Organic Valley Frequently Asked Questions

Omega-3 Eggs FAQ

What are Organic Valley Omega-3 Eggs?

Organic Omega-3 Eggs are certified organic eggs which come from breeds of hens preferred for their genetic characteristics of producing quality rather than quantity of eggs, and disease resistance.  The diet of hens who produce Omega-3 eggs is supplemented with certified organic flaxseed, a rich source of Omega-3 fatty acids.

What makes Organic Valley Omega-3 Eggs organic?

The farmers who cooperatively own Organic Valley produce certified organic eggs using sustainable practices, without the use of antibiotics, synthetic hormones, or pesticides.

• The USDA organic standards are the strictest food production standards in the world.
• Certified organic farms are required to follow the strict production rules of the USDA's National Organic Standards www.ams.usda.gov/nop  and are regularly inspected by an independent third party for compliance.
• Organic hens are allowed access to the outdoors, and never kept in confinement cages, providing many benefits such as better quality of life for the animal, superior animal health, and greater nutritive value in food derived from the animal.  
• Our hens are fed only certified organic feed, grown on land not treated with synthetic fertilizers or pesticides for a minimum of three years.
• Organic animals must not be genetically modified and cannot be fed food from genetically modified sources.

What are the health benefits of eating Omega-3 eggs?

• Omega-3 eggs are a rich source of essential Omega-3 fatty acids, providing more than double the Omega-3 fatty acids available from regular organic eggs.
• Egg protein is the gold standard of protein in food, and eggs are nutritional powerhouses, containing almost every essential vitamin and mineral needed by humans. 
• Egg yolks are one of the few foods that naturally contain vitamin D.
• Some believe eating eggs raises levels of "bad"� cholesterol in the blood, but actually saturated fat is responsible, and eggs contain very little.
• Eggs contain the carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin, yellow/orange carotenoids that reduce risk of cataracts and age related macular degeneration, and are an excellent source of choline, essential for function of all cells in the human body.
• Eating at least 6 eggs/week may protect women from breast cancer, lowering risk of breast cancer by as much as 44%.

For more information on the health benefits of certified organic eggs, see the  Health and Nutrition links in the Organic Resources section.

Why is it important to include Omega-3 fatty acids in my diet?

Omega-3 fatty acids are essential to human health but cannot be manufactured by the body. Omega-3 fatty acids must be obtained from food. It is important to maintain an appropriate balance between Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids in the diet as these two work together to promote health. These fatty acids play a crucial role in brain function as well as normal growth and development. The ideal ratio of Omega-3 to Omega-6 from diet is 1:3. The diets of most Americans are believed to be more like 1:20, because they contain excessive levels of Omega-6 fatty acids, and too little Omega-3 fatty acids.  Therefore it is critical to include sources of Omega-3 fatty acids such as Organic Valley Omega-3 Eggs, flaxseed, fish such as salmon, trout and tuna, whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, olive oil, and garlic in your diet.

How many Omega-3 enriched eggs should a person eat?

The amount of Omega-3 enriched eggs a person should eat depends on age and diet, so consult your nutritionist or doctor for exact information. Each Organic Valley Omega-3 egg will provide approximately 25% of the recommended daily allowance of omega-3 fatty acids for the average adult (ages 25-49, 1500 mg total per day). (Source: Health Canada)(The USDA has not yet established a recommendation)

How does the nutritional value of an Omega-3 egg compare with a "classic egg?"

Comparison of Fat Profile *

** Based on 1 whole large egg

* Values may vary by a natural variance of 10%-20%.

Note: Changes to the fatty acid profile do not affect the functional properties of the egg for cooking

Are free-range eggs the same as organic eggs?

No, there are important differences. While "free-range"� suggests a better life for hens, it does not have defined standards beyond those common to all egg production. There is no independent, third party certification as with organic. Producer's of free-range eggs can use antibiotics, hormones, and non-organic feeds.

What kinds of Omega-3 Eggs do Organic Valley farmers produce?

• Large Omega-3 Eggs, 6-pack
• Large Omega-3 Eggs, dozen
• Extra-Large Omega-3 Eggs, 6-pack
• Extra-Large Omega-3 Eggs, dozen

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