Eggs are part of a healthy diet and provide a host of vitamins and minerals, like protein, iron, vitamin B-12, phosphorus, riboflavin and selenium. The nutrients found in eggs contribute to healthy skin and bones and everything in between. While eggs, in general, provide a variety of health benefits, certified organic eggs offer all of the same vitamins and minerals, plus more.
What Makes Eggs Organic
The U.S. Department of Agriculture sets the standards used to determine organic products. When it comes to certified organic eggs, the chickens producing them play a big role. The hens must consume 100 percent vegetarian diet feed. They cannot eat feed made from genetically modified crops or grown with the use of herbicides, pesticides, synthetic fertilizer or any other type of chemical product. The chickens themselves cannot be exposed to or be treated with antibiotics or hormones.
Hens responsible for laying organic eggs must also be allowed to roam and have access to outdoor space. Exercise adds to the overall health of the hen, as well as eating a more natural diet consisting of grasses and insects.
What are the Benefits of Organic Eggs
Organic eggs are packed with vitamins and nutrients that are part of a well-balanced diet. From heart, skin and eye health to a stronger immune system and more, organic eggs have a lot to offer.
Healthy Fat Content
Organic eggs have higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids than non-organic eggs. These fats are known to prevent chronic disease and reduce inflammation while assisting in brain function and growth. Omega-3s also play an important role in heart health and help to lower cholesterol. Furthermore, organic eggs have significantly less unhealthy cholesterol and saturated fat than non-organic eggs.
Loaded with Vitamins
The healthy diet and lifestyle of the hens also contribute to the high vitamin content of organic eggs. Vitamin A, beta-carotene and vitamin E are abundant in organic eggs. Vitamin A helps to maintain healthy skin, hair and eyes, and more importantly, gives a boost to the immune system. Beta-carotene and vitamin E are both antioxidants which can prevent chronic disease and maintain healthy red blood cells.
Adding Organic Eggs to Your Diet
While organic eggs certainly add significant nutritional value to your diet, it’s important to realize what is missing; namely, antibiotics, synthetic hormones, pesticides and other chemicals. Many people feel organic eggs even have an improved taste, which combined with their stellar nutritional content, makes organic eggs a smart addition to your diet.