Eggs Q&A

Two common myths about eggs have been recently answered by Lori Bongiorno, author of the book Green Greener Greenest: A Practical Guide to Making Eco-smart Choices a Part of Your Life.

Here they are. We hope it helps clarify some of your questions!

"Myth: Organic eggs are healthier.  

Fact: They certainly can be, but it all depends on the chicken’s diet. Organic eggs come from hens that are fed a 100-percent organic diet. However, what really matters when it comes to nutrition is whether the hens were raised on pasture. Studies, such as those conducted at Penn State University and by Mother Earth News, found that eggs from chickens that ate grass and insects contained higher levels of omega-3 fat, and vitamins E, A, and in some cases D.

If you want eggs from hens that are raised on pasture or spend a lot of time outdoors, then you’ll have to find a farmer you trust at your local farmer's market.

Myth: Egg substitutes are simply eggs (or egg whites) without the shells.

Fact:  Most products have added stabilizers, thickeners, vitamins, carotenes, and, sometimes, spices, according to Marion Nestle, author of What to Eat. She also points out that they cost about twice as much as real eggs. (A pound of egg substitutes weighs slightly less than a dozen small eggs.)  

Of course, if you can’t eat egg yolks for health reasons or have no use for them, egg substitutes are a good option, and most products only have a tiny percentage of additives. Just read the labels before buying."

Source: Environmental journalist Lori Bongiorno shares green-living tips and product reviews with Yahoo! Green's users.