THE MIGHTY EGG
Dr Himani Pandey, M.V.Sc scholar (Veterinary Pathology)
College of Veterinary Science & Animal Husbandry,
DUVASU, Mathura-281001
1 serving of almonds provides 6 gms proteins and costs 40 Indian rupees.
1 serving of Greek yoghurt which is nearly 8 ounces provides 10gms of proteins and costs 226 Indian rupees.
1 serving of chicken breast provides 31gms of protein and costs 200 Indian rupees.
1 serving of tofu provides 8gms of protein and costs 30 Indian rupees.
1 serving of milk provides 2.5gms protein and costs 15 Indian rupees.
1 serving of egg which accounts for 1 whole large sized egg or 2 egg whites provides nearly 6gm of protein and costs only 6 Indian rupees!!!
So, to fulfil a requirement of 50 gms protein in a day which is nearly the average protein requirement of adult human beings (on 1g/kg bwt basis), chicken breast would cost somewhere between ₹1100-1300, almonds at ₹333, yoghurt at ₹322, milk at ₹300, tofu at ₹187, and eggs at ₹50!!! This is the magnificence and goodness of the energy dense, power packed, rounded structures, we call eggs.
As mother nature’s original superfoods, eggs have been a part of our diet since dawning of time. For centuries eggs have played a major role in feeding families around the globe. They are an unbeatable package when it comes to versatility and top-quality proteins at a very affordable price. They are also an excellent source of choline, which is required essentially in memory development and brain functions. Also, when we factor in convenience and terrific taste, there is just no competition. Eggs are one of nature’s highest quality source of protein and indeed contain many of key ingredients for life. The proteins contained within an egg are highest quality, unaltered biological protein.
An average serving of two eggs contain 82% of daily vitamin D requirements, 50% of daily folate requirement, 40% of daily selenium requirement and 25% of daily riboflavin requirement. Apart from these eggs also contain useful amount of Vitamin A, Vitamin B5, iron, phosphorus and choline. Now when it comes to India, eggs can be good and affordable food option to meet daily requirements.
Despite India’s 50% increase in national GDP since 2013, more than one-third world’s malnourished children live in India. Among these, half of the children below 3 years of age are underweight. One of major cause of malnutrition in India is economic inequality due to low social status of majority of population. Their diet often lacks both quality and quantity.
A 2017 survey of Indian Market Research Bureau shows that 70% Indians are deficient in proteins while above 90% are unaware of daily requirement in India. A recent survey across 16 cities in India on perception, knowledge and consumption of proteins found a gap in knowledge of quality proteins in daily diet. According to data from National Family Health Survey, 42% of children under the age of 5 in the state of MP are below the average height, 42.8% are underweight. Additionally, 68.9% children suffer from anaemia. The infant mortality rates are also highest in the state. Not only in Madhya Pradesh, the figures of malnourished children from other states in the country are alarming. Now if we contemplate upon resolving this dismaying picture of malnutrition in India, eggs seem to be an affordable and excellent option to start with.
Scientific studies on nutrition and health among children suggest that children who consume eggs are healthier and less vulnerable to malnutrition and other related problems. There is ample evidence to show that consumption of eggs has a positive consequence on the health of children and that it reduces the chances of stunting.
According to another report published by National Sample Survey Organization (NSSO), the states that serve eggs in the mid-day meal mainly Jammu & Kashmir reported malnutrition at 32%, Andhra Pradesh at 16%, Kerala at 9%, Tamil Nadu at 8% which is significantly lower than the states that do not namely UP, MP, Rajasthan where the percentage of malnutrition is staggering at 46%, 42% and 40.9% respectively. These facts clearly state that eggs can prove to be India’s weapon in fight against the hunger and malnutrition.
Past the pandemic, people are becoming increasingly aware of health and immunity boosting benefits of eggs and this is evident from recent surge in demand for eggs in most parts of the country. As per the government statistics, India’s egg production rose to 140 billion in 2019-20 from 103 billion in 2018-19. Also 98% of the eggs produced are consumed in the country thus indicating a radical shift in egg consumption in the new normal India.
The eggs seem increasingly likely to offer a practical and impactful solution to the problems of hunger and malnutrition in country. In the post pandemic era, where a vast majority of population is dealing with the problems of compromised immunity, eggs loaded with abundant nutrients seem to be a boon in the new normal world. Also, the price at which they are produced makes them easily accessible even to moderately poor.
Thus, it would be righteous to say, “An egg a day, keeps malnutrition at bay”.
