Dr. Priyanka Bandal, senior nutritionist at Manipal Hospital, in Baner, Pune (India), said that the hen's diet will affect the color of the yolk.
"For example, if a pasture-raised hen eats plants with yellow-orange pigments, the yolk may turn more orange," said Ms. Priyanka Bandal.
If the chicken mainly eats corn or grain, the yolk will most likely be pale yellow. Studies also show that even though the yolks are darker or more colorful, they will still have the same amount of protein and fat as eggs with lighter yolks.
Sharing the same opinion, Dr. Amreen Shaikh, chief nutritionist at Wockhardt Hospital, Mumbai (India), said that different breeds and ages of hens can also affect yolk color but to a low degree. than diet.
Dr. Vinit Banga, Deputy Director of the Department of Neurology, BLK Max Super Specialized Hospital (India) assessed that the egg yolks of hens fed a diet rich in carotenoids (compounds found in green plants, yellow corn and marigold petals) tend to be more cheerful.
Dr. Banga also says, “Although these carotenoids may enhance the vitamin A content of yolks, the overall nutritional differences between yolk colors are very small.”
Also according to Dr. Banga, the nutritional composition of egg yolks includes essential fats, vitamins (A, D, E, K) and minerals such as iron and selenium, regardless of the color of the egg.
Nutritionists also affirm that the color of the yolk is not an indicator of the quality or freshness of the egg or the health of the hen.
Despite the difference in color, the nutritional content — protein, fat, vitamins and minerals — of egg yolks is generally the same.
Additionally, yolk color can influence flavor and texture perception in culinary use but does not directly affect health.
Thus, whether you buy white or brown eggs, the color of free-range egg yolks can vary significantly and is mainly influenced by the hen's diet.
Nutritionists also say that with dark yolks, eggs can provide slightly higher levels of beneficial carotenoids, but the difference in yolk color does not have a significant effect. Egg selection should be based on personal preferences and dietary needs, not just on the color of the yolk.
