Rushden dietitian talks eggs as she shares more of her knowledge on how to eat well in lockdown

An expert on diet and nutrition has shared more of her knowledge about how to eat well during lockdown.

Dr Mabel Blades of Rushden is a registered dietitian and nutritionist with a PhD in diet and diabetes.

She has her own business, Nutrition and Dietetic Services, after working in the NHS for many years and now does consultancy as well as writing books.

Dr Blades, who is also a governor at Kettering General Hospital, is going to share her knowledge with the Northants Telegraph in the coming weeks, helping us make good use of the food in our cupboards and offering advice on getting a balanced diet despite the lockdown restrictions.

This week she is focusing on eggs.

Dr Blades said: "Eggs are a really useful staple and easy to eat, versatile and nutritious food which is known as a source of good quality protein needed for the maintenance of muscles

and skin.

"They are easy to eat on their own boiled, scrambled, fried or in omelettes or as ingredients in cakes and savoury dishes like souffles.

"At the moment there can be difficulties in getting them as shops run out as people do more home baking or want soft and easy to prepare foods as they are feeling unwell."

But if you can get hold of eggs, they are great for nutrition.

Dr Blades said: "Eggs are a particularly a rich source of riboflavin one of the B vitamins (needed for energy production), vitamin B12 ( needed for the correct production of red blood

cells) and vitamin D needed for the absorption of calcium for bone health."

But which eggs should people buy?

Dr Blades said: "Most eggs in this country have a Lion stamp on them which shows they are from hens managed to a particular code of practice and eggs guaranteed British and hens vaccinated against Salmonella .

"Salmonella is one of the bacteria which can cause food poisoning with symptoms of diarrhoea ,vomiting, abdominal pain , and a raised temperature are common symptoms.

"The last thing anyone wants at this time.

"Also for any older people or anyone who has a compromised immune system it can be particularly dangerous.

"Because Lion eggs are produced to a high standard they can be eaten lightly cooked such as a softly boiled egg, or in dishes like egg custard or egg fried rice."

And what should people do if the availability of Lion eggs is limited?

Dr Blades said: "At present because of the demand on eggs as more people have more time for home baking shops and supermarkets were running out of eggs some have used ones from abroad but possibly packed in this country.

"Such eggs do not have the same level of assurance.

"People are buying hens to keep or obtaining eggs from local small producers.

"These eggs are usually lovely but a they are not produced to the same stringent standards of Lion eggs.

"Therefore for anyone who is ill or has a compromised immune system they should be well cooked."

To read Dr Blades' first piece for the Northants Telegraph, click hereAnd if you have a question relating to food, nutrition and eating well during lockdown, email your question to [email protected] and we will put it to Dr Blades.

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