3.9.2009 10:17 AM

Eggs From Free-Range, Pasture-Raised Chickens Are More Nutritious

Look for nutritious naturally raised eggs -- but beware misleading labels on egg cartons.
Also see The Real Foods Diet: Healthy Recipes For Superfoods

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30 Days to Green Your Diet - Look for cage free eggs.

Photo: Istock

By Dan Shapley

A new analysis shows that free-range chickens raised on pasture produce eggs with as much as six times as much as the hot nutrient of the moment, Vitamin D, according to Mother Earth News, which performed the nutritional testing.

This is on top of previous research by the magazine, which showed that the pasture-raised chickens produce eggs with:

1/3 less cholesterol
1/4 less saturated fat
2/3 more vitamin A
Two times more omega-3 fatty acids
Three times more vitamin E
Seven times more beta carotene

Read the full report, More Great News About Free-range Eggs.

But be careful. Free-range egg labels are notoriously misleading because the laws governing the use of the phrase are very slippery. Eggs can be labeled "free range" even if a door no chicken uses is left open a certain number of hours per day, and even if that door opens onto a dirt or concrete expanse. Look for true pasture-raised chickens -- or ask your local farmer or backyard chicken enthusiast if her chickens can peck around at will in nature.

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