An ancestral drink with many health benefits, eggnog helps us get through the winter in great shape, without colds or fatigue.
Well-known remedy to our grandmothers, Eggnog (called in English “eggnog“) is an Anglo-American recipe prescribed since the 18th century by doctors to their patients to fight against diseases of the ENT sphere and winter fatigue. Particularly associated at Christmas partiesthis ancestral drink would be very interesting for health.
What is eggnog?
The classic version of eggnog contains boiled milk to which we add a vanilla pod split in two, a pinch of cinnamon powder (or a pinch of nutmeg), a chicken egg yolk (choose an egg organic, fresh and from a safe source to avoid the risk of salmonella) and a spoonful of honey. Be careful, there are dozens of variations of eggnog. Some contain white sugar, crème fraîche, others alcohol (whiskey, bourbon or rum) or orange blossom.
Its 4 health benefits
► Against winter germs like “colds” or in case of “nose and mouth”, advises Alix Lefief-Delcourt in her book “The best health remedies of yesteryear” (Edition Eyrolles). The heat and moisture from hot liquids can help clear your nasal passages and relieve nasal congestion.
► Against insomnia and nighttime awakenings. Drinking eggnog in the evening helps you fall asleep. Milk contains tryptophanan amino acid involved in the production of melatonin, the sleep hormone.
► To strengthen your immune system. Honey has antimicrobial and immunostimulating properties. “As a result, honey boosts energy, nourishes the muscles and the brain thanks to their virtuous carbohydrates (fructose and glucose, but also maltose, turanose, nigerose, leucrose, etc.). Honey is also a particularly important source antioxidants, mainly flavonoids. Its interest increases during the winter because it contributes to the strengthening of natural defenses, alongside the effect prebiotic”explains Catherine Flurin, beekeeper and apitherapist.
► Against physical and nervous fatigue. The cinnamon contained in eggnog (especially Ceylon cinnamon) has toning and stimulating effects, which helps to combat physical or moral fatigue. “Also, drinking hot helps you warm up from the inside and soothes us, particularly in the morning or at the end of the day“, Sophie Benabi, expert in Ayurveda, told us in a previous interview. Its richness in proteins (6g per portion) promotes muscle recovery. Finally, eggnog is an interesting alternative to coffee and tea which are exciting and which participate in a state of nervousness.
Contraindicated in certain people
Due to its high carbohydrate and lipid content, this drink remains very rich and caloric (a 20 cl cup contains approximately 180 calories), SO we don’t drink it every daybut occasionallyin case of extreme cold For example. Eggnog should be limited in cases of cholesterol or for people with diabetes. The people immunocompromised should seek the advice of their doctor before consuming eggnog. Finally, since the egg is undercooked, this drink is not suitable for pregnant women.