May is National Egg Month
HEALTHY LIVING
May 4, 2013
By: JENNIFER MILANESE
First let’s deal with the issue of cholesterol. The large amount of cholesterol in eggs has made many health-conscious individuals shy away from the breakfast staple. But, according to the Mayo Clinic, moderation is the key. Eating one egg a day has not been shown to increase heart disease in otherwise healthy individuals.
Second, let’s talk about nutrition. An egg’s yolk contains antioxidants, vitamins, and heart-healthy fatty acids like omega-3s. The egg whites contain nearly half of the egg’s minerals and proteins. Since egg yolks contain all of an egg’s fat, eating more egg whites is a good option for those watching their weight. But don’t nix the yolks completely. Yolks are a good source of folate and vitamins A and D.
Eggs are also a recommended food for pregnant women. Eggs contain a nutrient called choline, which helps with fetal brain development. Eggs also contain a type of iron that is absorbed well which is good for pregnant women who suffer anemia.
And there is the protein issue. Eggs contain about 6 grams of protein, which is roughly 12 percent of the daily recommended value. Proteins are not only essential to keeping our bodies running well, but also help keep us feeling full longer which helps with weight management. Eggs are a great breakfast choice because they fill you up and provide many nutrients.
Eggs when eaten in moderation can be a part of a healthy diet. But how do you go about choosing eggs? There are dozens of labels and stamps on egg packaging that may confuse consumers. Here is a quick run-down of some of the most common labels:
USDA Organic – the hens must be cage-free, fed on organic pasture for 120 days of the year and organic vegetarian feed the rest of the year, and cannot be given antibiotics to qualify for this stamp
Cage free – This means the hens are not caged and have access to food and water at all times. It does not, however, mean they have access to outdoors. Many cage free facilities are in barns and warehouses and the birds are never allowed outside.
Free range – Hens are uncaged and have some access to the outdoors. There are no standards set for free range egg production so the amount of time spent outdoors as well as the quality of food is not indicated by this label.
Certified Humane ®– These birds are uncaged, but access to the outdoors is not required. The hens must be allowed to participate in normal behaviors like nesting. The amount of hens in an area is also monitored to prevent overcrowded conditions.
Vegetarian-fed – These eggs come from hens fed a diet free of animal byproducts. The label does not, however, give any indication on the treatment or living conditions of the birds.
Hopefully knowing a little more about the labels on the egg packages will make buying eggs a little easier the next time you go to the grocery store.
Source: http://www.examiner.com/article/may-is-national-egg-month-1
Examiner.com
Posted: May 4, 2013 by Certified Humane
May is National Egg Month
HEALTHY LIVING
May 4, 2013
By: JENNIFER MILANESE
First let’s deal with the issue of cholesterol. The large amount of cholesterol in eggs has made many health-conscious individuals shy away from the breakfast staple. But, according to the Mayo Clinic, moderation is the key. Eating one egg a day has not been shown to increase heart disease in otherwise healthy individuals.
Second, let’s talk about nutrition. An egg’s yolk contains antioxidants, vitamins, and heart-healthy fatty acids like omega-3s. The egg whites contain nearly half of the egg’s minerals and proteins. Since egg yolks contain all of an egg’s fat, eating more egg whites is a good option for those watching their weight. But don’t nix the yolks completely. Yolks are a good source of folate and vitamins A and D.
Eggs are also a recommended food for pregnant women. Eggs contain a nutrient called choline, which helps with fetal brain development. Eggs also contain a type of iron that is absorbed well which is good for pregnant women who suffer anemia.
And there is the protein issue. Eggs contain about 6 grams of protein, which is roughly 12 percent of the daily recommended value. Proteins are not only essential to keeping our bodies running well, but also help keep us feeling full longer which helps with weight management. Eggs are a great breakfast choice because they fill you up and provide many nutrients.
Eggs when eaten in moderation can be a part of a healthy diet. But how do you go about choosing eggs? There are dozens of labels and stamps on egg packaging that may confuse consumers. Here is a quick run-down of some of the most common labels:
USDA Organic – the hens must be cage-free, fed on organic pasture for 120 days of the year and organic vegetarian feed the rest of the year, and cannot be given antibiotics to qualify for this stamp
Cage free – This means the hens are not caged and have access to food and water at all times. It does not, however, mean they have access to outdoors. Many cage free facilities are in barns and warehouses and the birds are never allowed outside.
Free range – Hens are uncaged and have some access to the outdoors. There are no standards set for free range egg production so the amount of time spent outdoors as well as the quality of food is not indicated by this label.
Certified Humane ®– These birds are uncaged, but access to the outdoors is not required. The hens must be allowed to participate in normal behaviors like nesting. The amount of hens in an area is also monitored to prevent overcrowded conditions.
Vegetarian-fed – These eggs come from hens fed a diet free of animal byproducts. The label does not, however, give any indication on the treatment or living conditions of the birds.
Hopefully knowing a little more about the labels on the egg packages will make buying eggs a little easier the next time you go to the grocery store.
Source: http://www.examiner.com/article/may-is-national-egg-month-1
Category: news