How many eggs should you eat per week?
In the rich culinary tradition of Vietnam, chicken eggs are a familiar, easy-to-prepare food that is popular from rural areas to cities.
According to Traditional Medicine Practitioner Nguyen Trung Hai, Vice Chairman of the Central Scientific Council of the Vietnam Traditional Medicine Association, in Traditional Chinese Medicine, chicken eggs have a sweet taste, a neutral nature, and affect the heart and stomach meridians. Chicken eggs are not only a rich source of nutrients but also play an important role in supporting cardiovascular health and improving digestive function if used correctly, moderately, and appropriately.
Benefits of chicken eggs
Its main effects are to nourish yin, replenish blood, and moisten the lungs. This dish is effective in cases of weakness, fatigue, and digestive disorders, especially in the elderly, those recovering from illness, or children with weak constitutions.
For the cardiovascular system, chicken eggs contain a large amount of lecithin, a natural phospholipid that helps break down bad cholesterol, cleanse blood vessel walls, and prevent atherosclerosis. The egg yolk contains natural omega-3 fatty acids and lutein and zeaxanthin, antioxidants beneficial for the eyes and heart. When consumed in moderation, chicken eggs help regulate blood pressure, stabilize heart rate, and reduce the risk of chronic cardiovascular diseases.
Regarding digestion, Traditional Medicine Practitioner Hai emphasized that chicken eggs are easily digestible and are a complete source of protein that helps protect the stomach lining and restore digestive function after illness. In folk medicine, "steamed chicken eggs with honey" or "steamed chicken eggs with star anise leaves" are effective remedies for coughs, diarrhea, stomach pain, and bloating.
Eggs are also very suitable for people with weak digestive systems, gut enzyme disorders, or those recovering from surgery. However, for eggs to be most effective, it is necessary to choose clean eggs, free from antibiotic residue, and to cook them thoroughly to facilitate absorption and avoid indigestion or increased risk of bacterial infections such as salmonella.
How to use chicken eggs correctly
In response to the question of how many eggs a week is enough, Traditional Medicine Practitioner Hai recommends:"Healthy adults should eat about 3–5 eggs per week. For young children, 2–3 eggs per week is acceptable, depending on age and physical needs. Individuals with high cholesterol, fatty liver disease, or a history of cardiovascular disease should consult a nutritionist before consuming eggs regularly."
Note that you should avoid eating chicken eggs with foods rich in vitamin C such as oranges, grapefruits, tomatoes, etc., as this can easily cause adverse reactions in the stomach. Also, you should not combine eggs with soy milk or green tea as this affects protein absorption.
From a humble food, chicken eggs, from the perspective of traditional medicine, become a valuable remedy if used correctly. In modern society, where pressure and stress directly affect heart and digestive health, adding chicken eggs to your weekly diet is a simple, economical choice that brings many lasting benefits.
