Go to work on an egg – and it’ll keep you awake! Advice of the 80s was correct as experts say 'ditch the sugar rush'

If you start to nod off at your desk in mid-afternoon, don’t reach for a sweet treat as a pick-me-up – have an egg.



Scientists have found that egg proteins, specifically those found in the white, help us stay awake and feel alert.



They are much more effective than carbohydrates found in the chocolates, biscuits and sweets often relied on for a quick energy boost.



Sixties advertising executives were right! New Cambridge University research shows that egg proteins - specifically those found in the white - help us stay awake and feel alert

Cambridge University researchers looked at how nutrients affect the brain cells that keeping us awake and burning calories.



A mixture similar to the protein content of egg whites activated these cells, triggering the release of the stimulant orexin.

Sugar, however, blocked the release of orexin.



Researcher Dr Denis Burdakov said: ‘What is exciting is to have a rational way to “tune” select brain cells to be more or less active by deciding what food to eat.



Perfect breakfast or snack: The protein content of egg whites activated the brain cells that keep us alert and awake

‘Research suggests that if you have a choice between jam on toast, or egg whites on toast, go for the latter.



‘Even though the two may contain the same number of calories, having a bit of protein will tell the body to burn more calories out of those consumed.’



The findings were published in the journal Neuron.



The slogan ‘Go to work on an egg’ was used in a 1960s advertising campaign by the Egg Marketing Board.

The phrase was widely believed to have been the idea of author Fay Weldon, although she has since said it was actually written by a junior member of staff at the advertising agency where she was head copywriter at the time.

More recently researchers for the British Nutrition Foundation, part-funded by the poultry industry, concluded that the type of cholesterol found in eggs has minimal effect on raising the risk of heart disease.



Previous research has shown that, contrary to popular perception, it is healthy to go to work on an egg.

'Go to work on an egg' was a slogan used by the Egg Marketing Board.

The phrase was falsely believed to have been the idea of author Fay Weldon

Researchers for the British Nutrition Foundation - part-funded by the poultry industry - concluded that the type of cholesterol found in eggs has minimal effect on raising heart disease risks.

It is saturated fat, rather than the cholesterol found in eggs, that is the main dietary culprit in raising cholesterol levels.

Smoking, being overweight and lack of exercise also influence blood fat and cholesterol levels and heart disease risk.