How to eat fertilized duck eggs properly?

Balut (fertilized duck egg) is believed to nourish yin, enrich blood, improve intelligence, and promote growth; however, there are three things to avoid when consuming this food.

According to Dr. Nguyen Trong Hung, Head of the Adult Nutrition Examination and Counseling Department, National Institute of Nutrition ( Hanoi ), Balut (fertilized duck egg) is a highly nutritious food. Two eggs, equivalent to 100g, provide approximately 180 calories, 13.6g of protein, 12.4g of lipids, 4g of carbohydrates, and 81mg of calcium. It is also rich in phosphorus, beta-carotene, vitamins A, B, and C, and iron. However, this dish also contains a high amount of cholesterol, approximately 600mg/100g.

Two fertilized duck eggs have the same number of calories as one bowl of rice, but less protein than 100g of beef. Consumers should only use fertilized duck eggs as a source of protein within their diet, varying their intake weekly to diversify their meals, and avoiding prolonged consumption.

Furthermore, the high lipid and cholesterol content in fertilized duck eggs makes them unsuitable for overweight or obese individuals. If consuming this type of egg, it's necessary to reduce other food intake and carefully calculate the total energy intake to ensure it's always less than the energy expended.

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, Physician Do Minh Tuan of the Hanoi Traditional Medicine Association stated that fertilized duck eggs have the effect of nourishing yin, enriching blood, improving intelligence, and promoting body growth. However, it is important to note three things to avoid when consuming this food.

Firstly , it's best not to eat this dish in the evening , as it's difficult to digest due to its high protein and cholesterol content. Eating it at night can cause discomfort, bloating, and harm the digestive system. The best time to eat this dish is in the morning; however, it shouldn't be eaten too frequently or in large quantities at once.

Secondly , note the recommended intake based on age and group . Children under 5 years old should not eat fertilized duck eggs because their digestive systems are not yet fully developed, which can easily lead to bloating, digestive disorders, and negative health effects. Children 5 years and older should only eat half an egg at a time, 1-2 times per week.

People who are obese, elderly, or have hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, cardiovascular disease, or uric acid metabolism disorders (gout) should limit their consumption of this dish.

Thirdly , eat only 2 eggs per week and make sure they are thoroughly cooked because eggs can be contaminated with bacteria harmful to health. Consumers should not eat boiled fertilized duck eggs that have been left overnight, as the nutrients in them will produce harmful bacteria that affect health.

When eating, it's recommended to combine fertilized duck eggs with about 5g of finely sliced fresh ginger and 5g of fresh Vietnamese coriander. This harmonious combination brings balance to the body. Vietnamese coriander and ginger have a pungent, warm nature, warming the stomach, preventing bloating, disinfecting, and dispelling cold.

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