Why Eggs Are Costing More Than You Think: Health, Factory Farming, and the Plant-Based Solution
Health & Nutrition
The price of eggs has skyrocketed in recent years, leaving many consumers wondering why their breakfast staple has become so expensive. While inflation and supply chain issues play a role, the main driver behind rising costs is a crisis rooted in intensive factory farming: the outbreak of H5N1, a highly transmissible and deadly strain of avian influenza. This epidemic highlights not only the fragility of industrial animal agriculture but also its significant dangers to human health and the environment.
‘‘Factory farming fuels bird flu outbreaks, endangers public health, and drives up egg prices. Eggs are high in cholesterol, increasing heart disease risk, while plant-based diets lower chronic disease rates and environmental harm. Choose plants over poultry for a healthier, sustainable, and ethical future.’’
This article not only underscores the dangers of industrial egg production but also highlights the health benefits of a plant-based diet, presenting a clear case for making the switch for the health of ourselves and the planet.
Bird Flu and Factory Farming: A Recipe for Zoonotic Disease
Avian influenza, or bird flu, has devastated poultry populations worldwide. The current outbreak, which began in early 2022, is the largest in U.S. history, having affected over 105 million birds by November 2022 (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). Factory farms, with their overcrowded and unsanitary conditions, create an ideal breeding ground for zoonotic diseases. Chickens in these facilities live in spaces so cramped they cannot spread their wings, which not only causes immense suffering but also allows diseases to spread rapidly through flocks.
The rise in bird flu cases has directly impacted egg prices. For example, cage-free eggs in California soared to over $5 per dozen in early 2024 due to outbreaks concentrated in the state. California’s requirement for cage-free egg production, while more humane, is still vulnerable to disease outbreaks because these facilities often maintain thousands of birds in close proximity. As long as eggs are produced on such a large scale, disease outbreaks—and their subsequent economic impacts—are inevitable.
The Health Risks of Eggs
Even without considering zoonotic diseases, eggs carry significant health risks. Long marketed as a source of protein, eggs are high in cholesterol, with a single egg containing about 186 milligrams—more than half the recommended daily intake for a healthy adult (National Institutes of Health). Studies have linked high egg consumption to an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. For individuals with pre-existing conditions like diabetes, eating eggs can be particularly harmful.
Conversely, a 100 percent whole foods plant-based diet eliminates these risks. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds provides all the essential nutrients without the cholesterol or saturated fats found in animal products. Research shows that plant-based diets reduce the risk of chronic diseases, including heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers (Journal of the American College of Cardiology, 2017).
The Benefits of Going Plant-Based
Adopting a plant-based lifestyle not only benefits individual health but also helps mitigate the risks associated with factory farming. Plant-based foods are free from zoonotic disease risks and do not rely on the confinement and exploitation of animals. This lifestyle also supports environmental sustainability. Animal agriculture, including egg production, is a leading contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, water pollution, and deforestation. By choosing plant-based alternatives, individuals can reduce their carbon footprint and support a more sustainable food system.
Moreover, plant-based living is more affordable and accessible than ever. Egg substitutes such as flaxseed meal, chia seeds, or aquafaba (the liquid from canned chickpeas) can easily replace eggs in recipes. Nutrient-dense foods like beans, lentils, and tofu provide ample protein and other essential nutrients, making eggs unnecessary in a healthy diet.
A Path Forward
The ongoing bird flu crisis and the resulting volatility in egg prices serve as a stark reminder of the risks posed by factory farming. These systems prioritize profit over public health, animal welfare, and environmental sustainability. The alternative—embracing a whole foods plant-based diet—is not only healthier but also a more ethical and sustainable choice.
As consumers, we have the power to demand better by voting with our dollars and choosing plant-based foods. By making compassionate and informed choices, we can move toward a food system that prioritizes health, sustainability, and kindness.
Sources
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022). Avian Influenza Current Situation Summary.
Journal of the American College of Cardiology. (2017). Plant-Based Diets and Cardiovascular Risk.
National Institutes of Health. (n.d.). Dietary Cholesterol and Cardiovascular Health.
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