Considering that almost 7 million people in the United States have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, it is vital that we find diets that can lower your risk. Thankfully, a breakfast food enjoyed by many people has been found to help in this regard. According to a new study, you can reduce your chances of developing Alzheimer’s by eating eggs regularly.
What Is Alzheimer’s Disease?
Alzheimer’s is a disease caused by damage to neurons in the brain. These neurons play a vital role in all human activity, from talking and thinking, to walking. The symptoms of Alzheimer’s include changes in behavior, memory loss, and degradation in abilities to perform daily activities. This is because the first neurons to be damaged are those responsible for thinking, language, and memory. It is a progressive disease that worsens over time resulting from changes in the brain that often occur around 20 years before symptoms start to show. While many are able to initially carry on working and living unaided, as the disease progresses, they eventually require assistance to perform daily tasks.
The Study on Alzheimer’s and Egg Consumption
As the senior population grows, the need for nutritional interventions grows increasingly valuable. Based on the findings of the study, eating more than one egg every week lowers your risk of developing Alzheimer’sby 47%! What is it about eggs that makes them so good for protecting your brain? Eggs are full of nutrients that are needed for optimal memory recall and brain function, such as lutein, omega-3 fatty acids, and choline. Choline was found to be responsible for 39% of the egg’s protective effects, an essential nutrient that maintains cognitive function.
Read More: 19-year-old man is youngest ever patient to be diagnosed with Alzheimer’s
The Role Eggs Play In Supporting Brain Health
As we mentioned above, choline, lutein, and omega-3 fatty acids are all needed for optimal brain health and protection from Alzheimer’s. The lutein content helps protect against the oxidative damage associated with cognitive decline. The omega-3 fatty acids help to regulate neural health and reduce inflammation. Choline helps support cognitive function by promoting the production of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter. A recent study found that regular intake of 300 mg/day of egg yolk choline resulted in improved verbal memory. However, to verify these results, large-scale studies will still need to be conducted.
Other Foods That Support Brain Health
Eggs are not only nutritious, but also delicious, and can be prepared in many different ways and can be added to a mutlitude of meals. However, one can only consume so many eggs, so it’s important to also include other foods that support brain health in your diet. This includes green, leafy vegetables such as spinach, kale, broccoli, and collards, which are packed with brain-protecting nutrients such as beta carotene, folate, vitamin K, and lutein. A good source of omega-3 fatty acids is fatty fish, such as tuna, pollack, and salmon. If you are vegetarian, then you can alternatively source your omega-3 fatty acids from walnuts, avocados, and flaxseeds. According to studies, the flavonoids in berries also assist in improving memory.
The Bottom Line on Eggs And Alzheimer’s Disease
The increasing incidence of Alzheimer’s disease illustrates the importance of adopting brain-healthy eating habits. Eggs, which include choline, lutein, and omega-3 fatty acids, have been demonstrated to greatly reduce the chances of getting dementia. Including eggs in a balanced diet alongside other brain-boosting foods such as leafy greens, fatty fish, and berries can provide an integrated approach to cognitive maintenance. Simple dietary choices made today can have a substantial impact on long-term brain function, preserving memory and mental clarity as we age. Prioritizing nutrition is an effective way to reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s.
Read More: Virus Most People Encounter May Play a Role in Developing Alzheimer’s, Study Suggests