What Are the Benefits of Hard Boiled Egg for Period Pains?

There are many ways to alleviate the pains and cramping that come with a woman's menstrual cycle. Some of these are of dubious origin and others can be scientifically proven. While eating hard boiled eggs as a way to relieve menstrual cramps may seem far-fetched, there is evidence to suggest that biotin, a vitamin found in eggs, can aid in the relief of muscle cramps, including common menstrual cramps.

What is Biotin?

• Originally known as vitamin H, biotin is a complex B-vitamin first discovered in the 1940s that aids primarily in the development of healthy cells, helps metabolize sugar, synthesize fatty acids and supports healthy nervous system function. Biotin is found in cosmetics and skincare products due to its cell-boosting properties, most often to strengthen nails and hair.

Biotin-Rich Foods

• The Federal Drug Administration has not determined a recommended daily allowance of biotin because biotin deficiency is not typically found in healthy adults. Biotin supplements are available, but a diet rich in biotin is more often recommended. The vitamin can be found in numerous foods, including many nutrient-dense vegetables like cauliflower, carrots and tomatoes; leafy greens; both cow and goat's milk dairy products; dark berries, such as raspberries; liver; and eggs, particularly egg yolks.

Biotin in Eggs

• Egg yolk is one of the most biotin-concentrated foods available. Egg whites, on the other hand, contain avidin, an enzyme that actually inhibits biotin absorption into the blood. Avidin is most prevalent in raw egg whites, but its strength decreases as the whites are cooked. As the egg white is more thoroughly cooked, the more the avidin loses its biotin-binding properties. The greatest amount of biotin is absorbed into the body through eggs that are cooked as long as possible: hard boiled eggs.

Hard Boiled Eggs and Period Pains

• Menstrual cramps, cramps which are produced when the walls of the uterus contract as a way to aid in the shedding of its lining, are often treated by traditional over-the-counter muscle relaxants such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Because of biotin's ability to maintain proper levels of prostaglandins, and to metabolize fatty acids, it too works as a muscle relaxant. Therefore, hard boiled eggs, those rich in biotin, are an ideal food for the natural treatment of these common period pains.

Biotin Beyond the Cramps

• Because biotin plays such an active roll in promoting healthy cell growth, the consumption of hard boiled eggs can aid in the relief of more than just menstrual cramps. Optimal levels of biotin in the body can treat the symptoms of both endometriosis, the painful build up of uterine cells outside the uterus, and Candida, or yeast infection, due to biotin's ability to inhibit yeast growth in the body.