In addition to its savory and delicious taste, there are many health benefits of duck meat that you can get, you know. These benefits come from the diverse nutritional content in this poultry meat.
Duck meat is considered a healthy food because it contains various nutrients, such as protein, fat, as well as various types of vitamins and minerals, which are needed by the body. This meat can also be an option for people who don't like chicken.
Nutritional Content of Duck Meat
In 100 grams of duck meat, contained about 130 calories and some of the following nutrients:
- 19 grams of protein
- 4-5 grams of fat
- 10 milligrams of calcium
- 4.5 milligrams of iron
- 20 milligrams of magnesium
- 185 milligrams of phosphorus
- 270 milligrams of potassium
- 60 milligrams sodium
- 2 milligrams of zinc
- 14 micrograms (µg) selenium
- 80 IU of vitamin A
- 6 milligrams of vitamin C
- 77 milligrams of cholesterol
Duck meat also contains omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin B complex, especially vitamin B3 (niacin) and vitamin B12 (cobalamin), folate, and choline.
List of Duck Meat Benefits for Health
Thanks to its abundant nutritional content, there are many health benefits of duck meat, namely:
1. Increase endurance
Duck is a good source of protein and selenium. Both of these nutrients play an important role in increasing endurance and repairing damaged body tissues. With a strong immune system, your body will be stronger against viruses and bacteria, so you won't get sick easily.
2. Maintain bone health
Poultry, including duck and chicken, contains protein and calcium. Both of these intakes are good for maintaining bone health and strength.
However, to meet your calcium intake, you can't just rely on duck meat. Meet the intake of calcium from other sources, such as milk, cheese, yogurt, nuts. To strengthen bones, you also need to get enough vitamin D intake.
3. Healthy heart
Duck meat contains protein and omega-3 fatty acids which are good for heart health. Both of these nutrients are also found in fish, eggs, or fish seafood.
Even though it's healthy, it's not recommended to eat duck meat in excess, yes, especially if it's with the skin. This is to prevent the accumulation of cholesterol in the body which actually becomes unhealthy for the heart.
To be healthier, consume whole duck meat without fat and cook it with a little oil, for example by grilling, grilling, or steaming it.
4. Supports thyroid gland health
The thyroid gland requires a variety of nutrients, such as iodine and selenium, to function properly. Well, this selenium can be obtained from duck meat. With adequate selenium intake, the health of your thyroid gland can be better maintained and this organ can function normally.
5. As a source of energy
Duck meat contains high enough calories and protein. Therefore, duck meat can be a good choice to increase your energy intake.
With adequate energy intake, your body's organs can work well. Energy also plays an important role as the body's main source of energy, so you can carry out daily activities.
6. Repair damaged body tissues
In addition to the various benefits above, duck meat which is rich in amino acids or protein is also good for supporting body tissue repair. This can help the body recover faster when sick or injured.
Healthy Tips for Processing and Consuming Duck Meat
So that the benefits of duck meat can be obtained optimally, duck meat processing must really be considered. To ensure that duck meat remains healthy when consumed, you can follow the tips below:
- Choose duck meat that is freshly cut, still fresh, and not processed duck meat.
- As much as possible, choose duck meat that is low in fat, for example, the skin has been peeled.
- Cook duck meat in less oil, for example by sautéing, grilling, broiling, or steaming it. If you want to fry duck meat, you can try using air fryer to reduce excess fat.
- Serve duck meat with other healthy foods, such as rice, vegetables, nuts, and fruits, so that your nutritional needs are fulfilled.
Although duck meat is beneficial for health, in fact this meat also contains cholesterol. Excessive cholesterol intake is not good for health because it can increase the risk of various diseases, such as heart disease and stroke.
In addition, although rare, some people may experience allergic reactions, such as itchy skin, stomach pain, diarrhea, and swollen lips, after eating duck meat.
If you are hesitant to eat duck meat because you are worried about having an allergic reaction or because you have certain health problems, it is better to consult with your doctor first to make sure.
