You Ask, I Answer: Ostrich Eggs

Do ostrich eggs offer the same nutrients as eggs laid by hens?

-- Joelle Numberg
(city withheld), AZ

Let me guess -- this question was inspired by this week's Top Chef episode?

For those of you who don't watch that wonderful Bravo reality show, contestants were asked to reinvent classic American dishes, and one not-too-methodical participant decided to make a quiche with ostrich eggs despite never having cooked with them.

This move led to her elimination at the end of the episode.

So, apart from destroying reality show contestants' runs, what else do ostrich eggs offer?

The main selling point is that they are significantly lower in cholesterol -- and a bit lower in saturated fat -- than their chicken counterparts.

Keep in mind that one ostrich egg is equal to two dozen of the chicken variety, so you must always remember to divide.

The 2,000 calories contained on a single ostrich egg isn't at all outrageous when you divide by 24 and get 83 calories -- a mere six more calories than your standard chicken egg.

Vitamin and mineral composition is nearly identical, although ostrich eggs offer lower levels of vitamin A and slightly more magnesium.