Digestion of Egg White Omelet

A low-cal, high-protein breakfast option, egg white omelets have a place in many healthful diets. According to the National Institutes of Health website, omelets and other egg dishes made from egg whites can be eaten as a low-calorie alternative to standard omelets. Egg whites serve as a good source of protein, and get broken down into amino acids in your digestive tract.

Egg white omelets contain fewer calories than regular omelets. (Image: bhofack2/iStock/Getty Images)

Egg Whites

Egg whites only contain 17 calories per egg compared with the 70 calories of regular eggs. Because most weight loss diets involve cutting calories to help you reach a calorie deficit, egg white omelets offer a valuable meal choice for dieters looking to cut calories without giving up their favorite dishes. Compared with regular eggs, egg whites contain fewer amounts of cholesterol, saturated fat and protein, making them easier and quicker to digest.

Digestion

Your digestive system actually begins working before you take your first bite. The smell and anticipation of eating the omelet cause your mouth to begin producing extra saliva full of digestive enzymes. These enzymes play an initial role in digestion by breaking down the nutrients in the egg white and reducing it to a sort of mush to make it easier to swallow. According to the Kids' Health website, the food then travels down into your stomach through a stretchy tube called the esophagus, which slowly presses the chewed omelet and squeezes it through the esophagus and into the stomach.

Stomach and Intestines

Once the egg white omelet enters your stomach, the interior lining of the stomach sac gradually begins releasing juices and acids to churn the omelet into smaller pieces. The juices play two primary roles: breaking down food and destroying harmful bacteria that might have been consumed with your food. Afterward, the omelet travels through your small intestine -- a long, thin tube with a diameter of 1 to 2 inches and a length of 22 feet. Here is where the amino acids derived from protein, as well as other nutrients and minerals become absorbed into your body with the help of your pancreas, liver and gallbladder. Because low-fat dishes tend to take less time to digest, your egg white omelet will probably spend less time in your intestine than a whole-egg omelet would.

Allergies

Like most food allergies, egg allergies can be triggered within minutes or hours after eating your omelet. In addition to digestive issues, the Kids' Health website lists a number of unpleasant allergic reactions that can occur, including skin rashes, runny nose, watery eyes, sneezing, eczema and breathing problems. If you experience any negative reactions to your omelet, seek immediate medical attention.