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Researchers compare why organic eggs are so much healthier
Only a few days left until Easter: in many German households, eggs are often served around the Christian feast. Both for animal and for nature conservation reasons are usually advised to organic goods. But organic eggs have another advantage: they are healthier than conventional ones, as German researchers have now established in a comparison.
No Easter without eggs
At Easter, eggs are traditionally booming. Although they still have a bad reputation for health, many experts no longer consider cholesterol in foods to be a health hazard. Eggs are valuable nutrients. In addition to protein and fat, it also contains minerals such as phosphorus, potassium, calcium and iron as well as vitamins A and B. Organic eggs are best used, as these are healthier than conventional products, according to German researchers.
If you like eggs, you should use biological goods best. This is advisable for both natural and animal welfare reasons. In addition, organic eggs are healthier, as German researchers now report. (Image: motorolka / fotolia.com) Organic eggs with health benefits
Out of concern about the bird flu or a salmonella load some Germans do without eggs. When properly prepared, however, the potential risks are largely eliminated.
Eg eggs in boiling water should be boiled completely to avoid health hazards when blowing eggs out.
Eggs are best stored in the egg compartment of the refrigerator - with the tip end down, then they last longer.
For animal and nature conservation reasons, it is best to buy organic eggs. These also have a health benefit, as scientists from the University of Hohenheim report.
Better aroma and healthier
According to Prof. Dr. med. Michael Grashorn from the Institute of Animal Sciences at the University of Hohenheim have organic eggs a better flavor and are slightly healthier.
A comparison of poultry scientists of organic eggs with eggs from the ground husbandry showed that the spillage of organic laying hens in the countryside brings more variety in their diet.
However, the supply of nutrients is slightly less favorable: In organic eggs, the yolk content decreases and the germ burden increases, according to a statement.
The more balanced diet makes it
As with humans: the more balanced diet makes it. Since free-roaming organic chickens in the meadow more often pecking chamomile or other plants with essential oils, organic eggs have a better flavor and increased levels of omega-3 fatty acids due to the increased feeding of plant components.
In addition, the egg white of organic eggs often has a better consistency. It is firmer and gelatinous. "This is due to higher activities of the egg white enzymes and the stronger immune system of the organic laying hens", explained Prof. Dr. med. grass Horn.
However, free-range farming means that organic laying hens get less nutrients, especially the essential amino acids and the energy balance are lower. This reduces the yolk content.
"In general, however, the germ load is slightly higher," says the scientist. "More common infections of organic laying hens also cause the shell color of their eggs to be more variable. Eggs from conventional farming have a more uniform peel color. "
Germans prefer intense colored yolks
The yolk color of organic eggs is less intense. They are paler, more yellow. "That's because in organic farming, no synthetic dyes may be used as feed additives", explained Prof. Dr. med. grass Horn.
"In general, German consumers, especially in central to southern Germany, want more intense colored yolks," said the expert.
"Accordingly, these are also increasingly offered in the trade. Even the Dutch produce eggs with intensely orange-colored yolks, especially for the German market, while they prefer yellow yolks themselves. "
Thin egg shells not because of avian influenza
As it says in the message of the university, the egg shells are very thin this year. There are several reasons for this: feeding errors or inferior intake of calcium by older laying hens.
Fears that the thin shells might be related to avian influenza, Prof. Dr. med. However, it is true that the rhinoceros refutes rhinoceros: "It is true that viral diseases, such as the respiratory tract, disturb the formation of the shell and thin-skinned eggs are formed. However, the avian influenza H5N8 is not the reason for the increased occurrence of thin-skinned eggs. "
"The likelihood that eggs are bought from an infected farm" is, according to the scientist "extremely low. If such eggs were to be marketed, the number would be very small in relation to the total number of eggs and would not explain the widespread occurrence of thin-skinned eggs. ".
"In addition, an infection of humans with avian influenza on eggs has not been detected," said Prof. Dr. med. Grass horn. "The infection path of avian influenza passes through the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract." (Ad)