Nutrition

This is an interesting issue that has possibly incorrectly implicated eggs. In February 2011, USDA data revealed that eggs actually have 14% lower cholesterol than previously recorded – the new reported level is 185 mg per large egg.

There are two kinds of cholesterol: blood serum and dietary. Blood cholesterol is naturally occurring and can increase the risk of heart disease. Dietary cholesterol comes from the food we eat, like meat, eggs, dairy, and seafood. Our bodies do not automatically convert dietary cholesterol to blood cholesterol. Research shows that dietary cholesterol does not significantly increase blood cholesterol levels in most people. Saturated fats seem to be a bigger culprit. Studies published in an American Heart Association journal showed that 20 healthy young men and 13 healthy young women with normal blood cholesterol levels were able to consume up to two eggs per day while on a low-fat diet without significantly raising their blood cholesterol levels. The outcome of this study suggests that an egg or two daily may be acceptable for people with normal blood cholesterol levels. (Courtesy of the American Egg Board)

While egg whites are a great source of protein, riboflavin, and selenium (a powerful antioxidant), the yolk contains nearly half of the egg’s protein and most of its nutrients. Eggs yolks have healthy Omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins B, D, and E, as well as carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin, which are also found in orange and leafy green vegetables. These vitamins and minerals have been shown to improve eye heath and protect against inflammation if they’re eaten with fats, which help the body absorb them. When you eat the whole egg, you’re getting it all.

The color of the shell doesn’t determine the nutrition content of an egg. That being said, not all eggs have the same nutrient content. Oakdell’s Omega-3 Brown Eggs come from chickens that enjoy a special diet with added vitamin D and E, flaxseed for Omega-3s, and a marine product for DHA, which is one of the most important Omegas. And Oakdell’s Organic Brown Eggs come from cage free hens that eat a special certified organic feed, so you can rest assured you’re not getting any pesticides or added hormones. In fact, federal regulations prohibit the use of hormones in the production of all shell eggs.

The ratio of nutrients to calories that a food supplies when eaten. Foods that supply significant amounts of one or more nutrients compared to the number of calories they supply are called nutrient dense. Nutrient dense foods help you get important nutrients without excess calories.

Eggs have a high nutrient density because they provide a number of nutrients in proportion to their calorie count. One egg has 13 essential vitamins and minerals in varying amounts, high-quality protein, and antioxidants, all for 70 calories. Eggs are an excellent source of choline and selenium, and a good source of high quality protein, vitamin B12, phosphorus and riboflavin.

The Omega-3 fatty acids found naturally in fish and seafood are considered essential components of the diet because your body can’t make them from the foods you eat. Shell eggs also contain some naturally occurring Omega-3 fatty acids, on average about 30 mg per egg. Oakdell Egg Farms Omega-3 brown eggs come from cage free hens that enjoy a special diet with added Vitamins D and E, flaxseed for Omega-3s, and a marine product for DHA. Our Omega-3 brown eggs have 300 mg or more of total Omega-3 fatty acids. Foods containing Omega-3, particularly DHA, have been found to support brain, eye, and cardiovascular health in all stages of life.