Free-Range Eggs - Are They A Healthier Alternative?

We hear the terms "free-range" and "cage-free" at grocery stores quite often these days. It is used in connection with eggs, one of the most popular poultry products. A person hearing the terms uttered for the first time wonders what they imply and why the sudden need for gradation after so many years.This categorization of eggs is based on the conditions in which chickens are raised. The living conditions determine essential egg characteristics such as shell hardness, the color of the yolk, the flavor and its nutritional value. It has become important to keep a tab on the nutritional value of foods we eat in order to prevent serious lifestyle issues such as weight gain.So, here's explaining the difference between free-range eggs and cage-free eggs. Also, find out which is a healthier alternative of the two.

Source:kidspot.com.au

What do we mean by free-range?There is a subtle difference between the two egg varieties. As the name suggests, a free-range bird is a bird that is allowed to roam free; it is not raised in a cage or enclosure. Thus, it has access to organic foods such as greens, bugs, worms and fresh grass in addition to grains. Cage-free birds are also not caged; they are allowed to roam but only within their confines. These chickens are raised in a barn or an enclosed chicken coop. They only feed on grain mixture.Free-range eggs are of a superior variety and are healthier owing to their nutritious diet. They have:·  Harder shells - A harder shell protects and prevents evaporation of the contents. It also prevents content contamination by external toxins. It reduces the chances of breakage.
·  Deeper Color - The yolk has a dark yellow color; some yolks have an orange tinge. The deep color is because of the beta-carotene present in greens. A bright yellow yolk means higher nutritional value.
·  Higher nutritional value - Free-range eggs have a higher nutritional value first because of their nutritious diet and second because of adequate exposure to light and air. Chickens require minimum 15 hours of light exposure to lay an egg every 28-36 hours. As they roam in the open, their body gets exercised thereby improving blood circulation.
·  Flavor/ taste - There is marked difference in the taste of free-range eggs and cage-free eggs. In case of the first variety chickens eat grain feed in along worms, greens and bugs. Hence, these eggs have a better taste.Buying free-range eggsFree-range eggs are more expensive than the traditional variety. Given, the popularity of free-range eggs, there are chances of abuse. The best place to buy them is a small farm or a farmer's market. You can also raise chickens if you have sufficient space. However, it is tedious job. Raising chickens also requires a lot of commitment.
Thus, when it comes to the truth about fat burning foods, eggs do help lose weight by building lean muscle mass and suppressing appetite. What matters is the variety of eggs you eat.
Author:Shalini Mittal