DVD!
Superior Nutrition Comes from Humanely Raised Animals!
We went to great lengths to get farm fresh eggs this week, driving quite a distance to a farmers market. We buy nothing but pasture raised eggs these days, and often buy extra cartons for fear of running out.
Today, I came across an interesting study by Mother Earth News. They said to share the information far and wide, so here it is:
LATEST RESULTS: New test results show that pastured egg producers are kicking the commercial industry’s derriere when it comes to vitamin D! Eggs from hens raised on pasture show 4 to 6 times as much vitamin D as typical supermarket eggs. Learn more: Eggciting News!!!
RESULTS FROM OUR PREVIOUS STUDY: Eggs from hens allowed to peck on pasture are a heck of a lot better than those from chickens raised in cages! Most of the eggs currently sold in supermarkets are nutritionally inferior to eggs produced by hens raised on pasture. That’s the conclusion we have reached following completion of the 2007 Mother Earth News egg testing project. Our testing has found that, compared to official U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) nutrient data for commercial eggs, eggs from hens raised on pasture may contain:
• 1/3 less cholesterol
• 1/4 less saturated fat
• 2/3 more vitamin A
• 2 times more omega-3 fatty acids
• 3 times more vitamin E
• 7 times more beta carotene
See link to full article, below
according to a study conducted by Mother Earth News
The hens in the top photograph are on Licking Creek Bend Farm in Needmore, PA. They were locked in the coop during a farm open house and tour this past spring. By the way, I have seen hens pecking and eating bugs and worms, and they are voracious eaters. It is easy to see how they suffer nutritionally, when you realize how rich their diet is in protein from insects and worms. Conventional egg producers that brag about their vegetarian feed on their egg cartons are missing the whole point. Chickens are not natural vegetarians! Contemporary soy feed also adds estrogens to the eggs they produce, according to the author of The Whole Soy Story, nutritionist, Dr. Kaayla Daniel, which certainly should give us pause. Check out her website www.wholesoystory.com.
I have discovered that mistreating our farm animals, results in destroying the nutrients in our food, thus compromising our health. If there were no consequences to cruelty, what would help us to correct the errors of our ways?
Love your blog, by the way. What a great, centralized resource for all real food and local farm info.
One Comment
Hi Kimberly,
I couldn’t agree with you more and it’s great to see people becoming more aware of where their food comes from.
It’s also wonderful to see people interested in raising their own chickens again. They are really rather low maintenance and, besides delicious eggs, provide excellent fertilizer, bug control, weed control, and let’s not forget amusement!
I have a small flock that free ranges over about half an acre of my property. But even the smallest backyard can fit a couple of hens.
I provide grains to my hens too, and was thrilled to find this company that makes soy-free feed for our farm animals:
http://countrysidenatural.com/home.php
Let’s support these kinds of companies whenever we can!
I have a neighbor that raises chickens on the usual commercial feed in a space that no longer has grass. My eggs put his to shame – bright yellow yolks, firm whites, and just incredible taste! So although his hens have space to roam around, they still taste and look like commercial eggs.
So let’s all make an effort to buy eggs from pastured hens (or raise them yourself). The sooner we get factory farms out of business – the better for the animals and our own health!
Chickens in such conditions live in cramped cages the size of a standard piece of paper for their entire lives. These affectionate, curious little beings deserve much much better.
Wishing everyone the best of health!
Melissa
.-= Melissa Makris´s last blog ..Nov 4, Body pH Balance – Here’s How to Bring it Back =-.