New research shows eggs can help regulate your mood

A new study published in the journal, BMC Nutrition found that men who eat more eggs, fruits and vegetables are significantly less aggressive than men who rarely eat these foods.

The study focussed on 168 middle-aged, married men who’d been referred by their workplaces to counsellors for aggressive behaviour which can include shouting, hostility and verbal insults. A control group of non-aggressive men was recruited from the same workplaces.

Analysis of diet records found that lower levels of aggression were linked with healthier diets high in eggs, fruits, vegetables and dairy foods. For example, eating eggs on a regular basis cut the odds of aggressive behaviour by 60%. 

The researchers speculated that high quality protein foods affect plasma levels of tryptophan which boost brain levels of serotonin. This neurotransmitter plays a vital role in mood, learning, appetite control, and sleep.

Dietitian, Dr Carrie Ruxton, said: "Previous studies on stressed, depressed or aggressive individuals have found that certain nutrients can help to calm our behaviour. These include healthier dietary fats, B vitamins, fibre or amino acids (protein building blocks).

"Eggs provide all the amino acids needed for human health including tryptophan which the body uses to make serotonin. This could explain why eating eggs a few times a week helps to regulate our mood".