Of (raw) eggs and biotin...

• Of (raw) eggs and biotin...
  

  

  Validus

  
  

  Regarding biotin, I thought this would be worth mentioning, as I know there are a number of MLHH community members who are also fitness enthusiasts, weight lifters, bodybuilders, etc.

  Eggs and egg whites are a staple food item for many people who participate in the above-mentioned types of activities. In my opinion, the great Frank Zane was absolutely correct when he said "an egg is the healthiest thing you can put into your mouth." The best and most recent science on the subject has exonerated the egg (and dietary cholesterol) from its previously unjustified reputation as being dangerous in terms of heart health; indeed, in a nutshell, those who consume greater quantities of eggs tend to have better heart health. However, there is a big difference--chemically--between consuming a cooked egg, versus consuming a raw egg.

  Thanks in no small part to the awesomeness that is Rocky Balboa, ever since he drank that glassful of raw eggs back in 1976, countless legions of guys who want to pack on lean muscle have been doing much the same thing for decades. I was guilty of it myself, up until about a year ago, when I learned the following: raw egg whites contain a powerful biotin-binding protein called "avidin." Eating raw egg whites prevents the absorption/ bioavailabilty not only of the protein one consumes, but also of biotin. In other words, if you're going to consume raw egg whites, you're essentially wasting your time and money in trying to increase protein and/or biotin intake.

  The good news is this: all you need to do to negate this effect is to cook your eggs. Scrambled, fried, hard-boiled, soft-boiled, poached, steamed... if the egg white is white, it means the avidin has been denatured, and you're good to go!

  Cheers,

  Val

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  • Re: Of (raw) eggs and biotin...
    

    

    The Spaf Man

    
    

    Thanks Val for your research.....It is a BIG help and much appreciated!

    The Spaf Man

    Regarding biotin, I thought this would be worth mentioning, as I know there are a number of MLHH community members who are also fitness enthusiasts, weight lifters, bodybuilders, etc.

    Eggs and egg whites are a staple food item for many people who participate in the above-mentioned types of activities. In my opinion, the great Frank Zane was absolutely correct when he said "an egg is the healthiest thing you can put into your mouth." The best and most recent science on the subject has exonerated the egg (and dietary cholesterol) from its previously unjustified reputation as being dangerous in terms of heart health; indeed, in a nutshell, those who consume greater quantities of eggs tend to have better heart health. However, there is a big difference--chemically--between consuming a cooked egg, versus consuming a raw egg.

    Thanks in no small part to the awesomeness that is Rocky Balboa, ever since he drank that glassful of raw eggs back in 1976, countless legions of guys who want to pack on lean muscle have been doing much the same thing for decades. I was guilty of it myself, up until about a year ago, when I learned the following: raw egg whites contain a powerful biotin-binding protein called "avidin." Eating raw egg whites prevents the absorption/ bioavailabilty not only of the protein one consumes, but also of biotin. In other words, if you're going to consume raw egg whites, you're essentially wasting your time and money in trying to increase protein and/or biotin intake.

    The good news is this: all you need to do to negate this effect is to cook your eggs. Scrambled, fried, hard-boiled, soft-boiled, poached, steamed... if the egg white is white, it means the avidin has been denatured, and you're good to go!

    Cheers,

    Val

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  • Biotin vs Collagen
    

    

    Hairball

    
    

    Hi Val,

    Very interesting about eating eggs raw vs cooked as I always thought cooked was the way to go due to salmonella dangers.Actually I haven't eaten eggs either way in a long time so I guess no need to worry about blocking the benefits of Biotin.I was taking Biotin for a couple years but switched to Collagen after seeing it at my local Costco.No where on the bottle does it mention Biotin but it does emphasize creating strong and healthy nails,hair,bone,muscle,and tendons.It does describe on the label as being a protein too.Not sure if I'm getting any benefits from it yet as I've only been taking the supplement since the end of October.I only take half the dose they recommend which is three tablets instead of the six they suggest.So I'm curious what you think of this supplement as I'm sure your aware of it.As always your posts are very educational as we longhairs have lots to learn ;) LOL.

    Happy New Year to your and the family Val.Cheers!

    Mârk

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    • Re: Biotin vs Collagen
      

      

      Validus

      
      

      Hi Mârk,

      I haven't done much research on collagen regarding hair growth, though I do know it's been shown to improve the elasticity of skin and the integrity of connective tissue, and that (at least anecdotally) it is said to make hair "stronger" and "healthier." From what I can tell, I don't think there would be any reason that collagen and biotin couldn't be taken simultaneously.

      As a somewhat-related aside, I did recently learn about some pretty incredible results that a group of arthritis sufferers experienced during a study in which they consumed chicken cartilage daily (ground and mixed in orange juice)... even in joints that had degenerated to bone-on-bone, their bodies began to regenerate and build up new cartilage.

      Hopefully people don't misunderstand me when I advocate certain supplements for specific benefits, and realize that there is no such thing as a "magic pill." Nothing will replace the benefits of a healthy lifestyle (good nutrition, adequate hydration, balanced physical activity, quality sleep, and a positive mental state)... which you seem to embody! :)

      Happy New Year, my friend!

      --Val

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      • Re: Biotin vs Collagen
        

        

        Bill

        
        

        As a somewhat-related aside, I did recently learn about some pretty incredible results that a group of arthritis sufferers experienced during a study in which they consumed chicken cartilage daily (ground and mixed in orange juice)... even in joints that had degenerated to bone-on-bone, their bodies began to regenerate and build up new cartilage.

        At last, something to do with all those sheddings in the house. We can foster hair growth while getting rid of the sheddings at the same time. We can eat them!

        Oh, I see the body parts have to come from chickens. Do chickens have hair? Oh, they don't. DAMN!

        Bill

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  • What in interesting thread...
    

    

    White Tail

    
    

    Val

    ...thanks for sharing this information and starting an interesting conversation.

    Walter

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