Eggshells are edible and can be a rich source of calcium, containing about 95% calcium carbonate along with other minerals like phosphorus, magnesium, and trace elements beneficial for bone and joint health. However, eating raw eggshells directly is not advisable due to the risk of bacterial contamination (e.g., salmonella) and because sharp shards can damage the throat or digestive tract. To safely consume eggshells:
- Boil them for at least 15-30 minutes to kill any bacteria.
- Dry and grind them into a fine powder before consumption to avoid sharp pieces that can cause injury.
- This powdered form can be added to foods such as smoothies, soups, baked goods, or coffee for a calcium boost.
In summary, eating eggshells is safe and may provide health benefits if properly prepared by boiling and grinding them into a powder to avoid sharp fragments and bacterial risk.