Nutraceutical Egg Products

Healthy diet plays a prominent role in enhancing the quality of human life. Among the different food products delivering essential nutrients to the body, an egg as a staple food in many cultures has a special place. It is a balanced source of highly bioavailable essential amino acids as well as minerals and vitamins. However, egg is poor in omega-3 fatty acids. Dietary cholesterol and saturated fat have also been a concern for consumers. This chapter focuses on development of a novel nutraceutical egg product containing minimal levels of cholesterol and reduced saturated fat, but much greater content of omega-3 fatty acids, such as eicosapentaenoic acid, docosahexaenoic acid, and linolenic acid, through processing rather than manipulation of the hen's diet. Further, the physicochemical, sensory, and potential nutritional benefits of the nutraceutical egg product prototype are discussed.