I’m not really all that concerned about celebrity gossip.

I could care less about what’s going on with the lives of the Kardashians or who’s dating who and all that jazz.

But I do care when celebrities are interested in health and wellness. Which is why I wanted to take the time to talk about what Brad Pitt is doing, because I think it’s profound and could seriously affect your health for the better.

Brad Pitt is taking issue with how Costco treats their “cage-free” chickens.

He’s even written a letter to Cotsco asking the company to make a firm commitment to creating a truly cage-free environment for the birds they raise.

Before I get to far into this story I want to make something clear.

I respect anyone’s right to eat as they please. We live in one of the greatest nations on Earth and with that comes a great amount of freedom.

In my personal opinion though I believe it’s always best to have a great deal of respect for my food. I want to know where it comes from, what’s inside of it, and ultimately I want to know the food I eat was treated well and raised humanely.

Not only does the ethical procurement of food matter to me for moral reasons, it’s actually proven responsibly-raised foods (both meat and plant based) are immensely healthier for you.

So now that you understand that, let me fill you in on Brad Pitt’s fight for this cause.

Why Brad Pitt Fighting For Chicken’s Health Matters to You

Pitt wrote a letter to the President of Costco attempting to get them to reverse their use of tiny crates in egg production.

In the letter he said:

Nearly a decade ago, Costco indicated that its next step on this issue would be creating a timeline for getting those cages out of your egg supply, and yet today, you appear to have made no progress at all—even as you have set timelines for getting pigs and calves out of cages

As you know, these birds producing eggs for your shelves are crammed five or more into cages that are not large enough for even one hen to spread her wings. In these cruel cages, the animals’ muscles and bones atrophy from years of immobilization. That’s why the cages are illegal in most of Europe, and why California banned the cages by an overwhelming vote years ago.

I admire Costco’s many positive social commitments. You’ve shown great courage and integrity on a range of issues. Won’t you please extend that sensibility—and basic decency—to chickens? Please, will you set a reasonable timeframe to stop selling eggs from caged hens?

It’s an admirable position to take.

But I don’t want to focus exclusively on the ethical treatment of animals (even though I think it’s important).

Instead I want to focus on why what Brad Pitt is doing can actually benefit your health.

Why Cage Free Eggs Are Better For Your Health

The truth is when an animal like a chicken is provided its optimal and ideal conditions it is healthier all around and creates healthier eggs.

It makes sense, doesn’t it?

Imagine if you were forced to do your job while stuffed inside of a cage with 5 other people. Think the work you produced would be the highest caliber you could muster?

And, when chickens are given an opportunity to run around, stretch their wings, eat bugs and plants that are part of their normal diet, it means they’re going to produce healthier eggs.

Not to mention, when they’re free from stress of living in close confinement with other birds, they produce healthier eggs too.

If you’re curious what exactly the health benefits of cage-free eggs look like, you’re in luck.

I’ve compiled a list showing why cage-free eggs are far superior to conventionally raised eggs.

1. Higher In Omega-3 Fats: I’ve covered the benefits of Omega-3 fats extensively. Omega-3 fats are absolutely wonderful for exuberant health. They increase brain function, are beneficial for heart health, reduce inflammation, maintain blood sugar levels and help with other process in the body.Cage free chickens lay eggs significantly higher in Omega-3 fats.Several studies have shown them to contain anywhere from two to four times as much Omega-3 as conventional eggs. Since Omega-3s are an essential fat necessary for vibrant health you can quickly see why a diet based on cage-free eggs is superior to conventional eggs.
2. Higher in Vitamin E: Vitamin-E is a powerful antioxidant. As Dr. Andrew Weil notes “Vitamin E is necessary for structural and functional maintenance of skeletal, cardiac, and smooth muscle. It also assists in the formation of red blood cells and helps to maintain stores of vitamins A and K, iron, and selenium. ”“It may have a positive effect on immune health, protect against the oxidative damage that can lead to poor heart health, help fortify the immune system, help relieve symptoms of age-related memory loss disease, and may help support blood sugar.”  And it turns out cage& and free chickens lay eggs significantly higher in Vitamin E than conventional eggs. A study by Penn State University showed them to have double the amount of Vitamin E, and a survey done by Mother Earth News showed triple the amount.
3. Higher in Vitamin A: Vitamin A is a powerful antioxidant. It’s essential in the formation of healthy teeth and bones. It works to enhance immune function helping the skin and mucous membranes repel both bacteria and viruses. It’s probably most famous for its role in helping maintain healthy vision too.Turns out cage-free eggs are also exceptionally high in Vitamin A as compared to conventional eggs. Two separate studies show them to contain anywhere from 40-67 % more Vitamin A than conventional eggs.

As you read over that list consider the fact that just getting chickens out of their cages and out into big yard will produce substantially notable increases in nutritional value.

And, that’s why I think it’s important that people like Brad Pitt are making their voices heard.

If you’re concerned about the expense of cage-free eggs, and yes they’re a bit more than regular eggs, I have a few recommendations.

1. Raise your own chickens. I know a few people who do this. It’s not all that expensive to get started and will help you produce eggs consistently and for a great deal.
2. Find someone who has chickens. This is a great way to get cage-free eggs cheap. I know of several people who have arrangements with homeowners who have extra eggs they sell for a great price.

At the end of the day the investment you make in cage-free eggs won’t just be better for your health. It’ll actually work to make this world we live in a better place.

Talk soon,

Dr. Wiggy
www.HealthAsItOughtToBe.com