The most important health benefits of quail eggs may include their ability to improve vision, boost energy levels, and stimulate growth and repair. Quail eggs may also help to reduce the risk of anemia, cleanse the body, balance cholesterol levels when consumed in limit, boost metabolism, and treat different kind of allergies.
What are Quail Eggs?
Quail eggs are the eggs laid by various species of quail, which are in the order Galliformes. Quails are medium-sized birds found in Europe, North Africa, the southern United States, and some parts of Asia. Quail eggs are notably smaller than your average chicken eggs found in the grocery store and are white or tan with dark brown speckling. The eggs are widely consumed and sold as a novelty food around the world. [1]
They are popular in Japanese bento boxes and are typically eaten 3-5 at a time, due to their smaller size. Apart from being considered “cute”, they are also packed with nutrients that make them a delicious and healthy option to add to your diet.
Despite the prevalence of quail in the United States, consumption of this variety of eggs is dominated by the Asian market, where they are commonly hawked as inexpensive street food, but the rich, flavorful yolk has increased the demand for these eggs in many culinary preparations. They have a higher yolk-to-white ratio than normal eggs, which can make them less ideal to consume for people with elevated cholesterol, but generally, they are considered very healthy.
Quail eggs with toasted sesame-salt make for an amazing after-workout meals. Photo Credit: Shutterstock
Serving Size : Nutrient Value Water [g] 74.35 Energy 158 Energy [kJ] 663 Protein [g] 13.05 Total lipid (fat) [g] 11.09 Ash [g] 1.1 Carbohydrate, by difference [g] 0.41 Sugars, total including NLEA [g] 0.4 Calcium, Ca [mg] 64 Iron, Fe [mg] 3.65 Magnesium, Mg [mg] 13 Phosphorus, P [mg] 226 Potassium, K [mg] 132 Sodium, Na [mg] 141 Zinc, Zn [mg] 1.47 Copper, Cu [mg] 0.06 Manganese, Mn [mg] 0.04 Selenium, Se [µg] 32 Thiamin [mg] 0.13 Riboflavin [mg] 0.79 Niacin [mg] 0.15 Pantothenic acid [mg] 1.76 Vitamin B-6 [mg] 0.15 Folate, total [µg] 66 Folate, food [µg] 66 Folate, DFE [µg] 66 Choline, total [mg] 263.4 Vitamin B-12 [µg] 1.58 Vitamin A, RAE [µg] 156 Retinol [µg] 155 Carotene, beta [µg] 11 Cryptoxanthin, beta [µg] 10 Vitamin A, IU [IU] 543 Lutein + zeaxanthin [µg] 369 Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) [mg] 1.08 Vitamin D (D2 + D3), International Units [IU] 55 Vitamin D (D2 + D3) [µg] 1.4 Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) [µg] 1.4 Vitamin K (phylloquinone) [µg] 0.3 Fatty acids, total saturated [g] 3.56 14:0 [g] 0.05 16:0 [g] 2.67 18:0 [g] 0.84 Fatty acids, total monounsaturated [g] 4.32 16:1 [g] 0.47 18:1 [g] 3.85 Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated [g] 1.32 18:2 [g] 0.94 18:3 [g] 0.04 20:4 [g] 0.12 Cholesterol [mg] 844 Tryptophan [g] 0.21 Threonine [g] 0.64 Isoleucine [g] 0.82 Leucine [g] 1.15 Lysine [g] 0.88 Methionine [g] 0.42 Cystine [g] 0.31 Phenylalanine [g] 0.74 Tyrosine [g] 0.54 Valine [g] 0.94 Arginine [g] 0.84 Histidine [g] 0.32 Alanine [g] 0.76 Aspartic acid [g] 1.29 Glutamic acid [g] 1.66 Glycine [g] 0.43 Proline [g] 0.52 Serine [g] 0.99 Sources include : USDA [2]
Nutrition Facts
Quail eggs can be a rich source of good cholesterol, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, and vitamin A. Compared to chicken eggs, quail eggs may have six times more vitamin B1 and fifteen times more B2 vitamin. The ovomucoid protein, present in these eggs, can be highly nutritious and helps increase immunity. As per the USDA National Nutrient Database, a quail egg has 14 calories. [3]
Health Benefits of Quail Eggs
Quail eggs contain many vitamins and are, therefore, a safe option to include in your diet. Let’s take a closer look at their health benefits.
Possibly Rich in Protein
Just like regular chicken eggs, quail eggs can provide protein to the diet, which we need for countless processes in our body. Proteins are broken down into their constituent components and reformed for new cells, tissue, muscle, bone, and blood vessels. The protein punch of these eggs can ensure healthy and normal growth of the body. [4]
May Reduce the Risk of Anemia
According to a research published in the International Journal of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, quail eggs may help to reduce the risk of anemia as they are iron-rich. Iron is an important mineral that can not only oxygenates your organs, tissues and cells but can also boost immunity. Intake of quail eggs may also increase the hemoglobin levels in the body. Iron and potassium, both prevalent in quail eggs, can prompt the formation of red blood cells, which eventually stimulates your blood health. [5]
May Balance Cholesterol Levels
There are a good amount of beneficial fatty acids found in quail eggs that many people enjoy, due to their heart-boosting effects. HDL (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol is the “good” form of cholesterol that our body needs to offset the negative effects of LDL (low-density lipoprotein) or bad cholesterol, and HDL makes up more than 60% of the fat in quail eggs. However, for people with pre-existing cholesterol problems, adding large quantities of these eggs to your diet might not be the best choice, as there are roughly 1.6 grams of saturated fat in each serving and 76 mg of cholesterol. [6]
May Cleanse the Body
Detoxifying the body is important, particularly in today’s atmosphere, which is filled with toxins, pollutants, and heavy metals. A study published in the Pharmacognosy Journal have shown that adding these eggs to your diet can help eliminate toxins from the bloodstream. The study ascertained the ability of quail eggs to prevent any kind of toxicity induced liver damage in albino rats. However, very little scientific evidence exist to support this claim and more studies are necessary to prove if it has the same effect on humans. [7] [8]
Might Boost immunity and overall health
Antioxidants are crucial components of human health, as we are constantly battling free radicals that may cause chronic diseases. Quail eggs possess possibly significant levels of vitamin C and vitamin A, which can help neutralize free radicals and protect overall health. [9]
May Help Treat Allergies
Quail eggs are high in ovomucoid protein, which can act as a natural anti-allergenic in the body, says a report published in the Journal of Nutritional Science and Vitaminology. Therefore, if you are suffering from congestion, inflammation or other symptoms of allergic reactions, quail eggs can get your body back to normal. [10]
May Raise Energy Levels
The minerals and micronutrients found in these tiny eggs may make them particularly good for an early morning surge of energy when paired with a source of protein and a carbohydrate, says the book, Quail Production Systems: A Review, authored by Dr. M. M. Shanawany, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. A balanced, nutrient-dense breakfast (consisting of quail eggs) is recommended for those who often feel dependent on caffeine or other stimulants to regulate their energy levels. [11]
Might Boost Metabolism
Vitamin B found in quail eggs may result in a boosted metabolic activity throughout the body, including hormonal and enzymatic function. Perhaps by ensuring smooth bodily processes and organ functions, quail eggs can be far more than a delicious treat.
May Improve Vision
There is an impressively high level of vitamin A found in quail eggs, which means that it can help protect vision. The antioxidant activity of vitamin A can help reduce macular degeneration and may prevent the development of cataracts, helping you see better. [12]
Word of Caution: There is a moderate amount of saturated fat in these eggs, so any consumption should be within a limit, and any major alteration to your diet should be approved by a trained medical professional. Apart from that, crack open a quail egg and enjoy!
