Eggnog May Be An Unexpected Source Of Protein And Antioxidants

As the days shorten and temperatures drop, people are enjoying more eggnogs, a beloved seasonal treat, especially for those people who like how rich, creamy, and often spiced flavor it can be. The traditional preparation of eggnog involves raw eggs, and many people do not know this, that’s why it can raise concerns for some, while others may be unfamiliar with this classic beverage. Here are some potential health benefits that eggnog can offer. As healthy as homemade eggnog is, there are some ingredients that can make it unhealthy.

Nutritional Value of Eggnog

Homemade eggnog, unlike many commercially produced versions which are filled with preservatives and artificial ingredients, has a much better and more wholesome nutritional profile. This tasty drink has a base of eggs, milk, cream, and a blend of aromatic spices, and you will find how homemade eggnog provides several nutritional advantages. Eggs contribute a significant amount of protein, with approximately six grams per egg, making it a valuable source of this essential macronutrient. Milk and cream make it so much better because of the protein content while also supplying calcium, which is crucial for bone health, and other essential vitamins and minerals. The addition of spices like cinnamon and nutmeg introduces the antioxidant properties that eggnog has, further making the potential health benefits of this homemade beverage better.

What You Shouldn’t Add To It

While the core ingredients of homemade eggnog have a lot of nutritional value, the common practice of adding sugar significantly changes how its calorific value. The addition of sugar can effectively negate the anti-inflammatory benefits provided by cinnamon and nutmeg, diminishing the positive impact of these spices. High sugar intake is also linked to a range of health problems. These include an increased risk of heart disease, as highlighted in a 2014 study published in JAMA International Medicine. Excessive sugar consumption also worsens your risk of developing type 2 diabetes, contributes to unhealthy weight gain, and can even lead to fatty liver disease (steatosis), a condition that can progress to more severe liver issues like hepatitis, fibrosis, and ultimately, cirrhosis.

To make sure that there is no negative impact of sugar in eggnog, there are many things people practice. When preparing eggnog at home, it's advisable to minimize the amount of added sugar instead consider adding more cinnamon and nutmeg to enhance flavor without relying on excessive sweetness. When purchasing store-bought eggnog, carefully compare the sugar content between different brands and opt for options with lower sugar levels.

Why You Should Avoid Adding Alcohol To It

While most people make it without adding alcohol, it is a traditional practice in some recipes – however it adds a different set of health concerns. Similar to the effects of sugar, the addition of alcohol can negate the antioxidant benefits of the spices present in the beverage. Some people believe that alcohol has no calories and they can take as much of it as they want but alcohol contributes approximately 100 calories per serving, which can be a big concern for people who are monitoring their calorie intake for weight management or other health reasons. Beyond the amount of calories, alcohol consumption is associated with a range of negative health effects.

As reported by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, alcohol can negatively impact various organs, including the heart, brain, oral cavity, lungs, liver, muscles, pancreas, bones, and intestines. While it is understandable why one would like to enjoy alcohol in their eggnog, especially during festive occasions, can be strong, opting for a non-alcoholic version offers a considerably healthier approach. By letting go of alcohol, people can enjoy the flavors and potential benefits of the base ingredients, such as the protein from eggs and dairy, and the antioxidants from spices, without the added risks associated with both sugar and alcohol consumption.