Egg whites on toast 'ideal breakfast for energy'
Go to work on an egg if you want an energy boost! Research suggests that if you have a choice between jam on toast, or egg whites on toast, the protein-rich eggs will stimulates the brain cells that help to keep us awake and alert.
Wakefulness and energy expenditure rely on "orexin cells", which secrete a stimulant called orexin/ hypocretin in the brain. Reduced activity in these unique cells results in narcolepsy and has been linked to weight gain. Scientists at the University of Cambridge compared actions of different nutrients on orexin cells. They found that amino acids - nutrients found in proteins such as egg whites - stimulate orexin neurons much more than other nutrients.
"Sleep patterns, health, and body weight are intertwined. Shift work, as well as poor diet, can lead to obesity," said lead researcher Dr Denis Burdakov. "To combat obesity and insomnia in today's society, we need more information on how diet affects sleep and appetite cells."
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Tags:
- eggs ,
- energy ,
- healthy eating ,
- protein ,
- university of cambridge
