Scrambled, poached, or omelet-ized, eggs are one of the best (and cheapest!) sources of protein available. Whatever the cooking method, an egg is an egg is an egg. Or is it? Like dairy, meat, and vegetable sources, eggs come in a wide variety. So, what are the healthiest eggs to buy?
There's a whole carton of different terms to describe the typical hen's egg at the supermarket. Some of the terms have valid meaning, others are completely useless. So, what should the buyer look for when choosing the best type of egg for a healthy diet? Here's a breakdown...
Free Range
The term "free range" conjures up the image of happy hens bobbling around the hay-soaked grounds of a storybook farm, perhaps even a few pigtailed farm children tending the lot. The reality isn't quite so ebullient. There are no strict governmental guidelines to define "free range." Thus, egg producers spank the label on cartons to add hype and price to eggs that really aren't any different from the norm. A farmer can call his hens "free range" if he's given them access to a range (no matter however small), but it doesn't matter whether the chickens actually use the range or not. So are these healthy eggs? Sure, all eggs are healthy, but these eggs aren't any healthier than the rest.
Cage Free
While the government's definition of "free range" is loose, their definition of "cage free" is non existent. The hens may not necessarily be in cages, but that doesn't mean they aren't kept locked in tight quarters, indoors, with a poor diet their entire lives. More often than not, cage free eggs are healthier eggs than caged eggs, but be cautious before buying these eggs at inflated prices.
All Natural
This term wins the prize for "most superfluous label." Not just applied to eggs, but all foods. What does "all natural" mean? Exactly nothing. Anything can be labeled as all natural. Heck, even plutonium can be called all natural; it's a natural element after all. Indeed, the term eliminates the possibility of the egg being supernatural, but most consumers aren't worried about ghost eggs. Does it mean the egg wasn't engineered in a laboratory? Possibly, but the preferred production machine for all eggs produced in America is still the chicken.
Organic
Organic eggs aren't necessarily pasture-raised eggs, but typically the two go together. A hen that lays organic healthy eggs receives no antibiotics through diet except in specific cases of disease outbreaks. Hens are also required to spend a certain amount of time outdoors, which makes for a healthier hen, thus a healthier egg to buy.
Omega 3 Fortified
To get omega 3 fortified eggs, the farmers feed their hens a special diet of linseed or flax. The omega 3 fatty acids from the flax make their way into the eggs and finally into the consumer. The typical consumer can always benefit from more vital omegas, so this choice may be the champion for the egg connoisseur. However, don't be totally fooled, the amount of vital omegas received from omega 3 fortified eggs is still small compared to salmon, nuts, or the optimal choice of an omega 3 supplement like a fish oil capsule. With these eggs, it boils don't to price. If you've got the extra cash, go for it.
Healthy Egg Buying Choices
Ultimately, the diet of the hen is what determines how healthy the egg is, whether or not the egg is worth buying. Some egg manufacturers actually list the diet of the hens on the carton. These are also typically the healthiest eggs on the market, if the company lists the hen's diet, typically that means the hen's diet is worth listing. Consider researching one or two of the farms or companies that supplies eggs to your local supermarket. The best buy is the egg producer that steers clear of antibiotics, unnecessary hormones, and corn/soy based diets. The healthiest hen diets include grasses, grubs, worms, and insects. The egg is a major part of a primal, healthy diet. The healthier the egg is, the healthier the person.
No comments:
Post a Comment