Egg yolks can vary in color from light yellow to deep red or gold, and a darker yolk indicates that the egg contains more nutrients. However, this color does not always indicate better health status as many traditional farmers change the color of egg yolks with artificial colors to meet consumer preferences.
What factors affect egg yolk color?
The color of the egg yolk actually depends on the diet that the hen eats. Light yellow yolks are usually found in eggs from chickens that eat mostly wheat, while golden or dark yolks come from chickens that are fed corn and soy.
Yellow egg yolks are more common in eggs from hens that eat mostly wheat and are often raised in industrial farms, where these hens have little access to sunlight or outside.
Golden and red yolks occur in eggs from hens that forage for natural foods such as grasses, seeds and insects, which contain natural coloring substances, carotenoids.
Are darker yolks better?
In general, eggs with golden or dark yolks are more nutritious because these hens rely on a natural and varied diet. These eggs are naturally high in carotenoids which are beneficial for health.
Which Eggs Are Healthiest?
It's best to buy eggs from natural, outdoor-raised chickens. Because these eggs provide more balanced nutrients and contain less chemical components.
Don't throw away egg yolks Most people think that egg whites are healthier because they are high in protein and low in cholesterol, but egg yolks contain most of the nutrients like vitamins A, E, D, K, and protein. Lutein and zeaxanthin in egg yolks are beneficial for eye health and reduce the risks of macular degeneration and cataracts.
