Surprising Benefits of Adding Eggshell to Your Diet

More and more research is being done on the health benefits of eggshells. Perhaps surprisingly, this oft-discarded food contains essential minerals and is an excellent source of calcium carbonate, which is easily absorbed by the human body. Research suggests eggshells can help increase bone density, encourage the growth of cartilage, and even alleviate arthritis pain. A long tradition of home remedies indicates more uses, such as whitening teeth and treating itchy skin and rashes.

Soothe Joint Pain

Do you experience joint aches and pain? Eggshell membranes contain nutrients such as collagen, hyaluronic acid, and glucosamine, which help soothe aching joints. In fact, recent clinical research suggests eggshell membrane may help ease mild to moderate pain connected with osteoarthritis. For a quick home remedy, simply crumble some eggshells in a jar, add a layer of apple cider vinegar, and let it sit until the pieces dissolve — approximately two days. Rub the solution into the problematic joint and experience quick pain relief. No need to throw the solution away or refrigerate it, either; it will keep in the pantry or the medicine cabinet for later use.

Help Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a disease characterized by weak and brittle bones, and can sometimes develop due to a lack of calcium. Recent studies suggest a combination of eggshell powder, vitamin D3, and magnesium can strengthen bones even better than purified calcium carbonate. Eggshell powder is widely available in pharmacies and health food stores, but can also be made at home. Simply boil a dozen eggs for 10 minutes, shell them, and bake the shells at 200 degrees Fahrenheit for about 15 minutes. Grind the shells into powder using a blender, a coffee grinder, or a moral and pestle. Store in an airtight container and take a dose whenever you think you need a little more calcium in your diet.

Remineralize Tooth Enamel

Teeth may erode for several reasons including diet, old age, or behavioral habits like grinding. Recent research suggests eggshell powder, when mixed with a glycerin solution, can aid in the remineralization of tooth enamel. This is not to say that you can generate new enamel; enamel, once lost, is lost forever. But tooth decay can be slowed, and the loss of enamel halted, with the help of a qualified dentist and eggshells. In fact, the same study determined eggshell powder contains lower levels of toxic materials than often found in other natural sources of calcium.

Revitalize Skin

While aestheticians have long recognized the health effects of egg whites on facial skin, the effects of eggshells are less well known. Aestheticians now report a face mask made with a cup of eggshell powder, one egg white, and a tablespoon of sugar can help rejuvenate your skin. Once the mask dries, the eggshell absorbs toxins in the skin, resulting in fewer blemishes. Eggshell is also gently abrasive, and applying the mask buffs away dead, dry facial skin. The calcium from the eggshells is also absorbed into the skin, promoting cell regeneration and resulting in a soft and radiant glow.

Relieve Sensitive Skin

People who suffer from sensitive skin can develop frequent rashes and inflammation. More serious skin conditions, like contact and atopic eczema, can seriously impact a person’s quality of life. Salves and ointments offer limited relief, but can also get expensive. Next time your skin breaks out and the itching starts, consider an old home remedy. Drop some cooked, crushed eggshells into a bottle of apple cider vinegar. Let the solution sit for about a week, then shake vigorously and, using a cotton ball or soft cloth, apply the mixture to irritable patches of skin as often as needed.

Whiten Teeth

The eggshell powder makes an excellent toothpaste, virtually guaranteed to whiten teeth and brighten your smile. Mix a quarter-cup of eggshell powder, two tablespoons of coconut oil, a tablespoon of baking soda, and a few drops of peppermint essential oil. Store the paste in a jar and then scoop it out with a spoon.

Rebuild Cartilage

Doctors have had success using eggshell membranes to reduce arthritis pain and increase joint flexibility. The membrane — taken from the inside skin of the shell and chock full of fibrous protein —  is processed to extremely high potency, so it likely cannot be replicated at home. Picking up a supplement and taking it regularly could serve to rebuild cartilage ravaged by arthritic aches and pains.

Clear up Acne

Teenagers, take note: a mixture of three tablespoons of eggshell powder and one tablespoon of honey, when applied to the face, can draw out blackheads and clear up pimples. Wet egg membrane too, when applied directly to pimples and blemishes, pulls out toxins in the skin as it dries.

Help Remove Splinters

Wet eggshell membranes can extract difficult splinters and glass fragments. Apply the membrane to the skin, then allow it to dry in place. As the membrane dries, it pulls the skin tighter and coaxes the foreign object to the skin’s surface. Once removed, you can pull the piece out with tweezers.

Help with Ingrown Toenails

An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of the toenail curves slightly and grows into the surrounding skin. The skin becomes inflamed, and the result can be quite painful. Applying wet egg membranes to the affected toe, however, can cause the skin to tighten and pull away from the nail as it dries, relieving the issue.