Dietician says eating eggs daily can prevent weight gain and lower dementia risk

Is it safe to have runny eggs?

Yes. Since 2017, the Food Standards Agency has confirmed it’s safe for most people, including pregnant women, babies, toddlers and older people, to eat runny, lightly cooked or even raw eggs (and foods containing them) as long as they have the British Lion mark. This is because the risk of salmonella from these eggs is very low. Those who are severely immunocompromised should still ensure eggs are well cooked.

When can babies have eggs?

According to a report on feeding babies from the Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition, eggs can be introduced from six months when weaning begins.

Introducing them at this stage, and continuing to offer them as part of a baby’s usual diet, may help to lower the risk of egg allergy, but if there’s a family history of eczema or food allergies, then seek medical advice first. Don’t add salt to eggs for babies.

How many eggs can I eat each week?

There’s no limit! Enjoy eggs as part of a balanced, healthy diet, avoid adding salt, and partner them with other nutrient-rich foods such as vegetables, wholegrains and reduced-fat dairy products.

Should eggs be kept in the fridge?

Eggs should be kept at a constant temperature of 20C or below for freshness. Most kitchens are warmer than this so it’s best to refrigerate them. Remove from the fridge about 30 minutes before cooking for best results.

Is it healthier to only eat egg white?

Egg white is low in fat, high in protein and contains potassium, important for maintaining blood pressure. But the yolk contains most of an egg’s nutrients. The yolk has more protein than the white and contains seven times more selenium, 12 times more folate, 27 times more vitamin B12, 33 times iodine, and 50 times more phosphorus.

Plus, ditching the yolk contributes to food waste, which harms the planet.

Can you freeze eggs?

Yes. Remove the shell, beat the yolk and white together then place in a sealed container. Use within four months, defrost in the fridge (don’t cook them from frozen) and ensure they’re fully cooked before eating.

Is it OK to eat eggs after the ‘use by’ date?

Yes. The Food Standards Agency confirms it’s safe to eat eggs a couple of days past their best before date if they’re cooked thoroughly or used in baking.

The egg float test isn’t reliable for checking if eggs are safe to eat – it’s a sign of how much air is in an egg (older eggs have more air inside them) rather than whether bacteria are growing inside.

Are eggs bad for the planet?

Eggs are quick to cook, keeping energy usage low, and there’s no waste. They also have the lowest environmental impact of all the animal proteins.

In the UK, eggs are responsible for less than two per cent of greenhouse gas emissions compared with around five per cent for white meat and poultry, six per cent for fish, 14 per cent for dairy products and 24 per cent for red meat. They also use less land and water than other animal foods.

A plant-based diet is the best choice for the planet, but compared to other animal foods, eggs are an environmentally friendlier protein.

For more information on eggs, visit the British Lion eggs website