But there are lots of colored chicken eggs to choose from, and it helps to know which color is best for your gains in the gym. Keep reading for a guide to chicken egg colors.
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White Eggs
White eggs are the most common, with a shell color ranging from pale cream to white. They come from hens with white feathers and are often cheaper than other egg colors. You can expect these eggs to have small yolks that are yellow or orange.
Brown Eggs
Brown eggs are laid by larger hens. They have bigger yolks than white-shelled eggs and are a little heavier. However, there is no difference in taste between brown and white eggs.
White and brown chicken eggs are equally nutritious and delicious. So while brown eggs may be larger, they’ll still have the same amount of protein, vitamins A and B12. Brown eggs are usually more expensive at the grocery store.
Green Eggs
Olive eggs are not as common as other colored eggs, such as white or brown. They are produced much more slowly than the latter two. They’re harder to find and more expensive when you can find them.
Olive eggs come from a recessive gene in olive egger chickens. Olive eggers are a crossbreed of Marans, Legbars, and Ameraucanas.
Blue Eggs
Blue eggs are rare. They don’t have any special nutritional value, so if you want to try eating one of these blue-shelled beauties, you’ll find them just as tasty as any other egg.
If your chickens lay blue eggs, there’s no cause for concern. They’re perfectly healthy.
The blue color of the egg comes from oocyanin, a protein that is applied to newly formed eggs early in their development. The blue pigment goes right through the shell, so you’ll find a blue hue on the egg’s membrane as well.
Pink Eggs
Pink eggs can be a sign that the egg has gone bad. Pseudomonas bacteria can cause a pinkish discoloration on the egg’s white. These bacteria are harmful to humans, so discard any pink eggs you find.
Spotted Eggs
Spotted eggs are the result of too much calcium in a hen’s diet. In some cases, they’re a genetic mutation. Whether it’s caused by genetics or diet, spotted eggs have the same nutritional value as other colored eggshells.
There is no difference in taste. You can also use them to make hard-boiled Easter eggs just like the other eggshell colors.
Benefits of Eggs
Eggs are an excellent source of protein, vitamins, and minerals. They’re also low in calories. Small eggs can have as little as 54 calories.
Eggs can also improve your levels of good cholesterol. Its saturated fats have a positive effect on your blood cholesterol levels.
Eggs can help you lose weight by curbing your appetite. This is because of the protein and fat content of eggs. The yolk, in particular, is high in fat.
Eggs also contain lecithin and choline, which aid in weight loss.
It’s important to know that some eggs come from hens that don’t have access to the outdoors or sunshine. This means the resulting eggs may have lower levels of vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids than typical farm hens. These eggs are still healthy, but may not be as beneficial for you to eat.
How Many Eggs to Eat
The number of eggs you eat depends on your age, cholesterol level, and activity level. If you have high cholesterol or heart disease, then it’s recommended that you limit your egg consumption to fewer than one egg per day.
If you have no health issues related to cholesterol or heart health, then one egg per day is fine for most people.
If you’re trying to build muscle, you’ll need about 11 egg whites per day. This is the typical recommendation for a 200-pound male bodybuilder.
How to Cook Eggs
Poached eggs are a classic brunch dish. You can prepare them by putting a few inches of water in a pan and bringing it to a boil. Crack one egg into a cup, then gently pour it into the water.
Cook for about three minutes or until the white is set. Remove the poached egg with a slotted spoon and serve on toast or an English muffin.
If you’re looking for something quick and easy, try scrambling the egg.
Omelets are also a great option. You can add cheese, vegetables, and meat to make an omelet, or keep it simple with just eggs and herbs. Try frying the omelet in a pan without oil for a crispy texture.
Frittatas are also a quick and easy meal that you can make using eggs. You can add vegetables, meat, cheese, or whatever you have on hand to make a frittata.
Just cut up any ingredients you want into small pieces. Then, mix them with beaten eggs and seasonings before pouring the mixture into a pan with olive oil.
Eggs can be made into various other dishes: deviled eggs (which are great as hors d’oeuvres), egg salad sandwiches, or even omelet wraps with veggies and cheese. If you have leftover boiled or poached eggs, don’t throw them out—add them to your smoothie!
Try Different Colored Chicken Eggs
So, now that you know all the different colored chicken eggs that exist, it’s time to get cooking! Eggs are a significant source of protein, and you can use them in various dishes. In fact, eggs are one of the most versatile foods you can cook with.
And you can post your dishes on Instagram with the hashtag #eggsperiment to show off your skills. When you’re done, check out our life section for more fun ideas.