Avocado Toast With Egg, Bacon, and Parmesan for Better Brain Health | Mental Health Recipes

Many years ago, this was my go-to breakfast. If I have some time (and the ingredients), it still is!

While it doesn’t take much effort, this recipe still requires about 15 minutes to organize, as well as make the bacon.

But it’s so yummy. It combines basically all my favorite foods. And it’s ultra-healthy when it comes to your good ol’ noggin and mental well-being. Plus, it’s super filling; you’ll be full until lunchtime (I guarantee it!). So, let’s get to it.

Supercharged Avocado Toast With a Healthy Twist

Avocado toast has had its moment. And yeah, it’s great. But I didn’t love that it lacked a good amount of protein. I also found sometimes it was kind of bland. So, I added egg and parmesan, then eventually bacon. And this, my friends, is the avocado toast we should all be making!

Avocado is known for being jam-packed with healthy fats that contribute to good brain health. But adding protein ups the ante. It makes this ultra-brain friendly, providing ample mood and cognitive boosting effects; more on this below. 

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How Does This Avocado Toast Enhance Mental Well-Being?

Well, it does it in more than a few ways. Here’s the gist:

1. Avocados Are Packed With Brain Nutrients!

On top of their omega-3 fatty acid content, avocados have much more going for them. They also contain folate, which is linked to a lower risk of depression. So, how does this work?

Well, folate is involved in processes that produce serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine (aka the hormones that make us feel good and happy!). With a lower amount of these hormones, we might feel down in the dumps.

But avocados can help our bodies (and brains!) produce sufficient amounts of these hormones, improving our mood and overall mental well-being.

2. Eggs Might Also Help Reduce Depression.

Eggs are some of the most nutritious foods on the planet (Don’t listen to the myths out there!).

Jam-packed with trace minerals and vitamins, research indicates that many of these nutrients are linked with a lower risk of depression.

In particular, they contain high-quality protein, vitamin B2, vitamin B12, selenium, iodine, vitamin D, vitamin A, choline, and omega-3 fatty acids. Many of these nutrients are linked to better moods and brain health. So, eat your eggs! They are actually very good for both your body and mind.

3. Bacon Brings the Protein.

Okay, not just bacon. The eggs and parmesan cheese also add a little protein to this meal. So, what’s the big deal with protein?

Protein is the building block of the body. Eating enough protein is also linked with better mental health and reduces the risk of anxiety, increased stress, and depression. This is because protein contributes to the production of essential neurotransmitters and hormones, which regulate our mood and energy levels. 

Without it, we’re going to feel kind of “blah.” Plus, it’s going to be tough to build muscle or think clearly without it. So, get your protein in! If you don’t love bacon, you could also add more eggs or ham to this recipe.

4. Parmesan Cheese Might Help You Combat Stress.

While it’s only a sprinkle in this recipe, adding more parmesan cheese to your diet can increase endorphins, improve the bacteria in your gut, and enhance your overall mental wellness. It’s also got a good amount of calcium, contributing to better bone health. 

However, just a little bit is enough! Experts indicate that excess parmesan cheese consumption may overdo it in the calories department. But a sprinkle in this recipe is just enough.

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