Ostrich Eggs and Cholesterol

Ostrich eggs have less cholesterol than chicken eggs.

Ostriches lay the biggest eggs found in any species. Along with ostrich meat, their eggs are a source of human nutrition. According to research in "British Poultry Science" published by PubMed.gov, ostrich eggs have similar nutritive characteristics to chicken eggs but with less cholesterol.





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Nutritional Composition

Moisture, protein, fat, calcium, phosphorus, vitamin A, folic acid, magnesium, zinc, iodine and iron content of ostrich eggs are similar to that of chicken eggs. However, vitamin E, pantothenic acid, and manganese appear in lower levels in ostrich eggs than in chicken eggs, according to C. Roselina Angel, Ph.D., at mazuri.com.

This nutritional composition of the ostrich eggs can vary depending on the animals' diet, but only for some substances, such as vitamins A, D, E, K and B12, riboflavin, thiamin, pantothenic, linoleic and folic acids, biotin, manganese, and iodine, stated C. Roselina Angel, Ph.D.

However, cholesterol, water, protein, calcium, phosphorus, amino acids and magnesium remain the same, independent of the animal's diet.

Yolk

Cholesterol is only found in the egg yolk of ostriches, just as with other birds.

The egg yolk makes up 30 percent of the total volume, and its primordial function is to nurture the developing chick.

Cholesterol Content

The content of cholesterol found per gram of yolk in an ostrich egg is roughly 10.6 to 10.9 milligrams, according to "British Poultry Science" published by PubMed.gov. This represents about 1 percent of the total yolk.

Safe Intake

In a document published by the Healthy Eating Club, the cholesterol intake should be in the range of 200 to 400mg per day. This roughly represents the cholesterol content in 40g of pure ostrich yolk.

Cholesterol Health Dangers

Cholesterol is an essential component to the good metabolism of humans and animals. It plays an important part in the production of hormones, bile acids and fat-soluble vitamins. However, in high levels, it causes many heart diseases, such as arteriosclerosis.

Oddities

It has been said that the ostrich egg was a favorite food of Queen Victoria, according to Health Notes, at HollandandBarret.com. Each egg contains the equivalent of two dozen chickens eggs. An ostrich egg weighs 3 lbs., which is 1,360g. It would take at least an hour to hard-boil such a gigantic egg.

References

• PubMed: Physical and Chemical Quality of Ostrich Eggs during the Laying Season
• Health Notes: Holland and Barret
• Nutrient Profiles of Ostriches as Indicators of Nutritional Status of the Hen and Chick and Summary of Some Vitamin and Mineral Deficiency Signs
• New Zealand Farm Stays: Ostrich Breeding, Egg Handling, Egg Collection
• Healthy Eating Club