What is a better way to bring in the holiday season than by drinking a glass of eggnog as you hang by the fire? It’s a classic drink for the holiday season that’s made using eggs, alcohol, and is topped with whipped cream and even some nutmeg or cinnamon. While many believe eggnog is a rich and unhealthy drink, it can actually have some health benefits. So, here’s why you shouldn’t feel guilty about consuming this beverage during the holiday season.
A Glass Of Eggnog Has Vitamins
Eggnog surprisingly has vitamins that you may not want to miss out on. This includes more than 400mg of potassium, vitamin B12 and B2, ⅓ of your daily calcium needs, vitamin A, iron, and phosphorus. This vitamin boost is due to the combination of eggs and dairy-based products. Be mindful that if you use non-dairy milk for your drink, you might not get the same benefits. Still, soy milk has lots of calcium, and it also has vitamin K, which is good for blood clotting. Almond milk also has a good dose of protein and fiber.
Eggs Are a Good Source of Protein
Eggs have protein, so eggnog is full of it, too. A glass of eggnog can have 10-12 grams of protein, which is an essential part of one’s diet as it helps with muscle formation and blood flow. However, just one glass won’t have enough protein for your daily protein needs, which is about 50 grams.
The Spices in Eggnog Can Be Anti-Inflammatory
Most recipes for eggnog call for nutmeg, which contains anti-inflammatory antioxidants. This helps protect your cells from oxidative stress. While drinking a cup of this holiday drink isn’t the same as taking an Advil, the anti-inflammatory spices are still in there. It’s also crucial to know that you shouldn’t go overboard with the spices as it can cause gastrointestinal problems.