Are pastured free range eggs better for you?
The proof is there in black and white, pastured eggs pack a more powerful nutritional punch than any egg produced in an intensive system.
A Cambridge University study compared eggs produced by hens that had access to forage legumes or mixed grasses to caged hen eggs and the results are very impressive. Such evidence only highlights that fact that we should consume foods produced naturally and with as little interference as possible.
Compared to eggs from caged hens, pastured hen eggs had twice as much vitamin E and long-chain omega-3 fats, 2.5 fold more total omega-3 fatty acids, and less than half the ratio of omega-6:omega-3 fatty acids.
There is something else you should know about hens that are able to graze on pasture. Making pasture available requires sound management, low stocking rates and sustainable farming practices. Overcrowded, industrial free range production cannot deliver pastured eggs because the massive stocking rates mean that yards are denuded in no time by the high concentration of hens. 10,000 hens per hectare means no pasture and none of the nutritional benefits of genuine pastured free range eggs!
The egg producer needs to understand the nutritional needs of the hens and be aware of the influence of their farming practices on the flavour, colour and nutritional value of their eggs. You can learn more about what to feed hens here ...
So how do you like your eggs? I will have mine pastured please!
How do you know if your eggs are from pastured hens? Ask for PROOF
You will find the Cambridge University study here
A Cambridge University study compared eggs produced by hens that had access to forage legumes or mixed grasses to caged hen eggs and the results are very impressive. Such evidence only highlights that fact that we should consume foods produced naturally and with as little interference as possible.
Compared to eggs from caged hens, pastured hen eggs had twice as much vitamin E and long-chain omega-3 fats, 2.5 fold more total omega-3 fatty acids, and less than half the ratio of omega-6:omega-3 fatty acids.
There is something else you should know about hens that are able to graze on pasture. Making pasture available requires sound management, low stocking rates and sustainable farming practices. Overcrowded, industrial free range production cannot deliver pastured eggs because the massive stocking rates mean that yards are denuded in no time by the high concentration of hens. 10,000 hens per hectare means no pasture and none of the nutritional benefits of genuine pastured free range eggs!
The egg producer needs to understand the nutritional needs of the hens and be aware of the influence of their farming practices on the flavour, colour and nutritional value of their eggs. You can learn more about what to feed hens here ...
So how do you like your eggs? I will have mine pastured please!
How do you know if your eggs are from pastured hens? Ask for PROOF
You will find the Cambridge University study here
