A new study by the University of California San Diego highlights the cognitive benefits of consuming eggs daily, particularly for women. Published in the journal Nutrients, the research involved 890 adults over 55, including 533 women. It found that women who ate more eggs experienced less decline in verbal fluency over four years and performed better in tasks like naming categories, such as animals, compared to those who ate fewer or no eggs.
The cognitive benefits of eggs are linked to choline, a nutrient essential for brain health, memory, and communication between brain cells. Eggs also contain vitamins like B-6, B-12, and folic acid, which help prevent brain shrinkage and delay cognitive decline. While the study did not observe significant cognitive improvements in men, it found no harmful effects of egg consumption in either gender.
Beyond supporting brain health, eggs are a valuable source of high-quality protein and nutrients like vitamin B12, phosphorus, and selenium, which help maintain strong bones and a healthy immune system. Previous research also indicates that regular egg consumption may protect women from osteoporosis due to its rich protein content.
Lead researcher Donna Kritz-Silverstein emphasized that eggs are an affordable and accessible way to support brain and overall health in women. With growing concerns over cognitive decline as life expectancy increases, this study further underscores the benefits of incorporating eggs into daily diets.