How do you like your eggs?
If arriving at the egg section of your grocery store gives you heart palpitations because choosing the “right” eggs is confusing, I get it. Why does it have to be so hard?! It doesn’t. Choose organic, pasture raised. Problem solved.
If you want to know why, keep reading.
Eggs produced through pasture raised chickens actually produce a healthier egg! According to the National Institute of Health (10/15/2024), egg yolks from pasture-raised hens typically have a healthier fatty acid and nutrient profile compared to egg yolks from caged hens. The fat ratio of good fats (omega 3) to bad (omega 6) is significantly better for you. In addition, pasture raised eggs have a much higher amount of Vitamins E and A, carotenoids and branch-chained fatty acids, important in overall health and chronic disease prevention.
Eggs produced through pasture raised chickens actually produce a healthier egg! According to the National Institute of Health (10/15/2024), egg yolks from pasture-raised hens typically have a healthier fatty acid and nutrient profile compared to egg yolks from caged hens. The fat ratio of good fats (omega 3) to bad (omega 6) is significantly better for you. In addition, pasture raised eggs have a much higher amount of Vitamins E and A, carotenoids and branch-chained fatty acids, important in overall health and chronic disease prevention.
Organically grown farming is healthier for the environment. Organically, pasture raised chickens do the work of fertilizing and pest management so there’s no need for pesticides that poison the planet and inhabitants. Being a planet warrior is important to me and I can check that box when I go organic, pasture-raised.
Chickens’ naturally thrive in fresh air with lots of room to roam and be social with their pals. They survive by scratching and foraging for bugs, worms and grass. They are not vegetarians but omnivores! Eating on the pasture enables these sweethearts the opportunity to get a balanced, proper diet. (That’s why the eggs are so healthy!)
Farmers who prioritize animal welfare are my heroes and I will prove my love by purchasing their eggs.
If organic pasture-raised are not available, the next best choice is just plain pasture-raised. You’re still getting a healthier egg produced by well-loved chickens.
Eggs from cage-free are a big no. There is minimal regard for animal welfare or the environment. It sounds better that they are out of the cage but crowding chickens in a space that might just be a cement floor with no fresh air brings on additional problems for chickens, the planet and farm workers.
If there is very little information on the egg carton you select, assume it came from one of the hundreds of chickens you’ve seen pictured in tiny cages. It is a terrible existence for the chickens. But also, the toxic load from their waste and antibiotic use is hazardous to surrounding areas and all life forms.
Finally, look for egg cartons with third parties verifying that the information on the carton is the real deal (like USDA Organic, Animal Welfare Approved, etc.)! There are many organizations doing the work to make sure that the claims on the carton are accurate and that you are getting exactly what you want. And let’s reward farmers for the care they show animals, planet and people! Checkout the verifying organizations here.
Did you ever think purchasing eggs was such a complicated process? Hopefully this has cleared up any mystery. If you want to talk more, book a discovery call or email me at mimi@mimikaroncoaching.com.
