Why Eating Eggs Is So Good For Your Brain, According To A Psychiatrist

We all know that it's important to fuel your body with nourishing foods. Remember when our parents used to tell us that it was important to eat a wholesome dinner, especially evenings before tests, because we needed "brain food"? Well, as it turns out, the term "brain food" actually has merit. There are many everyday foods and beverages that are beneficial to that pliable organ in our noggins, including fish, coffee, blueberries, turmeric, broccoli, pumpkin seeds, dark chocolate, nuts, oranges, and green tea, per Healthline.

But one powerhouse food comes to mind: the incredible, mighty egg. Eggs have been a part of the human diet for millennia, according to Mental Floss. And whether you enjoy your eggs scrambled, hard-boiled, poached, over easy, or any other style, eggs provide tons of vitamins and minerals essential for good brain health. In fact, psychiatrist Dr. Drew Ramsey, founder of The Brain Food Clinic in New York City, told Well + Good that he recommends eating eggs regularly to promote brain health. Here's why.

So, why are eggs recommended by so many health professionals? The answer is simple, really. Eggs just so happen to contain every single nutrient necessary to produce new brain cells, including everything from protein to iron to zinc to folate to vitamin A to choline, per Well + Good. Choline, in particular, is extremely important for the production of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that helps regulate mood, improve memory, manage muscle control, and handle other critical tasks of the nervous system, according to WebMD.

What about the age-old assumption that eggs lead to a spike in cholesterol levels and heart disease? When it comes to increased levels of cholesterol, psychologist Dr. Drew Ramsey claimed to Well + Good that there isn't strong enough scientific evidence to be overly concerned. According to Mayo Clinic, the majority of people without health issues can even consume up to seven eggs a week without it affecting their risk of getting heart disease. The site also noted that eating eggs may even lower your chances of stroke and eye disease.

So, if you're looking for a boost in brainpower, crack open an egg or two!