Written by Ajanta Biswas
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?
In This Article
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.
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.
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;
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.
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.
The calcium and phosphorus present in duck meat will make your bones stronger and prevent osteoporosis and preeclampsia.
The antioxidants and selenium that you get from duck meat will prevent cell damage, and inflammation and enable your body to fight against diseases.
Duck meat contains vitamin B complex that takes part in the brain and neural tube development of the baby.
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;
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.
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.
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.
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]
Studying English literature has been highly instrumental in creating a love for English and World Literature for this writer. Ajanta has been writing for more than two years. She specializes in creating short and crisp blogs that can create awareness among women about healthy pregnancy and among parents about better parenting.Read more.
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