Ladies, Here's Why Eggs Should Be On Your Breakfast Plate

Mornings can be pretty chaotic. So, when it comes to breakfast, many of us are always on the hunt for something that’s quick. However, our quick and easy selections may not always be the most nutritious options either. A recent study says instead of grabbing a cup of coffee or a frozen waffle, women should be cracking open a few eggs. Not only are the eggs delicious and filling, but for women, eggs can help with their cognitive function as they age. 

What Did the Study Find?

The study took a deep dive into the potential effects of eating eggs and what that means for the cognitive function of older adults. For four years, researchers followed a group of older men and women and collected data on their dietary habits. They then evaluated the participants’ cognitive functions over time to see if there was a correlation between how many eggs they ate and how well their brains aged.

What they found was the participants who ate more eggs experienced a significantly slower decline in cognitive function compared to those who didn’t. Essentially, the more eggs they ate, the better their brains seemed to fare over time. Which is amazing and a great reason to whip up an omelet today. The study also found that people who regularly ate eggs did better on tests for things like memory recall, adaptability, and problem-solving. In other words, eggs seemed to help boost their memory and keep their thinking skills sharp.

What researchers found even more interesting is that the findings and the cognitive decline was particularly relevant for women. On average, women who ate more eggs experienced a smaller decline in verbal fluency over the course of four years. In fact, every time female participants upped their egg intake, there was a noticeable improvement in how well they could name categories of things, like animals, for example. Basically, women who ate more eggs held onto this skill better than those who didn’t eat as many (or any) eggs.

What’s So Great About Eggs?

Researchers noted all of the powerful nutrients that each little egg is packed with like choline, lutein, and zeaxanthin — which are all powerhouses for brain health. They note that choline is crucial for the production of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter involved in memory and learning. Lutein and zeaxanthin are antioxidants that help protect the brain from oxidative stress, which is often linked to cognitive decline. So, it makes sense that eggs really are brain food.

How Many Eggs Should You Eat?

What’s the ideal amount? While the study didn’t specify an exact number, most nutritional guidelines suggest that eating up to seven eggs a week is safe for most people. Pair them with veggies, whole grains, and lean proteins to make sure you’re getting a full spectrum of nutrients.

Plus, if you’re worried about cholesterol, it’s worth noting that recent research has shown that moderate egg consumption does not significantly impact cholesterol levels for most people. In fact, the healthy fats and protein in eggs can actually help stabilize your blood sugar and keep you feeling fuller for longer.

Eggs for Brain Health — A Simple Addition with Big Benefits

Incorporating eggs into your diet could be a smart move, especially as you think about long-term brain health. While eggs alone aren’t a cure-all for cognitive decline, the nutrients in eggs make them a valuable ally in the fight against aging-related brain issues. So, next time you’re planning your breakfast, consider cracking open a couple of eggs.

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