The Egg Controversy - October 2011

By Lisa Kilgour

Eggs seem simple enough. For centuries they have been seen as a gift of health, a nutrient-packed superstar. High in folate, vitamin B12, lutein, vitamin D, A, zinc, choline, and many other important nutrients, eggs have been a staple in many healthy diets.??

Over the past few decades, eggs have moved onto the “do not eat” list due to the cholesterol found in their yolks. An article written in November 2010 in the Toronto Star warns; “Eggs have more cholesterol than the KFC Double Down”. I find it very frustrating when articles like this are published and confuse us about what is healthy and what is not.?

It’s easy to read that article and think eggs are unhealthy. We all know the KFC Double Down is not a healthy choice, and they're being compared to eggs, so are eggs an equally unhealthy choice???

We can’t compare two foods by just one nutrient. But, if we only look at these foods by their risk to increase heart disease, eggs are definitely much healthier. The trans-fat-laden KFC Double Down will raise cholesterol levels and increase your risk of heart disease, while eggs have been shown by the Harvard School of Health to reduce the risk of heart disease and level of blood cholesterol. Eggs can’t be judged by their cholesterol content alone!??

Eggs are a healthy part of our diet, especially with the yolk, but all eggs aren’t created equally. We agree that free-range and free-run chickens are healthier and less stressed than their caged counterpart, and they are nutritionally superior to conventionally farmed eggs. But what is the difference between free-range and free-run???

When we think of chickens, we want to think of them running around outside, enjoying the fresh air, and eating their natural diet of grass, bugs, and plants. These are free-range chickens. You will find the yolks of free-range eggs are more orange, and this is from their "closer to natural" diet. Free-run is a modified form of free-range. This is why free-run eggs tend to cost a bit less than free-range, and their yolks will be more yellow. These chickens are raised in large barns and are able to run around. Many will have an allotted time to spend outside, but will be eating more chicken feed than their natural grassy diet.??

Where is the best place to buy eggs? Directly from the farmer of course! When we buy directly from the farmer we can be sure the chickens laying our eggs are running around happily and eating their natural diet. We can also ask the farmer if any antibiotics or growth hormone have been used. And best of all, we’re supporting local farming, which is always a good thing to do.??

Lisa's Bio: Lisa Kilgour, Registered Holistic Nutritionist, lives and works in Peachland and proudly practices from her office at the Peachland Fitness Centre. To take control of your health and find the balanced diet that helps you feel your best, visit EatMoreRealFood.com or call 250.869.9434. - Lisa Kilgour Website - Email