Eggs & Cholesterol

There was a time when some scientists assumed that the amount of cholesterol you ate directly affected your blood cholesterol levels. More recent research consistently shows that there is little correlation between the cholesterol you eat and the amount of cholesterol in your blood. That's good news because eggs are an amazing source of protein—probably the most perfect source of protein on the planet. Whole eggs also contain inflammation-fighting choline, eye-protecting antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin, and brain-powering vitamin B12.

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Arsenic, Antibiotics & Bacteria

Unfortunately, many egg operations routinely add arsenic and antibiotics to their chicken feed to promote growth and hens confined to cages have a higher chance of producing eggs that harbor salmonella bacteria. The terms on egg carton labels can be confusing so here are some tips for making good choices.

Our Standards

Buffaloberries™ uses USDA AA grade eggs that are labeled USDA certified organic (outdoor access, not confined to battery cages, fed certified organic feed free of arsenic, antibiotics, pesticides, animal byproducts and GMOs), all vegetarian fed, and American Humane Certified.

Carton De-Coding Tips

The terms listed below are commonly found on egg carton labels. Knowing what they mean can help you select the healthiest eggs for you and your family. Here are some term explanations adapted from Rodale News and The Humane Society of the United States.

Natural

The term "natural" is totally unregulated and means nothing. It's just a marketing term.

USDA Certified Organic

Hens have access to outdoors, not confined to battery cages, fed certified organic feed free of arsenic, antibiotics, pesticides, animal byproducts and GMOs (genetically modified organisms).

Free Range/Roaming

The terms "free range/roaming" are not verifed by third party audit and should not be trusted.

Pastured

Hen housing is regularly moved to ensure fresh pasture and bugs, a true natural diet that produces eggs with twice the amount of beneficial Omega3 fats.

Cage-Free

Hens are housed uncaged in barns but typically don't have access to the outdoors.

All Vegetarian Fed

Hens are not fed animal byproducts or arsenic.

Omega3 Enriched

Flaxseed, fish oil, or algae is added to feed to increase Omega3 fats but not necessarily the components of Omega3 fats that are most beneficial to the human body (EPA & DHA). Pastured hens naturally have much higher levels of EPA & DHA.

United Egg Producers (UEP) Certified

Most US egg producers carry this 3rd party certification that regulates beak trimming processes but does nothing to discourage the use of arsenic or antibiotics. Hens are also allowed to be kept in severely restrictive and barren cages.

American Humane Certified

Allows for both cage-confined and cage-free operations but prohibits forced molting. Beak trimming is allowed.

Animal Welfare Approved

The gold standard for humane treatment. Hens must be cage free with continuous access to the outdoors and must be allowed to perform natural behaviors like nesting, perching, dust bathing, and molting. Hens treated with antibiotics for disease cannot return to egg laying operations until a antibiotic withdrawal period has been completed.

Super

  • 6g protein in every egg!
  • Brain-powering vitamin B12
  • Eye-protecting antioxidants (lutein and zeaxanthin)
  • Anti-inflammatory choline

Good

  • Versatility! So many ways to prepare and serve eggs!

Caution

  • Diabetics and people with familial hypercholesterolemia, a rare genetic disorder, should follow their doctor's advice on egg consumption
  • People on high sugar or high carb diets should limit egg consumption

Nutrition information for Buffaloberries™ proprietary recipes is compiled from data supplied by ingredient and food manufacturers and/or the USDA National Nutrient Database. Slight variations may occur due to small differences in portion control, occasional substitute or seasonal ingredients, alternate suppliers and/or rounding of decimals.

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