I believe in the importance of organic free-range eggs. They’re important on many levels because of their nutritional completeness AND because they don’t have the toxins in them that non-organic eggs do. Yes, there are many wonderful, healthy foods, each delivering antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals we need. Fruits, vegetables, nuts, and fish, for example, are foods that each provide some of the vital nutrients you need for a healthy body. I believe the egg, however, is one of nature’s most perfect and complete foods.

Being “free-range” is important. It means that the chickens are allowed to roam out in the fresh air and eat a natural diet. That natural diet keeps them away from most of the growth hormones and antibiotics that are fed to standard chickens which, in turn, puts those same toxins into regular eggs. When the free-range eggs are also ORGANIC, the toxicity levels are at an absolute minimum.

Organic free-range eggs are a perfect source of protein – at least 4 studies have shown that eggs are the #1 food source for protein. They’re also one of nature’s best sources of choline. Choline is essential for cardiovascular and brain function. And, according to Jonny Bowden, Ph.D., author of The 150 Healthiest Foods on Earth, egg yolks actually help prevent the accumulation of cholesterol and fat in the liver. This is, of course, the opposite of what many of us have been led to believe about egg yolks and cholesterol. (I, for one, have always thought that the nay-sayers about egg yolks were missing the boat!) One secret I use to optimize my health is to eat eggs soft-boiled or poached. This helps avoid oxidizing the cholesterol in the yolk.

Eggs contain all 9 essential amino acids. They’re rich in vitamin E and vitamin A. They have trace amounts of more than 156 vitamins and minerals. They contain selenium – a cancer-fighting trace mineral. They even contain lutein and zeaxanthin, which are considered to be “super nutrients” for eye health. And there’s so much more that’s healthy in this wonderful package of nutritional completeness. So, here’s to the egg — one of nature’s most perfect foods!