Short answer
Eggs are an excellent source of vital nutrients. In moderation (doctors recommend no more than 3 whole eggs daily), they are among the healthiest foods one can consume. It is important, however, to know the difference between cage-raised and farm-raised eggs.
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Overall beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B' may have some harmful qualities to pay attention to.
View Full Grading System
Category 'A'
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Side effects are rare. Things rated an 'A+' are typically necessary for survival (for example, water).
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. A few harmful qualities may be associated, but only under certain circumstances such as an allergic reaction.
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Harmful qualities may be associated, but aren't usually serious.
It is important to note that even the best things in life can become bad in immoderate amounts. So, although something may be rated an 'A+', overconsumption/overdoing can bring unwanted effects.
Category 'B'
Very beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B+' may have a few harmful qualities to pay attention to.
Overall beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B' may have some harmful qualities to pay attention to.
More beneficial to your health than not. However, harmful qualities are most likely associated and shouldn't be overlooked.
The main difference between category 'A' and category 'B' is the harmful qualities typically present in 'B' items. Serious side effects are usually uncommon, but are still possible and should be taken note of.
Category 'C'
Both beneficial and harmful qualities associated. Things rated a 'C+' are typically a bit more on the beneficial side. Still, moderation is important.
A fairly even ratio of beneficial and harmful qualities. Moderation is important. Very general topics that can lean towards both sides of the spectrum will be placed here as well. Rice, for example, can be good or bad depending on the type.
More harmful than beneficial. Side effects are common, especially when consumed/done excessively. Moderation is very important.
Category 'C' usually denotes to both good and bad qualities. When it comes to this category, it is important to keep this word in mind: moderation.
Category 'D'
Harmful to your health. Although benefits may be associated, the bad most likely outweighs the good. Moderation is very important.
Harmful to your health. A few benefits may be associated, but the bad outweighs the good. Moderation is extremely important.
Harmful to your health. Very few, if any, benefits are present. Things in this category should be avoided as much as possible.
Category 'D' is typically for things that are more harmful than beneficial. While consuming/doing something unhealthy once in a blue moon shouldn't hurt, we definitely recommend eliminating 'D' items as a regular part of your routine/diet.
Category 'F'
Category 'F' is for things that fail to bring anything beneficial to the table, and are very harmful to your health. We recommend completely avoiding anything in this category. Long-term side effects of 'F' items are usually very serious.
Category 'N'
'N' stands for neutral. Things placed into this category are generally (a) neither good nor bad for you, or (b) lack the necessary evidence to reach any conclusions.
Long answer
Among the several benefits people can get from eating eggs there is the fact that eggs are very satiating and high in protein. This means that by eating an egg for breakfast, a person feels full, needing to eat less throughout the day (which keeps calorie count in check) all the while having enough energy to go about the day's tasks. In addition to this, eggs also contain lutein and zeaxanthin, which help prevent eye disorders such as cataracts and macular degeneration. Furthermore, eggs are rich in a host of vitamins and minerals, including choline, which studies have shown to be an important component in improving brain development and memory.
While all eggs are excellent sources of vitamins and minerals, there are some differences between eggs from hens that are allowed to roam freely and from those who are confined in cages. Farm-raised hens, which produce pasteurized eggs or "free-range" eggs are hens that are allowed to get their own food, a natural diet consisting of seeds, insects, and the like. Eggs from cage-raised hens are often treated with vitamins and minerals, but also antibiotics and hormones. Why is this bad? Bacteria found inside of hens can eventually become immune to the antibiotics used. If we then consume this resistant bacteria and become ill, antibiotics won't kill them off and we may remain ill for longer than expected. Hormones, on the other hand, have been shown to increase the risk for cancer, however, research is still underway and a final conclusion has yet to be reached.
Another factor to consider is that free-range eggs contain a higher amount of nutrients. Compared with caged eggs, free-range eggs have 2/3 more vitamin A, triple the amount of vitamin E, between four and six times as much vitamin D, a full seven times more beta-carotene, and twice as much omega-3 fatty acids.
And if you are worried about high amounts of cholesterol found in the egg yolk, this article will be good news for you.
Possible short-term side effects
Possible long-term side effects
- decreased immunity (cage-raised)
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weight gain
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inflammation
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heart disease
Ingredients to be aware of
Benefits
- satiating
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great source of protein
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increases "good" cholesterol
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promotes brain health
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lowers triglycerides
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promotes heart health
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promotes eye health
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may reduce risk of stroke
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increases energy
Our Wellness Pick
(what is this?)
Amazon Fresh Cage-Free Eggs
- Cage-free hens
- Grade AA quality
- 6-count pack
- Consistent freshness
- Flexible packaging
Learn More!
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Thank you for your feedback!
Written by Kathan Natrajan
Published on: 12-27-2015
Last updated: 12-15-2023
Thank you for your feedback!
Written by Kathan Natrajan
Published on: 12-27-2015
Last updated: 12-15-2023
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