Every 68 seconds, someone develops Alzheimer’s disease. By 2050, it is expected that there will be a new case of Alzheimer’s disease every 33 seconds. These concerning statistics are why Alzheimer’s organizations around the world came together on 21 September 2021 to observe World Alzheimer’s Day.
To add to this important day, we also acknowledge eggs, which research has shown may positively help with lowering the risk of Alzheimer’s.
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Understand Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia, affecting memory, thinking and behavior. It is a progressive disease, meaning that symptoms worsen over time and eventually become severe enough to interfere with daily tasks.
Though most people with Alzheimer’s disease are 65 years and older, the disease is not a normal part of aging.
Given the debilitating and upsetting nature of Alzheimer’s, there remains a worldwide effort to find new ways to treat it, delay its onset, and prevent its progression. While no cure exists, many treatments and medications may help temporarily improve symptoms.
Could Eggs Protect Against Alzheimer’s?
According to a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, researchers in Finland tracked the diets of almost 2 500 participants for almost 22 years. Those who ate one egg a day were less likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, and also had better performance on neuropsychological tests.
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So, what’s the link between eating eggs and Alzheimer’s?
Eggs contain a nutrient called choline, which the brain uses to make acetylcholine. Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter, one of the brain chemicals that helps the brain cells to communicate with each other. This chemical is also responsible for memory and mood, as well as muscle control.
For this reason, choline is getting more and more attention as a powerful nutrient in brain health and not meeting our choline needs is being linked to negative neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s (1).
Takeaway
Whether enjoyed as quick scrambled eggs at breakfast or a hearty frittata for dinner, eggs can be added to the menu any time of the day.
Healthy Egg Recipe
With that said, here is a delicious egg recipe, courtesy of Monique Piderit, a Registered Dietitian from Nutritional Solutions.
PUFFY OMELETTE WITH STIR-FRY
Last night’s stir-fry makes a delicious omelette filling. Using water instead of milk in the omelette will create a puffier omelette as the water turns to steam creating a light and airy omelette.
PUFFY OMELETTE WITH STIR-FRY
Serves 1
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total Time; 25 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) water
- 2 large eggs, separated
- 1 pinch fine salt
- A pinch cornstarch
- 1 cup stir fry veggies, or filling of your choice
- Sweet chilli sauce to serve
Method:
- Preheat oven to 180° Have a medium-size nonstick frying pan ready, preferably with heat resistant handles, or you can use a double layer of aluminum foil and wrap the handles well. Grease the frying pan well with nonstick spray or butter.
- Separate the egg yolks and whites. To the yolks, add the water and use an electric beater, beat until thick and pale. Wash the beaters well before continuing with the egg whites.
- In a separate clean bowl beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until soft peaks form, add the pinch of cornstarch and continue beating until whites are stiff but not dry. Gently fold the yolk mixture into the whites, carefully incorporating using a figure of eight movement.
- Pour the fluffy omelette mixture into moderately hot frying pan and level the surface gently. Cook over low heat on the stove until puffy and lightly browned on the bottom, about 5 minutes.
- Transfer the frying pan to the oven and continue cooking for a further 6 – 8 minutes or until a knife inserted in centre comes out clean, it should be just set, don’t overcook as it will become dry and tough.
- Whilst the omelette is cooking, reheat the stir fry veggies.
- To serve, score the omelette down the centre with the edge of a spatula, place the veggies on one half of the omelette and spoon over sweet chilli sauce, fold over the open half of the omelette.
Serve immediately with extra chilli sauce.
