Do you like eating eggs? Do you want to live longer? If you want both, then these kuro tamago (black eggs) will help you.
The famous black eggs of Japan have long been renowned, and this special type of egg can only be found in the Owakudani Valley in Hakone, Kanagawa Prefecture. Locals refer to this area as Jigokudani, which means “Hell Valley” or “Valley of Boiling Water.”
Owakudani is a volcanic area that was formed about 3000 years ago, where volcanic craters and landslides have opened up a series of natural hot springs. The distinctive sulfurous fumes give the entire area a unique appearance, and people liken the air here to the smell of rotten eggs.
In addition to being a famous hot spring destination, it also draws tourists with its peculiar black eggs. Locals speculate that eating just one can extend your life by 7 years. The chicken eggs are boiled in natural hot springs, and the sulfur in the water dyes the shells black like charcoal. Typically, they are not sold individually but in bags of five, priced at 500 yen (approximately 100,000 VND). So, if you eat all five, it means you could add 35 years to your life. Of course, this is just a tourist attraction gimmick, and there is no research to prove the validity of this claim.
After purchasing, people discover that the insides of these black eggs are just like regular boiled eggs; the only difference is the black outer shell, and the taste is nothing special. However, it is advised not to eat all five eggs at once, as it may cause side effects such as indigestion.
The origin of these longevity-boosting black eggs is unknown, but people strongly believe in it, as the unusual boiling process contributes to their fame. The black eggs are soaked in water at a temperature of 80 degrees Celsius for one hour, followed by an additional 15 minutes of steaming before being sold in souvenir shops.
Besides the longevity eggs, the scenery in Owakudani truly captivates tourists. Visitors can choose to take a cable car to admire the entire area.
In fact, despite the unique preparation method, there is no precise study proving that eating black eggs helps extend lifespan; any such claims are mostly local folklore.
However, eggs are a commonly used food that is highly regarded for its nutritional value, so does eating eggs help extend lifespan?
Do eggs increase lifespan?
There have been many studies on eggs, leading to various results about whether eating eggs is beneficial or harmful.
The latest study published in February 2021 in PLoS Medicine found that consuming half an egg more each day was associated with a 7% higher risk of early death from all causes. Additionally, consuming an extra 300 milligrams (mg) of cholesterol each day was linked to a 19% higher risk of early death.
On the other hand, researchers estimated that replacing half an egg each day with egg whites or egg substitutes would reduce the risk of early death from all causes by 6%. They estimate that nearly two-thirds of the early death risk associated with eggs is due to the cholesterol in eggs.
This latest research may raise concerns for egg lovers. However, this study was not an experiment to prove whether eggs can directly prevent or cause health issues or how they may lead to such effects.
Researchers also relied on participants recalling and describing their eating habits, so some individuals may not have provided accurate information about their egg consumption. Most participants were elderly individuals at risk of cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and other conditions that could accelerate the risk of death.
Furthermore, participants only shared their dietary habits once, and they may have changed their diets over the years. Therefore, you shouldn’t worry too much about eating eggs.
In summary, whether eating eggs extends or reduces lifespan is still an unanswered question. However, it cannot be denied that eggs provide significant nutrition to the body. One egg contains about 75 calories, 5 grams of fat, 6 grams of protein, 0 carbohydrates, 67 milligrams of potassium, 70 milligrams of sodium, and 210 milligrams of cholesterol. Eggs are also an excellent source of vitamins A, D, and B12, as well as choline, a nutrient essential for metabolism.
Thus, you can eat eggs, but do not consider them the only food in your diet. A diverse and balanced diet is the best way to promote longevity.
