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A new study highlights a simple yet effective dietary addition to support cognitive health: eggs. Researchers from the University of California San Diego found that regular egg consumption may help maintain cognitive functions, particularly in women, as they age.
Published in the journal Nutrients, the study investigated the impact of eggs on cognitive function among 890 adults, aged 55 and older, over a four-year period. The participants included 533 women and 357 men, all of whom were ambulatory and monitored for dietary and health patterns.
Eggs and Cognitive Health in Women
The findings revealed that women who consumed more eggs experienced a slower decline in verbal fluency and semantic memory, the ability to recall categories of information, such as naming animals. These cognitive benefits persisted even after accounting for variables like overall health and lifestyle factors.
“Eggs are a nutrient-rich and accessible food that could play a critical role in preserving cognitive health, especially among women,” said Donna Kritz-Silverstein, the study’s lead author and a professor at UC San Diego.
Nutrients That Support Brain Health
Eggs are a powerhouse of brain-boosting nutrients. They are rich in choline, which is essential for memory, brain function, and cell communication. Additionally, eggs provide vitamins such as B6, B12, and folic acid, which are known to prevent brain shrinkage and delay cognitive decline.
While eggs are often associated with dietary cholesterol, the study emphasized their overall health benefits, noting that they did not negatively impact cognitive function in either sex.
Why the Focus on Women?
The study found no significant cognitive benefits of egg consumption in men. However, the results underscore eggs’ potential as a cost-effective and widely available way to combat cognitive decline among women, who are often more vulnerable to memory loss and age-related brain health issues.
Broader Health Benefits of Eggs
Beyond cognitive health, eggs contribute to overall well-being. They are a high-quality protein source and contain essential nutrients like phosphorus, selenium, and vitamins A and B12, which bolster immune health and help prevent conditions like osteoporosis.
Implications for Aging Populations
As the global population ages and concerns about cognitive decline grow, incorporating eggs into daily diets could serve as a practical step to maintain brain health.
“This study adds to the growing body of evidence that simple dietary choices can have long-term benefits for brain and overall health,” Kritz-Silverstein concluded.
Whether scrambled, boiled, or poached, eggs might be a key ingredient to sustaining cognitive vitality, particularly for women.
