Eggs-ploring Bioavailability: Getting More from Every Bite

Have you ever seen someone crack open a raw egg and drink it? I know I have. While you won't catch me cracking open eggs to enjoy them the same way, it did get me thinking: why do people do it? Is it simply a habit, a fitness trend, or is there actually some truth behind the belief that raw eggs offer extra health benefits?

For years, raw eggs have been associated with strength, bodybuilding, and old-school fitness culture. Many people assume that eating them raw preserves more nutrients or makes them a superior source of protein. But does evidence support these claims, or are they simply myths that have stood the test of time? To answer that, we need to look beyond popular opinion and examine what the science actually tells us.

The answer often comes down to bioavailability.

Many people

Whether you're trying to improve your health, lose weight, or build muscle, understanding bioavailability can help you make smarter food choices.

Let's explore what it means and how your daily eating habits can make a real difference.

What Is Bioavailability?

Bioavailability refers to how much of a nutrient from food is absorbed and used by your body.

Just because a food contains vitamins or minerals doesn't mean your body absorbs all of them. The amount your body can use depends on several factors, including the nutrient itself, how the food is prepared, what it's eaten with, and your individual health. In some cases, age, pregnancy, digestive conditions, or certain medications can also affect nutrient absorption.

Several factors influence bioavailability, including:

The type of food you eat

How the food is prepared

What you eat alongside it

Your digestive health

Your age and overall health

Think of your digestive system as a delivery service. If nutrients aren't absorbed properly, they never reach the places where your body needs them most.

Why Bioavailability Matters

Your body depends on nutrients to perform thousands of functions every single day.

Good nutrient absorption supports:

Healthy energy production

Brain function and concentration

Muscle maintenance and recovery

Strong bones

Healthy skin

A well-functioning immune system

Normal hormone production

In some cases, poor nutrient absorption can contribute to fatigue or nutrient deficiencies, even when your diet appears balanced. If symptoms such as persistent tiredness continue, it's important to consult a healthcare professional, as many different health conditions can cause similar symptoms.

Foods Can Work Better Together

One of the easiest ways to improve bioavailability is by combining foods that naturally complement each other.

Iron + Vitamin C

Vitamin C helps your body absorb non-heme iron, the type of iron found in plant foods.

Examples include:

Spinach + lemon juice

Beans + tomatoes

Lentils + peppers

Kale + oranges

Healthy Fats + Fat-Soluble Vitamins

Protein Throughout the Day

Including a source of protein at each meal may help support muscle maintenance and recovery after exercise, particularly for older adults who are physically active. Your total daily protein intake remains the most important factor.

Daily Food Intake: Building Better Habits

Healthy eating is about building sustainable habits that provide your body with a wide variety of nutritious foods over time.

Don't Forget Water

Water is essential for digestion and nutrient transport.

Staying hydrated helps your body:

Digest food efficiently

Transport nutrients

Regulate body temperature

Support normal kidney function

Replace fluids lost through sweat and daily activities

Aim to drink water consistently throughout the day, especially during South Africa's warmer months.

Combining healthy eating, regular physical activity, adequate hydration, and quality sleep provides a strong foundation for long-term health and wellbeing.

Health Products Can Complement a Healthy Lifestyle

While a balanced diet should always be the foundation of good nutrition, some health and wellness products may complement a healthy lifestyle when used appropriately.

One of our favourite examples is:

Sea moss – Sea moss naturally contains minerals such as iodine, potassium, and magnesium. (Also contains 9 essential amino acids!)

Did you find this guide helpful?

Share it with friends and family who want to make healthier food choices, and let us know which nutrition topic you'd like us to cover next!