Is Duck Meat Fatty?
Duck meat has a relatively high fat content, usually between the skin and the meat. However, the fat in duck meat is unsaturated fat (different from saturated fat in animals). This fat is considered to be healthy and less harmful to human health.
In addition, through the cooking process, the amount of fat in duck will decrease significantly depending on whether the duck is fully cooked or not, or whether you remove the outer skin or not.
In fact, some parts of the duck meat such as breast meat have a low fat content (2 grams, of which only 0.5 grams are saturated fat) per 85 grams of meat. This fat content is lower than the fat content in chicken breast (3 grams total fat and 1 gram saturated fat).
Duck legs and duck thighs have a higher total fat content (average of 5 grams of fat per 85 grams of meat), however, duck legs still have less fat than skinless chicken thighs.
Thus, it can be seen that duck meat is a source of healthy fat and has a low likelihood of causing obesity to the human body. This is also a type of food chosen in many diets and fat reduction regimens.
Health Benefits of Duck Meat
Cholesterol Reduction
Monounsaturated fat in duck fat can help maintain the desired levels of HDL “good” cholesterol. In addition, it can also play a role in reducing levels of LDL “bad” cholesterol.
Increase Energy Levels
Duck meat contains high levels of essential amino acids that help the body produce energy for daily activities.
Enhance Immune System
Being a source of selenium – an important antioxidant that can help prevent cell damage and inflammation, consuming duck meat can support the body’s immune system.
Support Thyroid Health
Consuming enough selenium is also important for the health of the thyroid gland. A portion of about 250 grams of Pekin duck meat provides over 50% of the daily selenium value.
Bone Protection
Some studies have shown that consuming animal protein, including duck meat, can improve bone density and strength.
Reduce the Risk of Heart Disease
While fish oil is considered the top source of omega-3 fatty acids, duck meat also contains this group of acids and is beneficial for cardiovascular health. Eating duck (and other poultry forms) instead of red meat can lead to positive health outcomes related to the risk of heart disease. Additionally, duck meat provides iron content equivalent to red meat, significantly more than the amount of iron you get from chicken.
Who Shouldn’t Eat Duck Meat?
Patients with Gout
Patients with gout should limit the consumption of duck meat and other types of red meat. Duck meat can produce uric acid, increase the concentration of uric acid in the blood, causing painful and characteristic joint inflammation of gout.
Recently Operated Individuals
People who have recently undergone surgery need to have a careful diet to support the recovery process. Duck meat can cause stress to the digestive system, affecting the recovery process after surgery.
People with Poor Digestion
People with digestive problems such as sensitive stomachs or uncomfortable symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome should avoid hard-to-digest foods like duck meat. Eating duck meat can cause discomfort and increase the risk of negative effects on digestion.
Individuals Needing to Lose Weight or Control Weight
Duck meat can contain a relatively high number of calories and should not be consumed excessively if you are on a calorie control diet. People who are in the process of losing weight or controlling weight should focus on choosing low-calorie foods that provide a lot of nutrients.
Individuals with Heart Problems
People with a history of cardiovascular problems such as high blood pressure or heart disease should limit the consumption of high-fat and high-cholesterol meats. Although duck meat is less fatty than many other types of meat, it still contains a high amount of cholesterol and fat, so it should be consumed in moderation.
People with Frequent Coughing
People who frequently cough should limit the consumption of duck meat. Duck meat can stimulate mucus production and increase coughing, which can make it difficult to control coughs. In cases of severe throat inflammation and excessive phlegm, eating duck meat can cause difficulty breathing. Avoiding duck meat during this period can help minimize the negative impact on health conditions.
While duck meat is less fatty than other meats, it still contains cholesterol and fat. Those with a history of cardiovascular issues should limit their consumption.
Winter is here, eat these meats to avoid year-round coughing: Cheaper than pork, healthier than lamb
Did you know that this is a type of meat that is very popular but contains a lot of nutrients and is extremely good for your health?
