According to Dr. Richard Allison, performance nutrition expert and sports nutrition and recovery consultant at the Institute of Sport, Exercise and Health, Easter eggs should be taken seriously. In effect, if not handled and cooked properly, they can become a potential source of foodborne illness, rather than remaining mere decorative objects. He explains that the undercooked eggs may contain salmonellawhich can lead to a food poisoning. Symptoms of this disease, such as nausea and stomach crampsappear within 12 to 72 hours of infection and usually last from four to seven days. However, in severe cases, the infection can spread to the bloodstreamwhich requires a prompt treatment with antibiotics.
THE young children, people over 65, and immunocompromised people have a higher risk of fall seriously ill from food poisoning caused by salmonella. This is why it is essential to cook the eggs for 10 to 12 minutes to reduce the risk of infection. However, The Herbal Life nutritionist warns that a overcooking can make the hard-boiled, rubbery eggs, making them less pleasant to eat. Also, the nutrient content of eggs varies with cooking time.
Find the right cooking time
Dr. Allison also points out that raw eggs or undercooked foods contain avidin, which can interfere with the absorption of biotin, a B vitamin important for metabolism. Also, overcooked eggs can lead to nutrient loss, especially heat-sensitive vitamins such as vitamin B12 and folic acid. It is also important to note that letting eggs cooked too long can turn them into a “propitious ground for the proliferation of bacteria”. Indeed, warm temperatures exacerbate this risk, which can be particularly high at this time of year, when temperatures vary significantly throughout the day.
All in all, the Easter egg hunt is a fun and beloved tradition for many Britons, but it can also be dangerous to health if not practiced with caution. Proper handling and cooking of eggs is essential to avoid foodborne illness. The use of non-harmful paint, for children like pets is also more than recommended.
