Are eggs dairy or poultry?
In this short article, we will answer the question, “Are eggs dairy or poultry?” with an in-depth analysis of eggs as dairy and poultry, why eggs are often categorized with dairy, what is the link between eggs and lactose intolerance, and the nutritional values of eggs with their health benefits.
Are eggs dairy or poultry?
Eggs are not considered dairy products but dairy and poultry are both good protein sources. Eggs are in the same category as poultry and other meats; one egg is equivalent to one ounce of protein. Even though chickens provide the majority of the eggs consumed by humans, eggs can also come from other species. The nutritional profile of eggs differs from that of bird meat. Because eggs are not made from milk, they have not been considered as dairy products.
What is dairy?
Milk, yogurt, and cheese are all categorized into dairy groups. The USDA recommends that healthy adults should consume 3 cups each day of dairy products. This comprises 1 cup of milk, yogurt, 1.5 ounces of hard cheese, 2 ounces of processed cheese or one-third of shredded cheese are all good options. Dairy foods are all calcium-rich since they are made from milk.
When it comes to dairy foods, fat content varies; the USDA recommends choosing low-fat or fat-free products whenever possible. Dairy contains nutrients that can induce sensitivities in some persons. Lactose, as well as the proteins whey and casein, can induce allergic reactions or stomach distress in some people.
These chemicals, however, are not found in eggs. As a result, if someone must avoid dairy foods owing to an allergy or intolerance, they do not need to avoid eggs. As a result, we can conclude that eggs are not present in dairy products.
What is poultry?
Poultry is associated with the protein food category. If the skin is removed from poultry, it might be considered a lean protein source. Poultry, such as meats, is elevated in protein and low in carbohydrates.
Poultry meat, which is not like dairy foods, is not a good source of calcium. Poultry, on the other hand, has high iron content whereas vitamin B and magnesium are also present in an increased amount. Women aged 51 years or older should consume 5-ounce equivalents of protein per day, while males aged 51 years or older should consume 5.5-ounce equivalents each day.
This recommendation can be met by eating 5 ounces of meat every day. Although eggs are not considered meat, they are a good source of proteins.
Why eggs are often categorized with dairy?
Dairy and eggs are sometimes lumped into the same category. Though they’re not related, they do have two things in common:
- They are animal products.
- They are high in protein.
Both are avoided by vegans and some vegetarians since they are derived from animals, which may contribute to the misunderstanding. This could simply be since both goods require refrigeration. It may be due to their similar health advantages. Dairy and eggs, are both high in protein and are considered whole foods. Furthermore, they are included in the category of “animal-produced items.”
How are eggs and lactose intolerance linked?
It is completely fine to eat eggs if you’re lactose intolerant. Lactose intolerance is a digestive disorder in which the body is unable to digest lactose, the sugar found in milk and dairy products. Lactose intolerance affects around 75% of individuals globally.
After consuming, those with lactose intolerance may have digestive symptoms such as flatulence, stomach cramps, and diarrhea. Eggs, on the other hand, are not a dairy product and do not contain lactose or milk protein.
As a result, just as eating dairy does not affect people who have an egg allergy, eating eggs does not affect people who have a milk allergy or lactose intolerance – unless they’re allergic to both.
The nutrition profile of eggs:
A single large boiled egg contains:
- Vitamin A 6% of the RDA
- Folate 5% of the RDA
- Phosphorous 9 % of the RDA
- Selenium 22% of the RDA
Vitamin D, vitamin E, vitamin K, vitamin B6, calcium, and zinc are all abundant in eggs. They contain 77 calories, 6 grams of protein, and 5 grams of good fats. Eggs also include several trace nutrients that are beneficial to one’s health. Eggs are almost the ideal food. They have a small amount of practically every nutrient you require.
Health benefits of eggs:
· Eggs contain lutein and Zeaxanthin which are anti-oxidants that have major eye health benefits.
· Eating eggs are linked to reduced risk of heart disease
· They contain choline which is used to build cell membranes and has a role in producing signaling molecules in the brain.
· Eating eggs raises HDL which is known as good cholesterol that usually contributes to a lower risk of heart disease, stroke, and other health problems.
· They contain omega-3 fatty acids which are known to reduce blood levels of triglycerides.
· They are high in protein and contain all essential amino acids in the right ratios.
Conclusion:
In this short article, we have answered a question, “Are eggs dairy or poultry?” with an in-depth analysis of eggs as dairy and poultry, why eggs are often categorized with dairy, what is the link between eggs and lactose intolerance, and the nutritional values of eggs with their health benefits.
