In May, a study published online in the Journal of Nutrition reported on the role of choline in the complex system that regulates DNA production and stability. Researchers studied the impact of choline intake on DNA damage in 60 Mexican-American men. They found that individuals with greater intakes of choline, even exceeding current dietary recommendations, exhibited the least amount of DNA damage.

Focusing on a Choline-Rich Diet

"Choline is important for people of all ages, particularly moms and moms-to-be," says Neva Cochran, M.S., R.D., nutrition communications consultant and nutrition writer and researcher for Woman's World magazine. "It is easy to meet the recommended choline intake with delicious foods like an egg, which is an excellent source of choline and provides roughly one-quarter of a pregnant or breastfeeding woman's choline needs."

Cochran recommends the following choline-rich meal ideas as part of a balanced diet:

Basic Hard-Cooked Eggs - Prepare a batch of hard-cooked eggs on Sunday to have, high-quality protein meals and snacks on hand throughout the week which is especially important for moms-to-be. Cereal Bowl Egg & Cheese Breakfast Burrito - Try this microwavable burrito bowl topped with cheese and salsa - a quick, easy breakfast that can be enjoyed in seconds. Basic Frittata - Make fillings from your favorite foods or from leftovers. Use a combination of meat, seafood or poultry, cheese, vegetables and cooked pasta or grains.

SOURCE Egg Nutrition Center