Eggland's Best Eggs

RICHER EGG YOLKS LIKE THOSE FOUND IN EGGLAND'S BEST EGGS, PROVIDE MORE LUTEIN TO FIGHT MACULAR DEGENERATION

KING OF PRUSSIA, PA-August 9, 2000-A growing body of research points to the fact that lutein is proving to be a strong soldier in the fight to slow down age-related macular degeneration (AMD). For the first time research studies show that eggs are one of the best natural sources of lutein. But a better source are eggs with richer yolks, like those developed by Eggland's Best, which contain over 25 percent more lutein than ordinary eggs.

AMD is a condition that causes a breakdown of cells in the macula, the center portion of the eye that is responsible for acute, central vision. A coating of lutein over the macula acts to prevent blindness. AMD affects more than 13 million senior citizens.

Derived from the Latin word, luteum, which means egg yolk, lutein is an antioxidant that protects against damage from certain dangerous compounds (free radicals) formed in the body. Because the body does not produce lutein on its own, consumers must eat foods rich in lutein such as certain fruits and vegetables or take supplements.

“Scientists have shown that hens fed a diet with higher amounts of corn gluten meal produce eggs with a darker, lutein-rich yolk,” Dr. Bart Slaugh, Eggland's Best director of quality assurance, said. “Eggland's Best has been able to develop an all vegetarian hen diet using increased amounts of corn gluten meal to achieve 25 percent more lutein than what is found in ordinary eggs,” he said.

To produce eggs with richer yolks, Eggland's Best hens are fed a strictly controlled, high quality all vegetarian diet that contains no animal fat, no animal byproducts, and no recycled or processed food. The all-natural feed contains only healthy grains including corn, canola oil and Biotene™, a unique all natural supplement which includes corn gluten meal, rice bran, alfalfa meal, kelp and vitamin E. EBs are produced without hormones and antibiotics.

As a result of the unique, patented* diet, Eggland's Best eggs contain 190 mg of cholesterol compared to 215 mg in ordinary eggs, and 25 percent less saturated fat (total Fat 4g., Cholesterol 190 mg.). The nationally branded egg has seven times more vitamin E, and contains 100 mg of Omega 3.

Dr. Slaugh said that other qualities of EB eggs, such as lower levels of cholesterol and saturated fats and higher amounts of vitamin E could be of help for persons concerned about AMD. Clinical studies showed that people who eat up to 12 Eggland's Best eggs per week experienced no increase in their total serum cholesterol or LDL (“bad”) cholesterol.

Eggland's Best is the only company with a nationally branded whole shell egg granted permission by the American Dietetic Association and the American Diabetes Association to carry exchange list verification on its packaging. Consumers can exchange one large Eggland's Best egg for one medium-fat meat or meat substitute.