We knew that eggs were a healthy and economical source of protein, but we didn’t know that how the hens were raised had an effect on their nutritional content.
New research shows that hens raised on the pasture may contain 4 to 6 time more vitamin D than those raised in cages.
Based on testing done by the Mother Earth News, as compared to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s latest data on conventional eggs, the pasture raised eggs may also contain 1/3 less cholesterol, ¼ less saturated fat, 2/3 times more vitamin A, 2 times more Omega 3 fatty acids, 3 times more vitamin E, and 7 times more beta carotene.
Look for free range, hormone free and preferably organic eggs to get the most nutritional bang for your buck.
photo:Glasshouse Images
Tags: conventional, eggs, health, less cholesterol, more vitamins, Mother Earth News, nutrition, omega 3 fatty acids, organic eggs, pasture raised, USDA, vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin E
Indigo jones 
July 9, 2012 at 2:39 pm |
I am really lucky to have a market nearby (Foragers City Grocer – they just opened a location in Chelsea, check them out!) that sells eggs from free-running hens on an upstate NY farm. They’re a lot more expensive ($5.99 – 6.99 a dozen) than supermarket eggs, but they TASTE so much better. They have yolks that are bright yellow-orange and stand up in the pan. Compare that to the pale runny ones you get from the conventional egg factories – er, farms.
July 11, 2012 at 3:22 am |
Eggs are alone of a small list of foods that are naturally rich in vitamin D. Supermarket eggs contain 34 International Units of Vitamin D per 100 grams. Free-range pastured eggs are found in studies to have six times that much! That means two scrambled eggs gives you 63% to 126% of the Recommended Daily Allowance of 200 IUs of vitamin D.
July 17, 2012 at 9:41 pm |
The grasses consumed by pastured birds contain many vitamins that simply aren’t supplied by corn-based feed. As a result, the eggs these hens produce are superior in nutrient content. These nutrients are enhanced by the outdoor lifestyle our ladies enjoy, which is cleaner, less stressful, less competitive, and full of Vitamin D courtesy of the sun.