Posted by Mary Demakes on June 2, 2020
We love eggs, but keep in mind that not all eggs are created equal! Organic, free range, and certified humane eggs are actually better and healthier for you than conventional eggs.
Yes, they tend to be a little more expensive, but when you compare gram for gram the amount of protein in eggs to other sources like chicken or nuts, eggs are by far cheaper.
Easy way to tell the difference between conventional and more natural eggs: the color of the yolk! The deeper the yellow color, the higher concentration of omega-3 and other nutrients! Natural eggs in general have higher levels of nutrients, including important Vitamin D!
Why organic eggs: When you eat organic eggs, you know the hens’ feed did not contain animal byproducts, synthetic fertilizers, sewage sludge, most pesticides, and other unsavory ingredients. Organic eggs do not have these yucky chemicals, so they are much better for your body! Do you want any of those in your eggs, which in turn goes into your body? Yuck, no thank you!
Why free range eggs: This means that the hens producing the eggs were raised outdoors or given outdoor access. In addition to eating grains, these hens may forage for wild plants and insects. Chickens are animals and by nature are supposed to be outdoors. When they are outdoors and living their best chicken life, they are much less stressed, so they have lower levels of cortisol. As we know, high levels of cortisol is no good for the body, and the same goes for chickens! That means that when the chickens are happier, then they are healthier, so the eggs are healthier for us to consume!
With so many different kinds of eggs offered at the store, it can be confusing. How do you know you are buying the best, healthiest eggs? Look for these labels:
Animal welfare approved (AWA): If you want your eggs to come from happy chickens, this is considered the gold standard. AWA deals only with family farms and has the strictest criteria for hens’ ability to live in their natural state. Farmers focus on promoting hens’ health and well-being rather than on treating diseases. Because this label combines organic feeding with humane living conditions and handling, you’ve covered all your bases.
Certified humane: If you can’t find AWA eggs where you live, look for eggs certified by Humane Farm Animal Care. This nonprofit organization inspects egg farms yearly to ensure that hens live unconfined, with enough room to nest, perch, take dust baths, etc. Hens have unlimited access to fresh water and wholesome feed, and benefit from humane handling.
