What are the health risks associated with tea eggs?
Dec 27, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, consuming tea eggs may pose health risks such as nutritional imbalance, indigestion, insufficient iron intake, increased cholesterol levels, and nitrite poisoning. It is recommended to maintain a diverse diet and avoid long-term consumption of tea eggs as the sole food source. Increase intake of fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to ensure adequate vitamin intake and support overall health.
Generally, eating tea eggs may pose health risks such as nutritional imbalance, indigestion, insufficient iron intake, elevated cholesterol levels, and nitrite poisoning. A detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Nutritional Imbalance
During the preparation of tea eggs, the addition of tea and prolonged cooking may reduce the absorption rate of certain nutrients in eggs. Long-term consumption of only tea eggs might lead to an imbalanced nutrient intake.
2. Indigestion
During the preparation of tea eggs, tannic acid in the tea may combine with iron and calcium in the eggs to form indigestible precipitates. Excessive consumption of tea eggs can burden the gastrointestinal tract, leading to indigestion and symptoms such as abdominal distension, acid reflux, and belching.
3. Insufficient Iron Intake
Ferrous ions in egg yolks may combine with sulfur ions from the egg whites to form ferrous sulfide, which is not easily absorbed by the human body. Long-term consumption may lead to insufficient iron intake.
4. Elevated Cholesterol Levels
Tea egg yolks contain high levels of cholesterol. Long-term excessive consumption may elevate blood cholesterol levels, increasing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
5. Risk of Nitrite Poisoning
During the prolonged cooking process of tea eggs, nitrites may be produced. Nitrite is a toxic substance with potential carcinogenic risks. Excessive consumption of tea eggs may increase the risk of nitrite poisoning, which typically manifests as dizziness, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.
It is recommended to maintain a diverse diet and avoid long-term, exclusive consumption of tea eggs. Increase intake of fresh fruits, vegetables, and grains to ensure sufficient vitamin intake and maintain overall health.
