Is it good for elderly people to eat fertilized duck eggs?

SKĐS - What are the benefits of fertilized duck eggs? How many calories are in fertilized duck eggs? Is it good to eat a lot of fertilized duck eggs? Who should not eat fertilized duck eggs?

Balut (fertilized duck egg) is a familiar dish to many Vietnamese people. It's considered a natural "functional food" due to its superior nutritional content. However, the line between nourishing the body and burdening it lies precisely in how we consume it.

1. What are the benefits of fertilized duck eggs?

1.1 How many calories are in a fertilized duck egg?

Nutritionally, a fertilized duck egg provides approximately 180 calories. This is equivalent to a bowl of white rice. In addition, fertilized duck eggs are rich in protein, fat, iron, zinc, and vitamin B12.

Balut (fertilized duck egg) is a highly nutritious food, providing the body with protein, vitamins, and minerals.

However, a single fertilized duck egg contains a very high amount of cholesterol, approximately 600mg. This amount is double the recommended daily intake for an adult and about three times higher than that of a regular chicken egg. While fertilized duck eggs are a great source of energy for quick replenishment, they can negatively impact health if consumed frequently.

1.2 Is eating a lot of fertilized duck eggs good for you?

Eating too many fertilized duck eggs can lead to health problems such as:

• It puts pressure on the cardiovascular system. Major health organizations such as the American Heart Association (AHA) have advised that people at risk of cardiovascular disease need to carefully control their cholesterol intake. Especially for the elderly with pre-existing conditions such as hypertension, dyslipidemia, or atherosclerosis, consuming fertilized duck eggs will significantly increase the metabolic burden.
• Risk of vitamin A excess. Balut (fertilized duck egg) contains a very high amount of vitamin A (retinol). If eaten too much and too often, the body cannot excrete it quickly enough, leading to accumulation in the liver, which can cause liver toxicity, fatigue, and even jaundice.
• A silent excess of salt (sodium). The habit of eating fertilized duck eggs with a lot of salt and pepper inadvertently increases sodium intake. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), excess salt is a silent culprit that triggers hypertension and impairs kidney function.
• It can cause bloating and indigestion. Due to its high protein and lipid content, eating fertilized duck eggs in the evening can easily lead to bloating, gas, and insomnia. This is because the digestive system slows down at this time.

1.3 Is it advisable to eat fertilized duck eggs with Vietnamese coriander and ginger?

For generations, Vietnamese people have had the habit of eating fertilized duck eggs with Vietnamese coriander and ginger. This is a quintessential aspect of Vietnamese cuisine , yet it's a tradition based on traditional medicine. Fertilized duck eggs are considered "cold" (cooling) in nature, nutritious but easily causing stagnation of qi and bloating. When combined with Vietnamese coriander and ginger, which are warm and spicy, they help stimulate digestion, prevent bloating, disinfect, and balance the "cold" nature of the dish.

Elderly people should eat a maximum of one fruit per week to both supplement nutrition and ensure their health and safety.

2. Who should not eat fertilized duck eggs?

Although it is a nutritious dish, the following groups of people should not eat fertilized duck eggs:

• Children under 5 years old. At this age, children's digestive systems are not yet fully developed. The high protein and fat content in fertilized duck eggs can cause bloating, digestive disorders, and diarrhea in children.
• Pregnant women: Balut (fertilized duck egg) is very good for pregnancy, but it should not be eaten with too much Vietnamese coriander (rau răm). This is because Vietnamese coriander, in high doses, contains substances that can stimulate uterine contractions, which is not good for the fetus.
• People with gout or high uric acid levels should minimize their consumption of fertilized duck eggs, as these are rich in purines. It's especially important to avoid eating them during acute gout attacks and to refrain from consuming alcohol.

Everyone should remember that fertilized duck eggs are not a food that needs to be completely avoided, but to protect your health, please follow these guidelines:

• Healthy adults should eat a maximum of 2 fruits per week.
• Elderly people and those with underlying conditions such as cardiovascular disease or diabetes should consume a maximum of one fruit per week, and it should be divided into smaller portions to allow for gradual absorption by the body.
• The best time to eat is in the morning or at lunchtime. This is when the body has enough time to metabolize energy. You should avoid eating after 7 PM.

Source: https://suckhoedoisong.vn/nguoi-cao-tuoi-an-trung-vit-lon-co-tot-khong-169260519124238615.htm