Children eat soft-boiled eggs, is it okay or not?

For some people, eating soft-boiled eggs gives a different sensation of delicacy. The slightly liquid texture provides its own enjoyment for those who like it. Then, behind the appetizing taste, can children also eat half-boiled eggs?

The reason is, some say that if the half-cooked egg still contains bacteria that can make your little one sick. Well, before giving it to children, let's first read the following reviews.

Parboiled eggs for children, is it safe?

When you don't have much time to prepare breakfast for your child, you may rush into cooking eggs. Whether it's an omelette, fried egg, or a child's favorite scrambled egg. Yes, eggs are indeed a food ingredient that is practically processed into various dishes without taking a long time.

In addition, eggs also contain protein, vitamins, minerals, and even omega-3 fatty acids that are not found in other foods. Although the nutrients are very diverse, you also have to pay attention to how they are processed. Without realizing it, the way you serve food to children can also affect the nutrients their body absorbs, you know.

Although soft-boiled eggs taste delicious, others consider them to be unhealthy and prone to spreading disease. You also wonder, does this mean that children should not eat soft-boiled eggs?

Unfortunately, toddlers are not recommended to eat undercooked eggs. According to Dr. Madelyn Fernstrom, PhD, who is an expert in the field of nutrition and health, children under 5 years old can only eat cooked eggs. This is because eggs that are not cooked properly are prone to contain Salmonella bacteria which can harm the body.

The dangers of Salmonella infection in undercooked eggs

Actually, it's not just children who are encouraged to avoid soft-boiled eggs. Adults also should not eat eggs that are half cooked.

Especially for people with low immune systems, such as children or the elderly, are more susceptible to falling ill due to Salmonella infection. According to the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), contaminated eggs cause about 142,000 cases of Salmonella infection per year. In fact, the most common cause of food poisoning occurs due to Salmonella infection from eggs.

Eggs should be cooked and eaten when they are fully cooked. The heat used to cook the eggs can kill the Salmonella bacteria in the eggs. Conversely, when the eggs are not cooked until they are completely cooked, there is a possibility that Salmonella bacteria will remain and infect the human body.

When Salmonella bacteria enter the body, it will cause symptoms similar to those of food poisoning. Symptoms of Salmonella infection include stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headaches, and fever. These symptoms can go away on their own, but sometimes antibiotics are needed to reduce the risk of complications.

Remember! Give only cooked eggs to children

To protect the health of children from disease, do not occasionally give half-boiled eggs to children. First, make sure the yolks and whites of the egg that you cook are really cooked, yes.

For example, by boiling eggs, making omelet, eggs from beef eyes, scrambled eggs, or processed eggs for other children. Cook the eggs at a minimum temperature of 85 degrees Celsius and wait until the eggs are completely cooked. This is so that the Salmonella bacteria that may be in the eggs will die and not contaminate the baby's body.

Also pay attention to the processing of the eggs. You can process eggs by frying them, for example making an omelette or fried egg, for children. However, it's good not too often because the oil can increase cholesterol in eggs.

Provide other variations, for example by boiling and adding slices of tomatoes, broccoli, or other boiled vegetables that the child likes. That way, your little one will get a more complete and healthier intake of vitamins and minerals for their development.