Do boxers really drink raw eggs?

Most movie fans remember the original Rocky, in which Sly Stallone downs a glass of raw eggs as part of training regime. In the recently released Rocky Balboa, the title character spends the movie training in a similar way, leading Slate writer Lindsay Goldwert to ponder: "Do real boxers really do this?"

Well, according to boxing trainers, eggs are a great source of protein, which helps to build muscles. And yes, a raw egg protein shake is a little easier to whip up at the gym than something cooked.

But -- and this is a big but -- most trainers don't believe that raw eggs are more nutritious than those that are cooked, and, more importantly, Salmonella could cripple an otherwise fit boxer with chills, diarrhea, muscle weakness and dehydration.

So, training for the big fight? Looking to add a little muscle mass with extra protein? Have an omelet.