The ongoing bird flu epidemic in the U.S. has thrown the poultry industry including the farmers into a state of turmoil, resulting in a staggering rise in egg prices. The highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1) has ravaged commercial flocks, and massive culling operations have been undertaken to stop the spread of the virus with no success yet. Consequently, the cost of eggs has increased dramatically, to an average of $5 per dozen in January 2025, with prices reaching as much as $15 per dozen in some areas.

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently issued a warning in bleak terms—egg prices, already elevated by almost 37% since last year, may go up another 41.1% in 2025 owing to continued shortages. This has got consumers up in arms, compelled to turn towards cheaper substitutes, and is creating food security worries as well.

Although the USDA assures consumers that poultry products, including eggs, are safe to consume when cooked properly, the growing transmission of avian flu from birds to mammals has raised broader concerns. The virus has now been identified in 485 bird species and 48 mammal species, such as sea otters, dolphins, and polar bears.

Even with colossal culling drives, the pandemic keeps spreading, which has caused supply chain interruptions and forced customers to seek alternatives to eggs—economically as well as ethically, for reasons of health, and to ensure sustainability. As plant-based and alternative protein gains steam, perhaps it's time to look for egg substitutes that are nutritionally equivalent without being so expensive.

What are Some Egg Alternatives

As egg prices remain volatile, the demand for protein-packed substitutes has surged. While eggs have long been a staple for their high protein content, versatility, and culinary ease, several alternatives can effectively replace eggs in cooking, baking, and even breakfast scrambles.

If you’re looking for nutritious and affordable substitutes, here are some unexpected protein-rich options that can seamlessly replace eggs in your diet.

1. Mung Beans

Mung beans, also referred to as green gram or moong beans, have been grown in South Asia for thousands of years. With their high protein and fiber content, these tiny green legumes can be converted into a liquid egg alternative that replicates the texture and flavor of regular eggs.

By mixing soaked mung beans with kala namak (black salt, with an egg-like taste), it is possible to make a foundation for scrambles, omelets, and even quiches. Mung bean liquid egg substitutes, such as are used in packaged vegan egg mixtures, are a cholesterol-free, protein-laden substitute that closely approximates the original.

How to Prepare a Mung Bean Scramble

• Wash and soak 1 cup of mung beans overnight.
• Mix soaked beans, water, turmeric, and kala namak until even.
• Heat a pan with oil and scramble it as you would scramble eggs.
• Season with vegetables, herbs, or spices to give it some zing.

This easy switch is a protein-rich, green, and allergy-friendly substitute for eggs.

2. Chickpea Flour

Chickpea flour or besan, as it's also called, or gram flour is another very good egg substitute. Chickpea flour, being a source of plant protein, can be combined with water and spices and cooked to become an omelet-like preparation.

To prepare a chickpea omelet, combine chickpea flour with nutritional yeast, black salt, and black pepper. Whisk in water gradually until it has the consistency of a smooth batter. Fry the mixture like a pancake, turning it once bubbles form on the surface. This protein-rich choice provides the texture and flavor of eggs at a fraction of the price.

3. Tofu

Tofu is perhaps the most versatile egg substitute. It can be scrambled, blended, or even baked to substitute eggs.

Tofu Scramble: Break up firm tofu, add turmeric and black salt for the eggy taste, and sauté with vegetables for a protein-rich breakfast.

Silken Tofu in Baking: Silken tofu may be substituted for eggs in cakes, muffins, and custards. Just blend 1/4 cup silken tofu for each egg and add it to your batter for moisture and texture.

Tofu in Stir-Fries and Salads: Firm tofu can be cut into small pieces and added to salads or stir-fried for a healthy, protein-packed meal.

Containing 10 grams of protein per half cup, tofu is a cheap and convenient substitute for eggs for cooking and baking purposes.

4. Flaxseeds and Chia Seeds

For bakers who have depended on eggs as a binding ingredient, the flaxseed and chia seeds provide an instant plant-based answer. When used with water, the seeds will gel into a texture that binds in a manner similar to the eggs.

• Combine 1 tablespoon of ground chia seeds or flaxseeds with 3 tablespoons of water.
• Allow it to sit for 5–10 minutes until it becomes gel-like.
• You can use this mixture as a 1:1 substitute for eggs in baked items.

The seeds are rich in fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, and protein and are a healthy substitute for eggs.

As the bird flu crisis continues to rage on, consumers are presented with difficult decisions regarding food prices. However, the bright side of this crisis is the growing availability of alternative protein sources that not only offer cost savings but also comply with ethical and environmental concerns.

From mung beans and chickpea flour to tofu and flaxseeds, a variety of plant-based options can easily replace eggs in cooking and baking without sacrificing nutrition or flavor. Whether you’re looking to save money, reduce your environmental footprint, or explore plant-based eating, these protein-packed substitutes offer a sustainable and delicious way forward.

British pharmaceutical giant GSK is conducting a large-scale study to determine whether its best-selling shingles vaccine, Shingrix, may reduce the risk of dementia. The study, announced on Tuesday, will analyze health data from over 1.4 million older adults in the UK, aged 65 to 66, some of whom have received the vaccine while others have not. At present, Shingrix is used to prevent herpes zoster (shingles), a painful skin rash caused by the varicella-zoster virus.

GSK’s chief scientific officer, Tony Wood, highlighted that the study leverages a unique dataset from the UK's National Health Service (NHS). A recent adjustment in the country’s shingles immunization program has effectively created a naturally randomized trial. Prior to 2023, the vaccine was available only to individuals aged 70 and older. However, when the program was expanded, only those turning 65 became immediately eligible, while those already 66 had to wait until they turned 70. This unexpected division allowed researchers to compare two distinct patient groups without the need for a costly, traditional clinical trial.

The study will track participants until they reach the age of 70, taking into account other medical conditions and factors that could influence dementia risk. Previous research has suggested a potential link between shingles vaccination and a lower risk of dementia, though it has not yet been proven to be causal. If the findings confirm a protective effect against dementia, the company may engage with regulatory authorities to explore expanding the approved uses of Shingrix.

Is There A Vaccine For Dementia?

While there's no vaccine currently approved to prevent or cure dementia or any of its forms, like Alzheimer's, research is ongoing into developing vaccines that target specific proteins involved in the disease process, like amyloid plaques and tau tangles. Apart from vaccines that prevent shringles, jabs to protect an individual against tetanus and diphtheria, with or without pertussis vaccine (Tdap/Td), and the vaccine for pneumococcus are also being studied as a probable demetia vaccine.

How Prevelent Is Dementia?

Currently more than 55 million people have dementia worldwide, over 60% of whom live in low- and middle-income countries. Every year, there are nearly 10 million new cases.

Dementia is an umbrella term to describe diseases that cause people to lose their cognitive functions. These diseases gradually progress decreasing the ability for someone to function in daily life and take care of themselves. There are some medications used to delay the onset of it and to manage it. People can reduce the chances of developing it by following a healthy diet and lifestyle.

Probiotic supplements promise a healthier gut, but what happens if it become deadly? In a stunning Japanese case, a man's everyday probiotic set off a deadly bloodstream infection. The unusual but disturbing event has raised urgent questions about the safety of probiotics, particularly for people with underlying health issues. Is your gut-friendly supplement a silent danger?

In a rare and unexpected case, a 70-year-old Japanese man developed a deadly bloodstream infection attributed to the very probiotic supplements intended to enhance his health. His case, which was reported in BMJ Case Reports, has sparked serious questions regarding the possible dangers of probiotics, especially for those with weakened health.

The man, who had a history of alcohol dependence and underlying medical conditions, was found collapsed in his home and was rushed to the hospital. Upon examination, doctors diagnosed him with metabolic acidosis—a dangerous buildup of acid in the blood—triggered by a severe lung infection, kidney injury, and possibly heavy alcohol use.

To his list of health issues, the patient tested positive for COVID-19. He was put in the ICU, where he was provided with intensive care, such as breathing assistance, a blood thinner, anti-inflammatory steroids, and tocilizumab—a medication used to suppress inflammatory proteins. In addition to treating a secondary bacterial infection, he was administered antibiotics, which caused diarrhea, a typical side effect.

In an attempt to get his gut health back, doctors prescriped a probiotic with Clostridium butyricum, a naturally occurring bacterium in approximately 20% of healthy people. Although considered safe, the probiotic unexpectedly and fatally turned in his instance.

For nearly two months, the patient appeared to be recovering. However, he suddenly developed severe fatigue, swelling, and persistent abdominal pain. Body scans revealed a life-threatening reduction in blood flow to his intestines—a condition that often results in tissue death and organ failure.

As his health worsened, blood work was done, and an alarming finding was discovered: C. butyricum bacteria were found in his blood. This was a definite indication of probiotic-associated bacteremia—a rare but reported side effect in which bacteria from a probiotic supplement get into the bloodstream and infect the body. Genetic testing proved that the strain in his blood was the same as the one in the probiotic he had been consuming.

In spite of medical treatment, the patient's condition deteriorated quickly. His immune system, already compromised by his medical history of colon cancer, high blood pressure, heart disease, and smoking, could not combat the infection. Because of his unstable status, surgical intervention was not possible. In a matter of days, he had multiorgan failure. With no other medical options available, physicians switched him to palliative care, and he sadly died on the 60th day of hospitalization.

How Might a Probiotic Supplement Become Lethal?

Probiotics are frequently utilized to maintain gut health, particularly following antibiotic use. Probiotics replace beneficial bacteria, enhance digestion, and alleviate inflammation. In rare instances, however, probiotics may break through the gut and enter the blood, causing severe infections. This is more likely in people with compromised immune systems, chronic disease, or underlying gastrointestinal disease.

A number of studies, one of which was released in 2019, have established genetic associations between probiotics and hospital patient bloodstream infections. This case contributes to mounting evidence that while probiotics are generally good for many people, they can be dangerous for susceptible populations.

Who Is Most at Risk?

Though probiotic infections are unusual, some groups are at greater risk, which includes:

• Older patients with multiple comorbidities: As in this case, older patients with comorbidities are at increased risk of developing serious complications.
• Patients with compromised immune systems: Diseases like cancer, chronic kidney disease, and autoimmune diseases raise the risk of infection.
• Critically ill or hospitalized patients: The combination of several treatments, including steroids and immunosuppressive medications, can further increase the risk.

Individuals with gastrointestinal abnormalities: An existing gut problem makes it simpler for probiotics to cross the intestinal barrier and get absorbed into the blood.

Should You Stop Eating Probiotic Supplements?

Even with this unfortunate case, health specialists highlight that probiotics are still safe for most healthy individuals. Nevertheless, they advise using probiotics cautiously, especially in high-risk patients.

Experts point out that although probiotics are prescribed to patients suffering from gastrointestinal conditions, rare but serious side effects can take place. He emphasizes that healthcare practitioners should screen a patient's history before they suggest probiotics, particularly in a hospital setting.

Probiotics are commonly lauded for their shield against colds, digestive problems, and severe health ailments. Their advantages are still controversial, though. A new study conducted by UC San Francisco researchers contradicts the notion that probiotics, in particular the Lactobacillus strain, ward off eczema—a disease commonly associated with asthma.

Probiotics, which exist in supplements and foods that are fermented such as yogurt and kefir, are believed to help promote the health of the gut by enhancing immune function and suppressing disease-causing pathogens. According to the World Health Organization, they are "live microorganisms which, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host."

Released in Pediatrics on August 7, 2017, the research surveyed high-risk asthma infants. Comparing those supplemented with probiotics for six months to those that were not supplemented, researchers saw no apparent effect that probiotic supplementation has in lowering the risk of eczema, fueling the continued controversy surrounding their actual health effects.

Food perceptions can often be misleading, you may be led to believe that certain things are healthy when they are not and vice versa. When you are paying more attention to your food choices and changing your lifestyle habits, you are forced to introspect on your previous habits, foods and activities.

This introspection allows you to cut out the unhealthy lifestyle activities and helps you move along your health journey. One of the biggest changes you make are in your diet, many times people remove all the things that seem unhealthy. But removing a huge chunk of your diet can cause the negative issues.

There are many foods that seem like they are unhealthy because they contain ingredients high in fat and carbs, but they are actually necessary for your diet. If you are going by the understanding that anything flavorful is bad for your diet, then you are sorely mistaken, not all healthy foods are tasteless and uninteresting. Some of the fast food favorites are also not as unhealthy as you may think! Here are some foods you should know about.

Important Considerations Before Making Big Changes To Your Diet

The key to a successful dietary change is moderation and making gradual, sustainable adjustments. By incorporating healthier alternatives and focusing on a balanced diet, you can enjoy your favorite foods while improving your overall health.

Dips and Appetizers

Guacamole, rich in heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, folate, fiber, and various vitamins, can be a nutritious snack. Prepare it yourself with fresh ingredients to control sodium and preservatives.

Eggs

Eggs are good for your heart and give you protein and vitamins; egg casseroles with vegetables are a healthy meal. Pancakes can be healthy with whole grains, fruit, and nuts. Banana and oat flour pancakes are another great choice.

Italian Dishes

Italian dishes like spaghetti and meatballs can be healthy. Use lean chicken cuts or turkey, whole wheat pasta, and monitor sodium intake. Tomato sauce provides lycopene, lean beef offers iron and protein, and pasta provides carbohydrates

Burritos and Burgers

Burritos with beans, lean meat, and veggies in whole wheat tortillas are a balanced meal. Burgers with lean meat and added veggies are healthy; choose whole wheat buns or lettuce wraps and avoid extra cheese and sauces.

Potatoes

Potatoes have vitamins and fiber; bake or steam them and top with veggies and yogurt. Sweet potatoes are also a great option. Potato salad is lighter with low-fat mayo or a vinegar dressing.

Butters (Peanut and Dairy)

Peanut butter gives you healthy fats and protein; choose versions without added salt or sugar. Butter from grass-fed cows can be part of a healthy diet, helping with vitamins and body composition.

Dark Meat Chicken

Dark meat chicken, without the skin, has healthy fats, iron, and B vitamins; avoid frying it or adding sugary sauces. It is a very good alternative to white meat.

Chocolate

Dark chocolate, in small amounts, can boost your mood and provide antioxidants and minerals. It can be a healthy treat when eaten in moderation, so enjoy a small piece.