Eggs are a good source of protein, and can be very beneficial to your health. How can you be sure you are eating the right type of eggs though? The very best kinds of eggs are those from hens that are fed a natural diet from what they are eating roaming around the farm like insects, grass, and other plants. These are what are known as true free-range chickens - not chickens raised in cages or in barns where they are not allowed to roam and forage and get fresh air and sunshine.
According to data on nutrient content from the USDA, eggs from pasture-raised chickens may contain (as confirmed by
Mother Earth News in their results from testing eggs):
- 2/3 more vitamin A
- 1/4 less saturated fat
- 1/3 less cholesterol
- 2 times more omega-3 fatty acids
- 3 times more vitamin E
- 7 times more beta carotene
So, the next time you go to the store, buy eggs from true pasture-raised hens. If you can, find a local farmer who sells these kinds of eggs and support his or her efforts. Often, the eggs are cheaper and you can have a look first hand at just what kind of environment in which the chickens who are laying eggs live.
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