In this podcast, we’ll examine all of the different types of chicken eggs available in the store. The different labels and classifications can be confusing.
Around 65% of all chickens used for laying chicken eggs are in cages. Caged chickens are required to get at least 67 square inches of space, which is a little over 8 x 8 inches. New California caged chickens get a few more inches but not even one square foot of space.
Cage-free chickens are not in a cage but are generally confined to a barn with many other chickens. Each chicken gets one square foot of space.
Free-range chickens get 2 square feet of space. They have free range in a barn and typically have access to the outdoors, but it’s unclear if they have access to outdoor grass or if the area is cement.
Pasture-raised chickens get 10 feet by 10 feet of outdoor space.
When chickens don’t get enough space, their cortisol and adrenaline levels increase. This is unhealthy for the chickens and causes them to produce less healthy chicken eggs.
When looking for chicken eggs at the store, terms like “natural,” “vegetarian-fed,” and different grades of chicken eggs mean nothing!
Conventional eggs come from chickens that are fed chicken feed made of corn and soy. This means their food is GMO, sprayed with chemicals, and very high in omega-6 fatty acids. The eggs are then much higher in omega-6 fatty acids. Foods high in omega-6 fatty acids affect the mitochondria, the nervous system, and the heart. They also create inflammation in the body.
If you can't raise backyard chickens and you can't get to a farmer’s market, look for organic pasture-raised eggs. It will be more expensive, but it's worth the investment in your health.