Maintaining a sharp brain is vital for functioning optimally both day to day, and well into old age. Egg yolks are rich in choline, which is important for the production of neurotransmitters that help with memory as well as communication among brain cells. A study conducted by researchers from Boston University found that the more complete a person’s choline intake was, the better they scored on certain memory tests.
Egg intake was also associated with enhanced performance on neuropsychological tests of the frontal lobe and executive functioning according to the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, helping to boost cognition and potentially alleviate the onset of debilitating diseases such as dementia.
If you’re looking to boost brain power, consider keeping a few more egg-based recipes in your back pocket, encouraging you to increase your intake, like this Canadiana Eggs Benedict from Getcracking.ca — a terrific hub for egg-centric recipes! It is a tasty option for breakfast or brunch with a classic Montreal smoked meat flavour.
Begin by warming smoked meat over medium heat in a small skillet until it becomes fragrant; keep warm while you prepare the Hollandaise sauce. For the sauce, melt butter over low heat in a small pan. Then in a small bowl, whisk together 2 eggs, maple syrup and lemon juice until the mixture becomes frothy. Slowly add the egg mixture into melted butter and whisk gently for about 6 minutes (or until the sauce thickens) over low heat. Remove from heat and keep warm.
Meanwhile poach the eggs. In a large shallow saucepan filled halfway with water, add 1 tbsp of white vinegar and bring water to a boil. Reduce heat so water is simmering and crack each egg into a small bowl or ramekin to gently slip into simmering water. Poach for about for 3 to 5 minutes or until the whites are set and yolks are cooked as desired.
Top your English muffin halves with the warmed smoked meat. Then, using a slotted spoon, remove poached eggs from water and place on top of the smoked meat. To finish, spoon Maple Hollandaise sauce over the top of each egg and sprinkle with smoked paprika, if desired.
You may also choose to omit the maple syrup to create a traditional Hollandaise sauce, adding 1 tbsp of water in its place. If smoked meat isn’t to your fancy either, you can make the dish using peameal bacon, substituting four slices in its stead. For this variation, add about a tablespoon of Dijon mustard to the Hollandaise sauce, complimenting the bacon.
The Hollandaise sauce can also be made thicker than in this recipe by simply heating and stirring for 1-2 minutes longer (however the maple flavour will become more subdued the longer you cook the sauce).
If your mind is acting fuzzy, it may be something you can treat by fuelling your brain with the right foods. By consuming more eggs, your brain will be supercharged — helping you feel more awake, decisive, and ready to perform productively throughout the day.
