Choline-rich eggs boost memory and still fit the family budget

Most mornings, I leave my house and realize I’ve forgotten something – my keys, my lunch, my phone, the school permission slips I needed to sign.

In desperation, I’ve asked ChatGPT for advice on how to lighten my “cognitive load” (therapy speak for juggling too many tasks in my head at once). And the advice is always the same: do less, move more, get enough sleep and eat nutritious foods.

While I can’t always follow the advice to “do less,” I can try to eat healthier. The good news is, the latest research shows that a healthy diet can benefit our memory, mood and overall brain health as we age.

Specifically, the macronutrient choline, found naturally in eggs and meat, supports your brain and nervous system.

And choline-rich foods might help reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and memory loss, according to a new study published by MIT neuroscientists.

Choline in eggs supports kids’ brain development and memory

Choline is also an essential nutrient for children, especially babies and toddlers, to help support brain development.

Unfortunately, most children under 2 years old aren’t meeting the recommended adequate intake of choline, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.

If you’re a parent like me planning family meals, it’s an easy nutritional win to add choline-rich foods, like eggs and meat, to breakfast and dinner.

Affordable protein that fits a family grocery budget

You likely already know that eggs are a good source of high-quality protein, providing all the essential amino acids our bodies need to maintain muscle and support immune health.

Eggs aren’t only beneficial to our physical health; they’re also good for our social and emotional wellness.

“For mental and brain health, eggs provide choline, which supports brain development, memory and mood – yet nearly 90% of consumers don’t get enough choline,” says Katie Hayes, director of scientific communications at the American Egg Board.

Hayes says the nutrients in eggs can help power an active lifestyle, which is critical to mental health.

Emotionally, eggs also help nourish the body and satisfy our hunger, she says.

In addition, eggs are one of the most affordable, nutrient-rich foods you can buy at the grocery store, a boost to your family’s financial wellness.

Iowa egg farmers focus on safety, animal care and quality

When you’re buying eggs at the grocery store, you’re also supporting Iowa farmers and the local economy. Iowa is the No. 1 egg-producing state in the nation.

Iowa farmers take many steps to ensure the safety, quality and freshness of the eggs your family eats. They are also committed to giving the best possible care to their flocks.

So on your next grocery run, don’t forget to add eggs to your cart. You can feel good knowing that eggs are a healthy choice, not just for your mind and body but also for your wallet.

To learn more about how Iowa farmers ensure meat and egg quality, food safety and animal well-being, visit www.realfarmersrealfoodrealmeat.com.

Learn more about author Teresa Bjork here.