November 17, 2025, 9:39 am | Read time: 3 minutes
How much does our diet influence brain performance—and what does physical fitness say about heart health? A review examined whether regular consumption of whole eggs strengthens brain health in healthy adults. Meanwhile, a Finnish long-term study shows that the so-called Fit-Fat Index can be a surprisingly precise indicator of the risk of sudden cardiac death.
Eggs May Promote Brain Health in Old Age
What was investigated? A systematic review published in the journal “The Journal of Nutrition, Health and Aging” examined whether the consumption of whole chicken eggs affects mental performance in healthy adults.1 Eleven studies with a total of more than 38,000 people were evaluated. These included observational studies, a comparison between people with and without dementia, and a study in which participants ate two eggs daily for eight weeks.
Eggs contain, among other things, choline and phospholipids—substances known to support important brain functions such as memory, attention, and the formation of new cells.
Results: Moderate egg consumption (about 0.5 to 1 egg per day) was associated in several studies with better memory, verbal fluency, faster thinking, and a lower risk of dementia. One study observed an increased risk of cognitive impairment in older adults with higher consumption (more than 1 egg daily), while other studies showed no benefits with high consumption.
Significance: Moderate egg consumption could help maintain certain mental abilities–especially in old age. However, it is important to note that the positive results mainly come from observational studies, which only show correlations and do not prove direct cause and effect. The methods for measuring consumption and mental performance were also very different. Further well-conducted studies are needed to clarify exactly if and how eggs can help prevent memory problems.
Also interesting: Are Brown Eggs Healthier Than White Ones?
Men With High Fit-Fat Index Have Lower Risk of Sudden Cardiac Death
What was investigated? A Finnish long-term study with 1,662 men aged 42 to 61 examined how the risk of sudden cardiac death can be better predicted. The focus was on the so-called Fit-Fat Index—a value that relates endurance performance to body fat. Participants were observed over 28 years.2 The goal was to find out if this index is more meaningful than conventional measures such as the Body Mass Index or the ratio of waist circumference to height or hips.
Results: Men with high endurance and low body fat—thus a high Fit-Fat Index—had a significantly lower risk of sudden cardiac death. They experienced about one-third fewer deaths than men with a low index. Good endurance alone was also associated with a lower risk. Traditional metrics like the Body Mass Index or the waist-to-height ratio remained statistically significant but were less robust in comparison.
Significance: The Fit-Fat Index offers an easily measurable and reliable indication of the risk of sudden cardiac death—independent of weight alone. The fitter a person is and the lower their body fat in relation, the better protected they are. The index could help identify at-risk men early and provide preventive care.