Whether they’re in the omelette or in your morning smoothie, eggs pack a powerful protein punch. They’re also rich in Vitamin D, antioxidants, and other nutrients like lutein and zeaxanthin.
But the kind of hen that produces your eggs can make a difference. Hens with free-range access to outdoor spaces typically get more vitamins and minerals in their eggs.
Natural & Unadulterated
Eggs have long been a breakfast staple, providing the one-two punch of protein and healthy fats our bodies crave. They are also easy to find and affordable. But a trip to the egg section can be downright confusing with labels like organic, cage-free, pasture raised, free range, all natural, no hormones, and more.
The terms aren’t regulated, so companies can make up their own definitions. “Pasture-raised,” for example, can mean the chickens are in a field, or they may be clucking around an indoor barn that resembles an aircraft hanger. They could even be eating grass, herbs, kale and other leafy greens in a large greenhouse, or the chickens may never see the outdoors at all.”
Choosing the best eggs for you comes down to your priorities. If you want the hens to be treated well, organic, pasture-raised eggs are the way to go. But if you’re on a budget, start by selecting the egg carton that aligns with your values.
More Wholesome & Authentic Taste
Aside from being the perfect snack, eggs are a symbol of life. It’s no wonder they’ve been used in a variety of religious and spiritual ceremonies.
There’s no doubt that organic and free-range eggs are better than their conventional counterparts. But when it comes to choosing which brand to buy, the lines can get blurred. It’s important to know what each label means in order to make the best decision for you.
For example, “free-range” on egg cartons may simply mean that the hens have access to a small fenced outdoor area. But there is no guarantee that these chickens actually go outside!
The options that offer the most wholesome and authentic taste are those produced by local farmers who treat their chickens humanely. However, these eggs can be more expensive than the options in your grocery store. Knowing which priorities are most important to you can help you choose the right option for your budget.
More Nutrients & Vitamins
There’s no doubt that eggs are a superfood that provides many essential nutrients, including vitamin A and vitamin D. But what you may not know is that eggs can be loaded with more vitamins and minerals if hens were raised under different conditions.
Hens that roam freely outdoors are exposed to a variety of nutrients and minerals through the green plants they eat, insects, and even their own eggshells (which contain chitin). These dietary shifts result in hens transferring those additional nutrient to their eggs.
This explains why egg cartons with claims like Free Range, Organic, Certified Humane and Cage Free have more vitamins and minerals in their eggs than those without these claims. In fact, a study comparing the chemical composition of eggs from small family farms in rural Nova Scotia to conventionally-farmed eggs found that hens with free range access have a higher level of omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E. Their yolks are also richer in beta-carotene.
Less Fat & Cholesterol
The eggs you eat are rich in protein, energy, vitamins and minerals. Eggs also contain a good amount of cholesterol and a healthy fat called lecithin, which helps transport and metabolize other fats in the body.
Despite their high cholesterol content, experts now believe that dietary cholesterol has less impact on blood cholesterol than previously believed. In fact, most individuals can safely eat up to three eggs per week.
When you walk down the egg aisle at your grocery store, you’re likely to find a wide variety of choices. You’ll see cartons that are labeled Free Range, Pasture Raised, Organic, Cage-Free, Certified Humane, Omega-3 Enriched and more. While all of these claims may sound similar, they actually have very different meanings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are organic foods healthier?
According to the Environmental Working Group, organic vegetables and fruits had half the amount of pesticides as non-organic. Organic strawberries contained four times more pesticides that their conventional counterparts, and organic apples contained eight percent less.
Other studies suggest that eating organic food reduces exposure to toxic metals like lead and mercury. For example, one study showed that children who ate organic meat had 33 percent lower blood lead levels than those who didn't consume organic meats. Another study concluded traditional fish should not be consumed by pregnant women, due to high mercury levels.
Organic food seems to be safer than the non-organic. Experts recommend that fresh produce and vegetables be used whenever possible to reduce your chances of developing cancer.
Does organic mean that it is not sprayed with pesticides?
Organic food is chemical-free and grown without pesticides. This means there is little or no exposure to chemicals such as fertilizers and herbicides.
Organic produce also contains more nutrients than conventionally produced foods because it contains no harmful additives.
Farmers must follow strict guidelines to grow organic crops under the USDA National Organic Program (NOP).
These guidelines cover soil preparation, crop rotation and pest control. They also include water conservation and harvesting techniques.
Organic farming also promotes healthy ecosystems which are beneficial to wildlife and natural habitats.
What is the difference between organic food and inorganic?
Organic food is free from pesticides, chemical fertilizers and sewage sludge. It can also be grown without irradiation or genetic modification. Organic farming practices are good for soil health, water quality, animal welfare, and the environment.
Inorganic foods are produced using chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and sewage effluent. Irradiated foods are treated with radiation; genetically modified organisms (GMO) are created through biological engineering techniques.
Sometimes, the term "natural", is used interchangeably with "organic." However, natural does not necessarily mean organic. Some products labeled "natural" may also contain synthetic ingredients.
Organic produce is often more nutritious than conventional produce, as the soil has fewer pesticides and harmful chemicals. Organic farmers are free from artificial fertilizers and pesticides.
Why is organic food so important?
Organic produce is important for our health. It's the best way to ensure we eat nutritious foods. It's better for us and more sustainable because it doesn’t depend on pesticides or fertilizers.
Organic farming is a natural method of growing crops that uses no harmful chemicals. This means fewer environmental pollutants, making it safer for humans and animals. By choosing organic food, you are protecting the planet as well as yourself.
Organic food has many benefits that go beyond health. We all know how toxic processed food can make you feel. Organic fruits and vegetables aren’t subject to chemicals spray. It means that organic fruits and vegetables taste better, last longer, and are brighter.
This is why organic food is so important. Because organic is healthier for you as well as for the world.
What are the things to look for when purchasing organic products?
USDA-certified organic labels are recommended. This certification means that the product is certified organic by USDA. Look out for the USDA Organic seal on boxes, cartons cans and jars.
When purchasing meat, ensure it is 100% organic. Cattle are ruminants. This means they chew the cud. Ruminant cattle have four stomach compartments: rumen, reticulum, omasum, and abomasum. To be labeled '100% organic, all animal parts must be organically nourished.
Chicken should be only purchased from chickens raised on organic feed, and not given antibiotics. Omnivore chickens can eat both plants as well as animals. A digestive tract that is omnivorous includes a crop, proventriculus and gizzard. It also contains small intestines, large intestines, and anus.
Buy dairy products that are 100% organically produced. Like ruminants, dairy cattle have four stomachs. The fourth stomach compartment is the udder.
To find out the percent of the feed the animals received when you purchase other types livestock, be sure to read the labels. One example is pork that may be labeled '95% Organic'. This means that 95 percent came from organic sources.
What are organic products good for skin?
Organic skincare products don't contain any synthetic chemicals such as parabens or phthalates.
Organic skincare products are also free of artificial colours, fragrances, preservatives, emulsifiers, GMOs, petrochemicals, animal testing (except cosmetics tested on animals), pesticides, hormones, antibiotics, heavy metals, and other contaminants.
They also have the ability to support healthy skin, prevent premature ageing, promote healing after injuries and overall well-being.
Some standard terms you may see when shopping for organic products:
- Paraben Free is a grouping of chemicals that are used to maintain certain cosmetic products safe, but can be toxic when consumed in large quantities.
- Fragrance-Free - the product does not have added fragrance or essential oils.
- Cruelty-Free: No animals were hurt during manufacturing.
- Natural Ingredients are ingredients that have been naturally extracted from plants or animals.
- Vegan/Vegetarian – The ingredients can either be vegetarian or vegan.
- Gluten-Free: This is when gluten was eliminated from the formulation.
- Non-Toxic: The product does not contain toxic substances, carcinogens or any other harmful compounds that could cause harm to your health.
- Biodegradable - The product will eventually be broken down into harmless parts when it is disposed of.
- Pesticide-Free – No pesticides were used in the growing or harvesting of crops.
- GMO-Free is a declaration that the product does not contain genetically modified organisms.
- Certified Organic is a certification that the ingredients of the recipe were grown using sustainable methods.
Statistics
- Brands participating in this challenge are committed to using 100 percent sustainable cotton by 2025.[5] (en.wikipedia.org)
- When packaged products indicate they are “made with organic [specific ingredient or food group],” they contain at least 70% organically produced ingredients. (usda.gov)
- According to a study performed by consumerreports.org, organic products, compared to non-organic products, ranged anywhere from 13 percent cheaper to 303 percent more expensive. (en.wikipedia.org)
- Popular clothing brands, like Patagonia, are labelled as organic by using 100 percent organic cotton for many of their styles. (en.wikipedia.org)
External Links
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- PubMed Evaluation of the micronutrients in plant foods made by conventional and organic farming methods.
- PubMed: Comparison of the total phenolic, ascorbic acid and freeze-dried strawberry, marionberry, and corn grown with conventional, organic, sustainable agricultural practices.
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- The link between occupational pesticide exposure and cancer risk: A review: Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health. Part B. Vol 15, No 4.
- Genetically modified food: safety, risk and public concerns - a review - Journal of Food Science and Technology
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How To
What happens when you switch from conventional products to organic?
Organic products are grown without pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, hormones, antibiotics, or genetic manipulation. They are derived from clean water and animals that have been free to roam. They are organic because they don't contain any additives or chemicals. This product is natural and does not contain any harmful substances.
The term "natural" refers how food is grown. It is usually used to describe foods that haven't been processed into their final form (e.g., fruits). Natural foods are usually fresher than processed foods, as they haven’t been exposed to heat, radiation, chemical preservatives, or other treatments. Natural doesn't necessarily have to be healthy, however. Experts agree that organic and conventional foods are very similar. Both types of food are tested for safety, quality, and purity. Organic produce has less pesticide residues and pollutant than conventionally grown food.
Most grocery stores now sell organic products. You can find organic meat, poultry, eggs, and seafood at your local market. Some companies only sell organic products. Others have separate sections. USDA Certified Organic, Non GMO Project Verified. Biodynamic Association Certified. Rainforest Alliance Certified.
If you are pregnant, or nursing, these products should not be eaten. Pesticides are known to affect unborn babies and infants.
Resources:
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