According to a new study by experts from the University of California, San Diego, eating eggs may be important for preserving cognitive function, particularly in women. According to the research, women who eat eggs had less cognitive loss overall, especially in areas pertaining to verbal fluency and semantic memory.
The research, which was published in the journal Nutrients, examined how eating eggs affected the cognitive health of 890 persons over the age of 55—357 men and 533 women. In comparison to women who ate fewer or no eggs, the researchers found that over a four-year period, those who ingested more eggs had a lesser drop in verbal fluency. As a test of semantic memory, these women performed better when it came to naming categories of objects, such as various animal species.
The nutritional connection between eggs and brain health
Numerous nutrients included in eggs support brain function. Choline, a substance that is known to boost brain function, increase memory, and facilitate communication between brain cells, is among the most important. Important vitamins including folic acid, B-6, and B-12 are also found in eggs and have been associated with a delay in cognitive decline and brain shrinkage.
The study’s lead researcher, Donna Kritz-Silverstein, a professor at UC San Diego, said that eggs provide a variety of nutrients that are essential for cognitive function. “Our results indicate that including eggs in one’s diet can be an affordable and practical way to support cognitive health, especially for women.”
Benefits unique to gender and absence of negative consequences
It’s interesting to note that while the research discovered advantages for women’s cognitive performance, men’s cognitive function was unaffected. It’s crucial to remember that eating eggs had no negative consequences on either gender’s cognitive health.
These results are important given the increased worry about cognitive deterioration as life expectancy rises. The research emphasizes how dietary decisions may help women in particular manage age-related cognitive problems.
Extra health advantages of eggs
Eggs are a nutritional powerhouse in addition to supporting cognition. They are rich in vitamin B12, phosphorus, and selenium and are a great source of high-quality protein, which is necessary for healthy muscles. These nutrients support a strong immune system in addition to being good for brain health. Furthermore, because of their high protein content, eggs have been demonstrated in earlier studies to protect women against osteoporosis.
Adding nutrient-dense foods like eggs to the diet may provide a simple but efficient remedy, especially for women, since cognitive impairment becomes a major problem with age. The results of the research show that eggs are an easily available dietary choice to promote memory and cognitive function, which makes them a useful supplement to an aging population’s balanced diet.