Top Health Benefits of 5 Different Types of Singapore-Farmed Eggs
Eggs are delicious, versatile and packed full of the nutrients that our bodies need to function optimally. Because of this, these yummy little powerhouses are a fantastic addition to our diet, giving our bodies the energy, vitamins and minerals we need to progress through our busy days.
As well as fuelling our bodies, eating eggs provides us with many other health benefits. Considered one of the most nutritious foods on the planet, a single large boiled egg contains:
- Vitamin A: 6% of the Recommended Daily Intake (RDA)
- Folate: 5% of the RDA
- Vitamin B5: 7% of the RDA
- Vitamin B12: 9% of the RDA
- Vitamin B2: 15% of the RDA
- Phosphorus: 9% of the RDA
- Selenium: 22% of the RDA
- Decent amounts of Vitamins D, E, K, B6, calcium and zinc
If the above doesn’t convince you that eggs are “superfoods”, here are more facts: A single egg has 77 calories, 6 grams of protein and 5 grams of healthy fats, making it a great addition to most diets.
Although eggs are high in cholesterol, eating eggs doesn’t adversely affect the blood cholesterol in most people. In fact, it is a good way to increase high-density lipoprotein (HDL) – the good cholesterol which lowers the risk of many diseases. The effects of eggs on cholesterol levels vary between individuals, however, the science shows that eating up to three whole eggs (including the yolks) per day is perfectly safe for healthy people.
Our local farms produce a good variety of eggs – ranging from fresh eggs to nutrient-enriched eggs and even “designer eggs”. Let’s dive more into the health benefits of some of our very own Singapore-farmed eggs!
Carrot Eggs
Considered “designer eggs”, Carrot Eggs come from hens fed with alfalfa or marigold petals, which then produce egg yolks that have a high lutein content. Lutein (a carotenoid) is a powerful antioxidant which defends our bodies against free radicals. In excess, free radicals can damage our eyes, cells, contribute to ageing, and lead to the progression of diseases like heart disease, cancer, Type 2 diabetes and Alzheimer’s. So, eating carrot eggs with their high lutein content is great for our health!
In Singapore, Seng Choon produces these nutrient-enriched carrot eggs, which are its house specialty.
Buy at e-SG Farmers’ Market from Seng Choon.
Corn Eggs
Corn Eggs are produced by hens that have been fed a hearty and wholesome diet of premium quality corn. Healthy hens lay healthy eggs, and as a result of these healthy natural ingredients in the feed, the corn eggs produced by these hens are superior in nutrients compared to normal eggs. Rich in protein and low in calories, they are the perfect addition to our diet!
Corn eggs are produced by all the three chicken egg farms in Singapore.
Buy at e-SG Farmers’ Market from Chew’s, N&N Agriculture and Seng Choon.
Pasteurized Eggs
Pasteurized Eggs are just as nutritious as regular eggs, but with the added benefits of pasteurization. The process of pasteurization heats the egg to the point where any dangerous bacteria is killed, without actually cooking the egg itself. This protects us from catching foodborne illnesses such as salmonellosis, which is caused by the Salmonella bacteria. Pasteurization also kills the harmful Bird Flu virus that may be present in or on the eggs. Pasteurized eggs are therefore especially beneficial for children, pregnant ladies, seniors, those with lower immunity, as well as those who love runny eggs that are not thoroughly cooked.
N&N Agriculture is the first and only pasteurized egg producer in Singapore. It has been producing its Egg Story brand of pasteurized eggs since 2013, and no chemicals or radiation is used in its pasteurization process.
Buy at e-SG Farmers’ Market from N&N Agriculture.
Eggs With Omega 3
Omega 3-enriched eggs are eggs that are produced by chickens whose feed is supplemented with an Omega 3 source like flax seeds. A study which compared the fatty acid composition of different types of eggs showed that Omega 3-enriched eggs had five times as much Omega 3 as conventional eggs.
As our body cannot produce Omega 3 and many people don’t eat enough it, eating eggs which contain or are enriched with Omega 3 is a fantastic way to add it to our diet. This is important as Omega 3 is an essential fat which is needed for the proper functioning of our bodies. Among other benefits, it helps to improve heart health, support infant brain development, prevent dementia, promote bone health, and fight inflammation that can contribute to a number of chronic diseases.
Omega 3 eggs are produced by all the three chicken egg farms in Singapore.
Buy at e-SG Farmers’ Market from Chew’s, N&N Agriculture and Seng Choon.
Eggs With Vitamin E
Studies have recognised a direct link between feed and the vitamin content of eggs. The Vitamin E in eggs is increased when the diet of laying hens is fortified with it.
Vitamin E is an antioxidant that helps to protect our cells from damage and slows their ageing process, keeping our bodies healthier for longer. Vitamin E even helps to repair damaged cells, meaning it’s especially beneficial for those with higher lifestyle or environmental risk factors (such as smokers, and those with high exposure to air pollution and ultraviolet rays from the sun). This makes eggs which contain or are enriched with Vitamin E a great inclusion in our diet, as they help protect our bodies from free radicals, which can contribute to heart disease and cancer.
Vitamin E eggs are produced by Chew’s and N&N Agriculture in Singapore.
Buy at e-SG Farmers’ Market from Chew’s and N&N Agriculture.
Good Reasons to Choose Local Produce
When it comes to our grocery shopping, there are so many reasons why purchasing local produce is a great idea. Shorter distances and delivery times from local farms to retail outlets mean that local produce such as farm-fresh eggs are fresher, retain more nutrients, have a longer shelf life and leave a smaller carbon footprint. It’s good for both our bodies and the planet! As our farms are licensed by Singapore Food Agency, buying local also means that you’re purchasing safe, traceable and quality produce.
So, choose Singapore-farmed produce for optimal health benefits, and support our farmers, our economy, and our food security. Buy these locally-farmed eggs and more at e-SG Farmers’ Market today, and try out these delicious egg recipes:
[Disclaimer: The local farms and produce on e-SG Farmers’ Market, which are mentioned in this article, are correct as at 31 August 2020 and are subject to change. Stocks are subject to availability. In the event that any of the produce is sold out, we encourage you to visit e-SG Farmers’ Market again shortly, as our farmers endeavour to re-stock as quickly as they possibly can.]
