Popular breakfast food that has been ditched by many ‘may reduce dementia risk’

A traditional breakfast staple once shunned by many Brits due to health fears and diet trends has been hailed by a health guru as a potential ally in the fight against dementia. Despite being sidelined due to health concerns in the past and the rise of smoothie bowls and green juices, eggs are making a comeback on the breakfast scene, not just for their weight-loss properties, but also for their role in fighting dementia.

The humble egg fell out of favor following salmonella scandals between 2015 and 2019, with many opting for fruit and vegetable smoothies instead. However, eggs are very good in essential vitamins and protein, which can keep you feeling full for longer, helping with weight management.

Nearly 20 years ago, health officials withdrew recommendations to limit egg consumption to three a week after studies showed that the dietary cholesterol found in egg yolks did not significantly affect blood cholesterol levels. Nutritional therapist Ian Marber told The Times: “Eggs are a good source of protein, filling you up and containing amino acids, omega 3 fatty acids, vitamins D and B12. They are also naturally good sources of choline, which is needed for nerve signal transmission, and lutein and zeaxanthin which help protect our eyes as we age.”

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An egg a day may just be the secret to keeping heart disease and strokes at bay, according to a substantial study in China involving nearly half a million participants. Professor Nita Forouhi from the University of Cambridge shared her insights: “The take-home message from this research from a large study in China is that at least up to one egg a day is not associated with increased cardiovascular risk, and at most in fact, up to one egg a day can even have health benefits,” reports the Mirror.

Not only are eggs low in saturated fat, which is often blamed for the increased risk of heart disease, but they are also full of essential nutrients. They boast high levels of protein and vitamins such as A, D, B and B12, along with lutein and zeaxanthin, known for their eye-protecting qualities.

Dr Frankie Phillips of the British Dietetic Association assures that you don’t need to fear an egg-rich diet: “One – even two – a day is absolutely fine,” she says. “People shouldn’t be scared of eating too many eggs.”

As we age, proteins become more and more vital, and changing diets around the age of 40 can significantly influence health, Dr. Federica Amati explained on the Zoe podcast.

One expert highlighted the link between aging and nutrient absorption, stating, “We usually become more insulin resistant. And insulin is this hormone, which is really important for the absorption of all nutrients into the cells, which is why there is a recommendation for more protein. for older adults, what I will say is that this increase is minimal, we’re talking 0.83g per kilogram of body weight, maybe up to 1g per kilogram.

She also warned of the increased impact of malnutrition and dehydration in later life, advising: “If they become malnourished, if they become dehydrated, it’s a much more severe effect. So make sure that every meal opportunity for the elderly person in your life, if that’s what it is, you have a really good source of plant protein in it, or maybe it’s eggs every now and then, or maybe it’s fatty fish, but really embracing nutrient-dense foods, making really delicious soups and stews with beans and lentils and whole grains, and making the most of these foods that we know are brilliant at nourishing us and naturally hydrating, can help with true quality of one’s life.”