Eggnog Actually Has Some Health Benefits (2024)

FAQs

Eggnog Actually Has Some Health Benefits? ›

“While eggnog is not necessarily a 'health food', there are nutritional benefits coming from milk and cream, which contain protein and essential vitamins including calcium, and vitamins A, D, E and K,” Ariel Rasabi Cohn, MS, RD, LDN, founder of Whole Health Nutrition, LLC, told Health.

Eggnog Has Some Redeeming Qualities

(Compare that with a large egg, which has 7 grams of protein.) You'll also get between 10 and 20 percent of the 1,300 mg Daily Value for calcium and 2 to 6 percent of the 4,700 mg Daily Value for potassium, which helps keep blood pressure in check.

The spices can be anti-inflammatory – Eggnog commonly contains nutmeg, which has anti-inflammatory antioxidants. Downing a glass of it isn't the same as popping an Advil, but it's something.

But be aware that a single cup can pack in 400 calories and 40 grams of sugar. So, if eggnog is a daily indulgence throughout the holiday season, it pays to find a better-for-you nog that you truly enjoy. Fortunately, there are a few lower-sugar eggnog options out there that taste pretty good, too.

Because it consists largely of milk and eggs, the combo below contains an impressive 31g of protein to fuel your muscle-building efforts. It's a virgin version of course, but if you do want to let your hair down, you can always chuck in a few shots of white rum or bourbon.

Most plants keep producing eggnog through New Year's, and start dumping their unsold product in January. Although associated with the holidays, eggnog doesn't need to be seasonal. Dairy plants could produce small batches of eggnog off-season for hard-core nogheads, but they don't because it's not cost-effective.

“That's because all of these can compound into a difficult-to-digest situation, requiring digestive enzymes like lactase, sucrase and alcohol dehydrogenase to kick into high gear all at the same time. This could lead to gas, diarrhea, cramping or abdominal pain within 30 minutes to a few hours after drinking.”

Eggnog may not be considered a "health food," but the drink does have some nutritional benefits including certain vitamins and protein. Traditional eggnog is also high in sugar and fat, and for that reason, it's best to drink in moderation as a dessert.

Eggnog can be considered a higher potassium and phosphorus food. Due to these nutrients, this drink food may be limited for those with kidney disease who are on a low potassium, low phosphorus diet.

“Eggnog is made with 'heavy' ingredients that, eaten in exclusion of anything else, might cause stomach distress,” registered dietitian Barbara Ruhs said. “Cream is full of fat and that takes longer to digest.

What makes eggnog so addictive? ›

The role of sugar in eggnog

Sugar's addictive properties have been studied, and ice cream mix used to make eggnog contains its fair share, both from the milk sugar lactose and from added sugars.

The distinctive spices that give eggnog its characteristic taste, including cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla, are used to create eggnog-flavored foods and beverages.

Beverages such as soda, punch and eggnog contain high amounts of sugar, which will also raise your blood glucose. To ensure you're staying hydrated while also keeping blood sugar levels in mind, choose water, herbal tea, coffee or diet soft drinks.

Eggnog is loaded with saturated fat and sugar. It also has a significant amount of cholesterol, which you really can't do anything about since it's from the eggs. (And without the eggs in eggnog it would just be, well, nog.)

Alcohol: Wine, champagne or eggnog

Alcohol has a sedative effect on the body. This can be a contributing factor to your sleepiness.

Eggnog is a drink primarily made with eggs (hence the name) and milk, and is traditionally served at large gatherings in a punch bowl during the winter season, primarily at Christmas. It is made by emulsifying whole milk or cream, eggs, sugar, and spices.

Serve your eggnog chilled and plain for a classic treat.

The most classic way to serve eggnog doesn't involve any prep, and it's perfect as an after-dinner treat around the holidays. All you have to do is pour chilled eggnog into a glass. It pairs nicely with sweets, especially baked goods make with milk or cream.

Each ingredient in eggnog comes with its own set of benefits: Eggs are loaded with vitamins A, D, and E which can slow down signs of aging and, according to sources at Livestrong, eggs can tighten pores. Milk contains lactic acid and hydroxy acid which is super beneficial to acne sufferers.

"Store-bought eggnog tends to have lower calories and fat because it is made with skim or low-fat milk, but it does have extra artificial ingredients like artificial coloring, high-fructose corn syrup, preservatives, and artificial flavors.