Could eating eggs a week lower the chances of developing Alzheimer's disease later in life? Well, whenever we think of food that supports the human brain health, the first things that might come to your mind are blueberries, walnuts, salmon, and leafy greens. But there is one more kitchen staple which is quite underrated but holds quite power against many complications that occur in our body and brain.
Remember the phrase, “You are what you eat.” Well, when it comes to keeping our brains healthy as we age, this couldn’t be more accurate. Many studies have suggested that consumption of eggs could lower the risk of Alzheimer’s disease, a condition that affects daily functioning of the brain causing loss of memory, thinking, and a lot more. So, let’s dive into the science behind this and understand why adding eggs to your diet may be a brain-smart decision for fighting Alzheimer’s disease.
What is Alzheimer’s disease?
Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia. It causes problems with your brain leading to loss of memory, thinking issues, hallucinations, and behavioral problems. It usually starts slowly and gets worse over time. In the later stages, people may forget how to do everyday things or even fail to recognize loved ones.
It usually affects people who are aged 65 and older, but early-onset cases can also occur. Also, despite decades of research, there is no permanent cure, and treatments that can slow the disease are severely lacking. But yes, many doctors have concluded that certain lifestyle changes can help lower your risk of it or decrease the impact of the disease.
So these lifestyle changes start with having a proper diet as it is one of the biggest factors affecting our overall health. Consuming a healthy diet can help improve brain function, reduce inflammation, and slow down age-related decline. The Mediterranean diet including eggs are often recommended for brain health. All of these include a focus on whole foods, healthy fats, and lean protein like eggs.
Why are eggs a right choice for Alzheimer’s?
There is a study published in the Journal of Nutrition, which found that eating eggs lowered the accumulation of harmful proteins linked to Alzheimer’s disease. It was also observed that people who ate about one egg per day performed better on memory tests than those who didn’t. Their risk of developing Alzheimer’s was also lower.
It also showed that people with higher choline levels in their diet had less brain shrinkage and better memory performance. Eggs are often called a “complete food” because eggs are packed with nutrients that are good for your entire body, including your brain.
1. Rich in Choline
Choline is a nutrient that serves a variety of vital purposes including neuroprotection, cell membrane function and it also helps make acetylcholine, a brain chemical involved in memory strengthening and learning.
While our bodies can synthesize choline, they cannot produce sufficient amounts to meet all of our needs. Therefore, we must obtain it through our diet.
So, here comes the role of an egg since one egg contains about 147 mg of choline, making them one of the best sources of this nutrient.
2. Source of B Vitamins
Our next best nutrient is B Vitamins which are another best medicine for reducing the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. These vitamins help lower levels of homocysteine, an amino acid linked to brain shrinkage and memory problems when levels are too high. B vitamins also help in the production of brain chemicals that control mood and mental function.
So, since eggs contain Vitamin B12, B6, and folate, they serve as the component in your diet to fight Alzheimer’s.
3. Lutein and Zeaxanthin
Lutein and Zeaxanthin are carotenoids that accumulate in the brain and help in improving cognitive functions, strengthening memory, and learning. And these antioxidants are found in egg yolks and protect the brain from damage by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress.
4. High-Quality Protein
Protein helps build and repair tissues, including those in the brain. It also helps make enzymes and hormones that are important for brain function.
Eggs provide all nine essential amino acids, making them a complete protein source. Eating protein in the morning can improve alertness and concentration during the day.
You can also read: 5 Super Nutrients That Your Brain Craves
How Many Eggs Should You Eat?
As we have learnt how beneficial eggs can be for fighting dementia, now the question comes to how many eggs should one consume to strengthen your brain health. So, for most healthy people, eating one egg a day is safe and may be beneficial for their body and brain health.
If you don’t have any specific health conditions like heart disease or diabetes, including eggs in your diet a few times a week is a great idea. Also, If you’re unsure, it’s always best to check with your doctor or a dietitian.
There can be many easy ways to add egg to your diet like having boiled eggs for breakfast or a quick snack, scrambled eggs with vegetables, omelets or egg bhurji (Indian-style scrambled eggs), egg salad sandwiches, adding a poached egg to your salad or soup or egg curry with rice or roti. These quick and easy recipes are easily accessible online and can be made with less effort.
You can also read: Winners for Your Brain Health
Final Thoughts
Alzheimer’s is a complex condition, but science continues to show that food choices matter. Eggs are one of the simplest, most accessible, and nutrient-rich foods you can eat to support your brain.
They are easy to cook, affordable, and full of vitamins and minerals that your brain loves. Whether you’re a student, a busy professional, or a senior looking to stay sharp, adding eggs to your diet could be a smart and delicious move. Also, for better nutrition, you must try Eggoz eggs since they come with high nutritional value and protein percentage and goes through 11 safety checks before reaching the market.
So go ahead, crack open an egg, and feed your brain!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do eggs really help prevent Alzheimer’s disease?
Yes, eggs contain nutrients like choline, B vitamins, and antioxidants that support brain health. While they may not "prevent" Alzheimer’s entirely, they can help lower the risk and slow down cognitive decline.
How many eggs can I safely eat in a week?
For most healthy individuals, 6-7 eggs per week is generally safe. However, people with specific health conditions should consult a doctor and get professional advice on what quantity one should consume.
Are egg yolks safe to eat?
Yes! Most of the brain-boosting nutrients like choline and lutein are found in the yolk. Eating the whole egg provides complete nutrition.
Can children and older adults eat eggs every day?
Absolutely. Eggs are safe and beneficial for people of all ages, unless there's an allergy or medical restriction.
What’s the best time to eat eggs?
Morning is a great time to eat eggs for energy and mental clarity, but they can be eaten at any time of the day.
Are boiled eggs better than fried eggs?
Boiled eggs are a healthier option since they don't require oil. However, how you cook them depends on your taste preference and dietary needs.