What Are the Benefits of Eating Organic Eggs?
In a world full of overly processed and junky foods, it can be hard to eat healthy every day. When fast food is so cheap and convenient, it can be difficult to justify the often higher price of foods that say “USDA Organic” on the label. So what do you do if you’re trying to make healthier food choices on a budget?
A lot of health conscious adults are beginning to make the switch to eating more organic foods as they become more readily available and lower priced, and one of those wallet-friendly organic foods is—you’ve guessed it—eggs!
But what does “organic” really mean? Noah’s Pride is here to egg-lighten you about why our organic eggs are some of the best around.
What Does Organic Mean for Eggs?
To be considered 100 percent USDA organic, eggs and the chickens that they come from, must meet a variety of standards. First and foremost, the feed the chickens eat must be 100 percent vegetarian diet feed. This means no non-organic feeds or any containing herbicides, fertilizers, etc. The chickens can also not be exposed to pesticides or fertilizers, and cannot be injected with growth hormones.
Another organic standard is the overall health of the chickens needs to be good. Farmers must provide sufficient vitamins and minerals for the flock, have appropriate housing and sanitation regulations, promote decent animal welfare with the opportunity to exercise, and not withhold medical treatment for a sick bird. Eggs also need to be washed and cleaned with only approved ingredients.
More Omega-3 Fatty Acid
Now that you have a better understanding of what organic means, you’re probably curious as to why everyone is making the switch to organic eggs. While there are multiple benefits of organic eggs, one of the main reasons is simple—they’re healthier for both you and the chickens.
In a study from Penn State University, research showed that eggs from organic egg producers had twice as much omega-3 fatty acids, and much higher percentages of vitamins A and E. Omega-3’s are necessary fats your body needs, but they also help fight rheumatoid arthritis, depression, Alzheimer’s, and more. It just goes to show how much of an eggs-cellent difference it can make when you have happier, healthier chickens.
Lower Chance of Salmonella
Speaking of happier chickens, birds tend to be much healthier when they are free-range and get plenty of exercise. Just like people, a balanced diet with proper exercise and socializing will make chickens much healthier. So when large flocks of 30,000 birds or more are shoved into tiny cages that make sanitation more difficult, it’s no wonder that the free-range chickens have much less salmonella.
Here at Noah’s Pride, our eggs are produced in a state-of-the-art facility that allows for the cleanest and healthiest living situations for our birds. We have both cage-free and free-range birds that are free to spread their wings and roam around, keeping bacteria like salmonella to a minimum.
Supporting Better Animal Treatment
Allowing for chickens to roam free not only keeps bacteria and disease risks low, but it also supports better animal welfare. Most organic egg producers understand the importance of having a healthier flock and care about the treatment of the animals—and we think that’s something to crow about! It may not seem like a lot, but just by taking care of your birds, they’ll produce better and tastier eggs for you and your family.
At Noah’s Pride, We Care About Our Hens, and We Care About Your Food!
For the last 275 years, Noah’s Pride has proudly raised farm-fresh eggs within Lancaster County. Our rich family farming culture and heritage has given us the opportunity to bring fresh, organic eggs right from our family farm to your table. For more information on our USDA organic eggs or if you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.
