Eggs: Yay or Nay
There is great debate about whether eggs are good or bad for your health and if we even need eggs at all. However, the nutrients found in eggs outweighs the thought that because eggs are high in cholesterol this may contribute to heart disease. In fact, studies have shown that there is actually no effect on cholesterol. Still wondering if you should include eggs in your diet?
Here are a few reasons why you should....
Top Reasons to Eat Eggs:
Eggs contain choline, which is an essential nutrient necessary for supporting cell structure and the nervous system. It is said that most people do not get enough choline in their diet.
Eggs are a great source of protein and an great option when you do not want to eat meat.
The cholesterol found in eggs does not affect blood cholesterol levels like it was thought. The HDL cholesterol found in eggs actually helps transport important nutrients to cells.
Eggs helps keep you satiated and manage weight more effectively due to the full feeling that eggs provide.
One egg contains: 70 calories, 5 grams of fat, 6 grams of protein, and vitamins such as calcium, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, iron, vitamin B12, and vitamin D.
And yes, there are several options of eggs to choose from, so know your options.
Conventional: is the least expensive choice. Farmers are not required to state how they raise hens, therefore, most are given unregulated feed containing antibiotics and hormones (kind of makes you wonder what is in the feed). Not to mention, hens’ living conditions are often inhumane as they live in tiny cages and in multitudes, which increases the risk for infection or disease.
Organic: these hens are fed a diet free of toxic pesticides, antibiotics, and Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) and must be certified by the USDA as organic. This does not mean, however, that hens are humanely raised and can still live in small cages.
Cage free: the hens raised in a cage-free environment typically have more ample space to roam although still limited and many not get exposure to the outside as they are kept in a barn. The hens many also be fed the same feed as conventional hens and even distributed antibiotics, but it is up to the farmer's discretion.
Free range: these hens are free to roam outdoors, which allows them to get sun exposure, eat bugs, and simply be free. Also, the feed never contains hormones or antibiotics.
Pasture raised: pasture raised hens seem to have the best life as the hens are given acres to roam and be free. They typically eat pasture, which is rotated to help with regrowth. These are the best eggs because they are richest in nutrients based on the fact that they live a happy outdoorsy life, are able to eat what nature intended for them, and have plenty of sun exposure (vitamin D).
Certified humane: this states that hens were raised in a manner that gave the hens the happiest life possible as welfare standards are high and inspected rigorously.
Nutrient enhanced: hens are fed vegetarian feed to include grains such as corn or rice bran and does not contain hormones or antibiotics.
Like any food, as long as eaten in moderation, you should be able to enjoy the benefits of eggs.