A drink loved by our grandmothers, eggnog warms and wards off winter viruses.
A well-known remedy to our grandmothers, eggnog (called “eggnog” in English) is an Anglo-American recipe prescribed since the 18th century by doctors to their patients to fight against ENT diseases and winter fatigue. Particularly associated with Christmas celebrations, this ancestral drink is said to be very beneficial for your health. 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 organic, fresh egg 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.
Eggnog mainly has 4 health benefits. It is excellent against winter microbes such as “colds” or in cases 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. Drinking eggnog in the evening helps you fall asleep. Milk contains tryptophan, an amino acid involved in the production of melatonin, the sleep hormone.
It is also ideal for strengthening 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 of antioxidants, mainly flavonoids. Its interest increases during winter because it helps strengthen natural defenses, alongside the prebiotic effect.explains Catherine Flurin, beekeeper and apitherapist.
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 us 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 serving) promotes muscle recovery. Finally, eggnog is an interesting alternative to coffee and tea which are exciting and which contribute to a state of nervousness.
Due to its high carbohydrate and lipid content, this drink remains very rich and caloric (a 20 cl cup contains around 180 calories), so we do not drink it every day, but occasionally, in case of extreme cold for example. Eggnog should be limited in cases of cholesterol or for people with diabetes. Immunocompromised people should seek the advice of their doctor before consuming eggnog. Finally, since the egg is undercooked, this drink is not suitable for pregnant women.
