The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and Department of Agriculture have decided to remove a daily limit on dietary cholesterol and include eggs in all three recommended healthy eating patterns as a part of the 2015 Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

“The N.C. Egg Association applauds the new Dietary Guidelines for Americans. The release of this report amplifies what we all know to be true, that eggs are great for our health.  Additionally, eggs are great for North Carolina’s economy and we should all be proud of that fact,” North Carolina Egg Association executive director Jan Kelly.

Eggs are nutrient rich, making them one of the few foods that naturally contain vitamin D. In addition to Vitamin D, including the highest quality protein, eggs promote healthy brain function and eyesight.  Eggs are an excellent source of choline, which contributes to fetal brain development. Eggs also provide lutein and zeaxanthin, two nutrients that contribute eye health and all for only 70 calories.

North Carolina ranks 11th in egg production in the US, producing as many as 7.5 million eggs daily. That is enough to supply grocery stores and convenience stores throughout the state, so North Carolinians can eat local eggs!

-Submitted by Jan Kelly