Though not as popular as chicken or turkey, duck meat tastes delicious and contains almost double their nutrition. Duck meat plays a significant part in Western cuisine. This poultry meat is also quite popular in Asia and Australia for its exquisite taste and nutrition. So is it okay to have duck meat during pregnancy?
What Is Duck Meat?
In the bird family of Anatidae, meat of several species of birds, like that of duck or duckling is referred to as duck meat. It is a perfect combination of good taste and nutrition. Though duck meat falls under poultry like chicken due to the presence of myoglobin, but it is also considered red meat due to its color and taste. Duck meat is fattier than chicken but it is also an excellent source of iron, protein, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.[1] Duck meat has been a part of the human diet for the last four thousand years. Today there are numerous popular delicacies made out of duck meat all over the world.
Is It Safe To Have Duck Meat During Pregnancy?
Yes, it is completely safe to have duck meat during your pregnancy. You will just have to make sure that the duck is cooked well and served to you fresh and warm. Do not have processed duck meat as they contain salts and preservatives harmful to your pregnancy. Buy fresh duck meat from organic farms and cook them at home thoroughly at 165°F.[2] By doing so you will rule out any possibility of microbial infection. Fresh and properly cooked duck meat is not only safe but is extremely beneficial for the would be mother’s health.
Top 5 Health Benefits Of Eating Duck While Pregnant
Duck meat is a rich source of various nutrients necessary during pregnancy. Here are the top 5 benefits that you can get by eating duck meat while pregnant;
1. Provides you Protein
Every 70g of duck meat contains 18g of protein which is almost double that you get from chicken. You need more protein during pregnancy for muscle development, immunity, and growth of the baby.
2. Saves you From Anaemia
According to the report of WHO around 37% of women suffer from anaemia during pregnancy. Duck meat contains iron and iron helps to form haemoglobin to fight off anaemia.
3. Makes your Bones Stronger
The calcium and phosphorus present in duck meat will make your bones stronger and prevent osteoporosis and preeclampsia.
4. Gives you Immunity
The antioxidants and selenium that you get from duck meat will prevent cell damage, and inflammation and enable your body to fight against diseases.
5. Aids in Brain Development
Duck meat contains vitamin B complex that takes part in the brain and neural tube development of the baby.
Side Effects of Eating Duck Meat During Pregnancy
Raw, under cooked, and contaminated duck meat can cause some side effects in your body. Here are some side effects of eating duck meat during pregnancy;
- Having duck meat frequently can increase your cholesterol levels and make to gain unnecessary fat.
- Digesting duck meat is not as easy as chicken. Too much duck meat can cause loose stool and even diarrhoea
- Raw or semi-cooked duck can contain listeria, a pathogenic bacteria. Listeria monocytogene can cause fever, muscle pain, and even meningitis and spontaneous abortion as a report published in Springer suggests.
- The salmonella bacteria often present in ducks can cause food poisoning if you do not cook it well.[3]
Who Should Not Have Duck Meat During Pregnancy?
Duck meat is cold so if you already have a cold or fever, avoid duck meat. If you have arthritis or gout then the purines present in duck meat can increase the uric acid levels and increase your pain. If you are suffering from poor digestion or kidney problems then also you need to avoid duck meat.
Too much of anything is harmful. Thus you need to have duck meat in moderation to get its maximum benefits during pregnancy. Avoid raw, processed, or ready-to-eat duck meat from the supermarket. Instead, cook it at home to get only its benefits, not side effects.
FAQ’s
1. Is Duck Meat Safe For Babies?
Yes, duck meat is safe for babies for more than one year. Pay more attention while choosing and cooking duck meat for your baby and give only a little portion in the beginning. Because the high protein and fat levels of duck meat can disturb their digestion.
2. Can You Eat Crispy Duck While Pregnant?
You can eat crispy duck while you are pregnant. Just make sure you cook the duck meat at least 165°F internal temperature. Though crispy duck is safe and tasty, you should have such deep-fried food only once in a while during pregnancy.
References
1. Technological investigation into duck meat and its products – a potential alternative to chicken
[https://www.researchgate.net/publication/336573413_Technological_investigation_into_duck_meat_and_its_products_-_a_potential_alternative_to_chicken]
2.Duck and Goose from Farm to Table
[https://www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/poultry/duck-and-goose-farm-table]
3. The epidemiological significance of duck meat as a source of Salmonella spp. a review
[https://www.researchgate.net/publication/348577156_The_epidemiological_significance_of_duck_meat_as_a_source_of_Salmonella_spp_a_review]
