13p popular superfood could lower Alzheimer’s risk with two servings a week

Scientists have made a connection between Alzheimer’s Disease and the consumption of one particular food. The preliminary results of the study, following more than 1,000 people for several years with an average age of 81, directly linked more than one serving per week with a 47% lower risk of developing the disease.

Eggs are the unlikely hero of this story - with the study published in The Journal of Nutrition highlighting its choline, omega-3 fatty acids and lutein content. All of these components have previously been proven to help brain health and can even improve cognitive performance on verbal tests, but never before has a link to Alzheimer’s defence been suggested.

And eggs won't set you back much. The common kitchen favourite can be picked up in lots of grocers, farm shops and supermarkets - with Tesco, for example, selling 15 at £1.99 - or just 13p each.

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The new study indicates eating more than one egg a week can lower your risk of developing Alzheimer’s. Researchers also pointed to a 2021 study that found a slower rate of memory decline in those who ate at least one egg per week.

It’s believed this benefit is specifically about the eggs’ natural choline content - that being a nutrient good for the brain and nervous system. More research is currently under way to explore the extent of eggs’ neurological benefits.

Study lead author Taylor Wallace commented to say: “Eggs are one of the few commonly consumed foods that are naturally rich in choline, a nutrient that we are researching to further understand its role in supporting both cognitive development in infants and young children and maintenance during the aging process. This study adds to the growing body of evidence that dietary choices can have a significant impact on reducing the risk of Alzheimer's dementia and supporting lifelong cognitive health."

Despite a range of studies showing the potential positive effects of eggs on brain health, the medical community is still somewhat divided, however. An IDIBELL and ICO study in 2022 claimed that while egg consumption could be linked to a lower risk of dementia, it may depend on the rest of the patients’ diet.

The research found that people on a Mediterranean diet, which itself has also been proven to support brain health, likely won’t experience the benefits of egg consumption. The researchers believe it could be because they already receive the nutritional benefits eggs provide the brain through other foods in their diet.

What is so good about eggs?

Eggs have long been hailed as a health hero in the UK, with a 1950s government campaign even encouraging Brits to 'go to work on an egg'. Professor Tim Spector, co-founder of personal nutrition company Zoe, is a firm believer in their benefits.

Speaking to the Telegraph in 2023, he said: "Eggs are a fantastic, nutrient-rich food that provides nearly all of the essential vitamins and proteins.

"One egg every day can make a great contribution to the overall diet, particularly in areas where access to food and overall nutritional status is more likely to be lower." When asked to choose between an apple a day, a glass of milk a day, or an egg a day, Professor Spector had a clear favourite. He told the paper: "Out of the three, I would choose eggs.

"Too much of our children’s energy in the UK comes from Ultra Processed Foods, as high as 70 per cent of daily calorie intake, and this has to change if we want to raise healthy, happy people."