“Stop throwing eggshells away. Boil them and say goodbye to…” — what’s the truth?
This viral tip is usually promoting boiled, dried and powdered eggshells as a calcium source. There is some science behind the calcium claim, but the “say goodbye to…” wording is typically exaggerated.
🦴 Eggshells really do contain a lot of calcium
Chicken eggshell is primarily calcium carbonate. Research has found that properly processed eggshell powder can provide substantial amounts of calcium, and studies have investigated it as an inexpensive calcium source.
But that doesn’t mean eating eggshells will automatically cure osteoporosis, arthritis, joint pain, or other conditions.
⚠️ Don’t simply boil a shell and eat the pieces
Eggshells can carry Salmonella and other microorganisms. Simply swallowing chunks is also a choking/injury hazard. Food-safety research on eggshell consumption has used more extensive processing: boiling, drying and grinding into a very fine powder.
And there is an important distinction between a research protocol and a recommendation to make a homemade calcium supplement. The evidence for eggshell calcium is promising, but researchers note that additional work on safety and practical home use is still needed.
🥛 You probably don’t need eggshells for calcium
Most people can obtain calcium from foods such as dairy products, calcium-fortified foods, tofu made with calcium, and certain fish and vegetables. If you think you’re deficient, it’s better to discuss your diet and calcium requirements with a healthcare professional rather than guessing with eggshell powder.
