Lươn meat is packed with protein, vitamins, and minerals. Therefore, it is considered a highly beneficial food for health.
Controls blood sugar levels
Studies have shown that eel meat is very effective in reducing the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Dr. Bui Dac Sang, a specialist in Traditional Medicine (Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, Hanoi Traditional Medicine Association), stated that eel meat in Traditional Medicine has the properties of nourishing Yin, tonifying the kidney, and has the functions of treating deficiency damage, dispelling wind-dampness, strengthening tendons and bones, treating coughs caused by tuberculosis, and relieving thirst and reducing diarrhea. Due to its high protein and vitamin content, if eel meat is steamed with water, without adding spices or cooked into soup, it can become a blood sugar-lowering dish, suitable for diabetic patients.
Research has also shown that eel meat is low in saturated fat, making it an ideal food for diabetes and cardiovascular patients. Moreover, the omega-3 content in eel meat also reduces the risk of cancer, stroke, heart disease, helps improve blood pressure, reduce cholesterol, reduce the risk of diabetes and arthritis.
Boosts blood production
Thanks to its iron content, consuming eel meat helps produce healthy red blood cells and prevent anemia. Studies have shown that consuming 125g of meat per day can provide 25mg of iron to the body. In particular, women are prone to anemia due to monthly menstruation, so supplementing eel meat in their meals will increase iron, B12, and folate, which helps produce enough healthy red blood cells and prevent blood-related diseases, limiting anemia.
Nourishes the liver
With its abundant vitamin A source, eel meat plays an important role in reducing cell aging and enhancing liver function. Therefore, adding this type of meat to your diet will help keep your liver healthier every day.
Benefits brain function
DHA and lecithin in eel meat are essential nutrients for brain cells. According to research, regular lecithin intake can improve memory by 20%. In addition, the unsaturated fatty acids in eel are also beneficial for brain development, helping to improve memory and effectively reduce the risk of memory loss disorders.
Good for bones and joints
Eel meat contains a high amount of phosphorus – an essential mineral for the development of bones, teeth, heart, brain, etc., which promotes growth, repairs tissues, and other parts of the body to generate energy and strength. In the body, crystalline calcium phosphate is located in the bones and teeth, making them stronger and preventing bone loss.
Two groups of people who should avoid eating eel
Although eel provides many health benefits, not everyone should consume it. There are two specific groups who should avoid eating eel.
People with gout
People with gout should avoid eating eel because it is rich in protein, which can worsen their condition.
Allergic children
Children over 1 year old can consume eel dishes, but they should not consume too much as it may cause allergic reactions to a certain extent. Especially for children with a history of allergies, they need to be extremely cautious when consuming eel meat or avoid it altogether to ensure their health and safety.