Struggling with morning sickness makes it tough to load up on protein-rich breakfasts like potato pancakes or beans on toast. Yet, new research from Cornell University suggests that incorporating eggs and bacon during the last trimester could enhance your baby's intelligence quotient (IQ). Ready to try a classic English breakfast?
Experts pinpoint choline—a key nutrient abundant in eggs and bacon—as the driving factor behind these potential IQ gains, building on prior evidence from mouse studies. In this study, researchers divided 26 pregnant volunteers into two groups: one received 480 mg of choline daily (just above the recommended intake), while the other got 930 mg. Babies' development was assessed at 4, 7, 10, and 13 months, focusing on motor skills, as reported by Metro. The findings were striking: higher maternal choline intake correlated with superior baby IQ scores.
Choline offers additional benefits, including reducing fatigue, aiding lipid metabolism, and supporting neurotransmitter function. Not a fan of eggs or bacon? You'll find it in broccoli, legumes, and nuts too. A smart addition to any prenatal diet!