(NewsNation) — Eggs are now considered healthy under new guidance released recently by the Food and Drug Administration.
The FDA included eggs under its updated healthy claim definition, which the federal agency said reflects current nutrition science and dietary guidance.
Under the new definition, eggs fit into the FDA’s healthy classification that requires foods to contain a minimum number of individual nutrients. Current dietary guidance recommends Americans build healthy eating patterns that include a variety of vegetables, fruits, dairy, proteins and whole grains.
Other foods that qualify for the FDA’s healthy guidelines include fresh whole fruits and vegetables, salmon, trail mix with nuts and dried fruits, and plain low-fat or fat-free yogurt.
States like Colorado will enact a new law beginning on Jan. 1 requiring stores to only sell cage-free eggs. NewsNation affiliate KDVR reported about 40% of eggs produced in the United States are cage-free.
“This news makes eggs a clear healthy choice, vindicating them from outdated science, Jen Houchins, director of nutrition research for the American Egg Board's Egg Nutrition Center, said in a statement released by the FDA. "The FDA announcement reaffirms the egg's role in supporting the health of American families, with nutritional benefits for everyone. Eggs offer a good source of high-quality protein and contribute nutrients to the diet that Americans don't get enough of, like vitamin D and choline.”
The health values of eggs have long been considered high in cholesterol and therefore, a risk to Americans’ health. However, research conducted by the FDA indicates that the cholesterol level in eggs does not negatively affect the body’s cholesterol levels as once believed.
Organizations like the American Heart Association have added eggs to their heart-friendly list of foods.
“We applaud the FDA for this important update, which reflects decades of research and unequivocally affirms the value of eggs for healthy living," Emily Metz, president and CEO of the American Egg Board, said in a statement.
"Eggs are accessible in the refrigerator of nearly every U.S. household. Whether you're scrambling them for breakfast, grabbing them hardboiled for a quick lunch on the go, or enjoying some egg-and-veggie fried rice at dinner, Americans now know for certain that eggs are one of the healthiest foods for your family."
