I know that this debate can go on forever, but that's not what I'm really concerned about.
I really just wanted to get your attention! The real question is; are you buying the best and healthiest eggs? You may think you're buying the best eggs, but possibly not.
So as with any "hot" or controversial topic, I am going to present the facts and let YOU decide what is best for you and your family! What's so important about an egg, anyways? Well, for starters they not only contain protein, but vitamins D, B12 and B5 as well as iodine, selenium and phosphorus.
One of the biggest problems with choosing which eggs to buy is that there are so many choices.
The most readily available eggs are conventional eggs you can buy at most supermarkets and discount stores.
The hens that lay these eggs are from egg factories with several hens to one cage.
Because they are in such close quarters, illness is easily transmitted.
To prevent this, their feed (most likely genetically modified) is often heavily loaded with antibiotics.
Hormones are often added as well, to increase egg production.
These eggs are usually lighter in color and less nutritious.
Because they travel greater distances, these eggs are usually older and less tasty by the time you buy them.
Cage Free Eggs sound like they would be a better solution.
An image of chickens roaming around a large farm is nice, but far from reality.
These hens may not be locked in cages, but they ARE usually locked up in overcrowded henhouses.
Space is so limited that there may not be room for them to move around, so they stand and lay eggs in their own and other hens waste.
Antibiotics are often added to their feed as well, to prevent infections from spreading.
Genetically Modified corn feed may also be used.
The nutritional value of cage free eggs is about the same as conventional eggs.
Now we get to Free Range Eggs.
Surely hens allowed to roam freely will have better eggs, right? Not really.
They often live in crowded henhouses similar to cage free hens, but they get a ramp leading outside, which many never get to use.
So you can probably guess that there is not much difference between these eggs and conventional or cage free eggs.
Organic Eggs must be the way to go, right? I thought so too, but that's not completely true.
The only difference between conventional, free range, cage free and organic eggs is that the chickens must not be fed any food with pesticides, antibiotics or hormones.
The chickens may still produce their eggs in overcrowded henhouses or cages.
So although you may be eating organic eggs, the way the eggs are produced may not be that much healthier than conventional, free range or cage free eggs.
The benefit of organic eggs is that they are not fed genetically modified grains, but rather organic grains.
I also like when products say NO Genetically Modified Organisms in this product.
By now you are probably wondering-if eggs can be so good for you, but have so many concerns, what are you supposed to do? As with most produce, the solution is to buy organic locally.
This helps ensure you get the freshest, tastiest and healthiest eggs.
I've had the pleasure of eating fresh farm eggs and can tell you the taste is so incredibly good and so different from mass marketed eggs.
For instance, the yolks are firm and bright golden yellow, not soft and pale.
It's easy to find out where the local fresh farms in your area are by clicking on LocalHarvest and typing in your zip code.
I know that there's not going to be a local farm near every person, so make the best, informed choice for you and your family when buying your eggs.
It's good to remember raw, organic fermented probiotic liquids and powders can also help you detoxify from the "not so easy " choices in WHATEVER foods you eat.
So once again, do your research, stay informed and be your own warrior.
It's up to you to figure out and decide what is best for you and your family! Eat Well.
Be Well, Buy Well