Hey there, egg lovers! Ever wondered why brown eggs seem to cost more than white ones? Or maybe you’re curious about whether eggs are as healthy as they’re cracked up to be? Well, you’re in the right place. Let’s dive into the egg-citing world of eggs and clear up some common questions! The Scoop on Egg Grades and Types Grade A EggsLet’s start with Grade A eggs. These are the ones with clean, uncracked shells and a nice, firm egg white. The yolk is usually right in the center. When you’re shopping, look for the Canada Grade-A symbol on the carton. The Grade A label is all about weight, not size or shape, so don’t worry if the eggs in your carton look a little different in size—they’ll all weigh the same. White vs. Brown Eggs Specialty Eggs Did You Know? Omega-3, free run, free range, and organic eggs generally cost a bit more than your standard fresh eggs, thanks to the extra care and feed involved in their production. Bursting the Myth: Do Eggs Work For or Against You? We’ve all been through the fat and cholesterol scare at some point. I remember the days when people were tossing out egg yolks like they were the devil’s food because of cholesterol. But what’s the deal with cholesterol anyway? It’s actually a waxy, fat-like substance that our bodies naturally produce and is also found in some foods, including egg yolks. Cholesterol is essential for normal cell functions and helps build vitamin D. Now, cholesterol from food, like that found in eggs, is known as dietary cholesterol. Your body also makes its own cholesterol. When we talk about blood cholesterol, it includes both dietary cholesterol and the cholesterol your body produces. High blood cholesterol is a known risk factor for heart disease and stroke. But are eggs really that bad? Here’s the scoop: While an egg does contain about 200 mg of cholesterol, research has shown that for most healthy people, dietary cholesterol has little impact on blood cholesterol levels. So if you’ve been skipping out on egg yolks, it might be time to rethink that decision. How Many Eggs Can You Eat?The old myth suggests limiting egg consumption to just three per week. However, since eggs are packed with nutrients and their cholesterol has minimal effect on your blood cholesterol, the Dietitians of Canada actually recommend that a healthy person without high blood cholesterol, diabetes, or a history of heart disease can safely enjoy about one egg a day. If you have specific health conditions, it’s wise to stick to two or fewer whole eggs per week. Processed Egg Products Besides fresh eggs, you might come across processed egg products like liquid, frozen, and dried eggs. These eggs are cracked and pasteurized using special machines. Even though they’re pasteurized, make sure to follow cooking instructions for safety. Processed eggs can have added ingredients like preservatives and flavorings, so keep an eye on the labels. Egg Sizes When it comes to egg sizes, we often see large and extra-large options at the store, but there are more sizes out there. Most recipes call for large eggs unless otherwise noted, so keep that in mind when you’re cooking. So there you have it—everything you need to know about eggs! Feel confident including them in your diet along with other healthy foods. And don’t forget, eggs aren’t just for breakfast anymore. They’re making their way into creative lunches and dinners too. Stay tuned for episode 3 of this series, where we’ll dive into tips on how to prepare, cook, and enjoy a variety of delicious egg dishes!