water and protein. But biochemical studies
have revealed that the albumen proteins are
not mere baby food. At least four of the
proteins block the action of digestive
enzymes. At least three bind tightly to
vitamins, which prevents them from being
useful to other creatures, and one does the
same for iron, an essential mineral for
bacteria and animals alike. One protein
inhibits the reproduction of viruses, and
another digests the cell walls of bacteria. In
sum, the egg white is first of all a chemical
shield against infection and predation, forged
during millions of years of battling between
the nourishing egg and a world of hungry
microbes and animals.
The Proteins in Egg WhiteProtein Percent of Total
Albumen Protein