In the next section, we will look at the different ways duck eggs benefit us.
Health Benefits Of Duck Eggs
Duck eggs are becoming a popular choice of food for people of all ages due to their high nutritional value. Let’s delve deeper into the benefits of duck eggs.
May Play A Role Against Fighting Bacteria
A laboratory study was conducted where ovomucin, a protein found in duck egg whites, was isolated and studied. Through observation, they found out that ovomucin displayed significant antibacterial activity against four types of select bacteria (2). While the results seem promising, further research is needed to establish the antibacterial properties of duck eggs.
May Help Fight Against Cancer
A study was conducted to see the effect of red yolk extracted from duck eggs on the growth and spreading of human cancer cells. Mice were given an extract from the red yolk of duck eggs for 34 days. The result of the study showed that duck egg extract had inhibited the growth and movement of cancer cells, thus suggesting that duck eggs may play an important role in the fight against cancer (3).
May Play A Role In Bone Health
One of the nutrients essential for the formation of healthy bones is calcium. As seen from the above section, duck eggs contain a higher source of calcium than chicken eggs. This was seen in a study where Wistar rats were administered desalted duck white eggs for three weeks. The results showed the rats that were administered duck egg whites demonstrated a higher rate of calcium absorption, indicating that duck eggs may play a role in bone health (4).
May Have Antioxidant Properties
Duck eggs contain amino acids and carotenoids that are said to contribute to their antioxidant capacity. A study was conducted to examine the effect of salting on antioxidant activity of duck eggs (5). The researchers saw that salting the eggs increased their antioxidant activity significantly, thus suggesting that duck eggs may have antioxidant properties. While we have seen the different benefits of duck eggs, let us look at duck eggs and their side effects and potential allergies.
Side Effects & Allergies Of Duck Eggs
While eggs, in general, are beneficial, they are one of the most common allergens, especially for infants and children (6). Does this mean duck eggs might cause any possible side effects? Let’s have a look at some of the side effects reported from around the globe. Word Of Caution: Duck eggs are much bigger in size in comparison to chicken eggs. The bigger the size, the higher the yolk content. This means, duck eggs have more fat and cholesterol than chicken eggs. Individuals with diabetes or cardiovascular disease should limit their intake to 3 duck eggs per week. Now, let’s dive into the debate of duck eggs vs. chicken eggs.
Duck Vs. Chicken Eggs
What is better, duck eggs or chicken eggs? Before you decide which one is better, let us compare the nutritional value of the two eggs as cited by the USDA (1), (10). As seen above, duck eggs are more nutritious than chicken eggs. Let’s see how duck eggs fare vs chicken eggs in other aspects as well.
Duck eggs have a thicker shell than chicken eggs, so one must be more careful while cracking the duck egg. Duck eggs are larger with a bigger and creamier yolk inside than an average-sized chicken egg. The yolk of a chicken egg is pale yellow, but if you look closely at the yolk of a duck egg, they are more orange in color. Duck eggs are more expensive due to their size while chicken eggs are more pocket-friendly. Owing to their thick shells, duck eggs have a longer shelf life than chicken eggs.
If you are feeling very adventurous and want a change from chicken eggs, then duck eggs might just be the right choice for you. Let’s look at some of the ways you can add duck eggs into your daily diet.
What Are The Ways To Use Duck Eggs In Food?
Did you think that poached, fried, or scrambled duck eggs are the only ways to eat them? Certainly not! Asian countries such as Cambodia, Thailand, China, etc. have been known to pickle or salt these eggs. If you are looking to add an extra kick to your eggs, pickling them may not be a bad idea after all! Due to its creamy texture, high fat, and less water content, duck eggs can make your cakes or pies more moist and yummy. If you are feeling lazy but want to eat something light, a sandwich or a salad with duck eggs can be a perfect choice. Read the next section to find some simple recipes for duck eggs that you can try at home.
Duck Egg Recipes
Duck eggs would make the perfect addition to any salad, dish or just perfect on their own. Let’s look at some simple recipes of duck eggs you can practice at home.
Duck Egg Salad
Ingredients
12 hard-boiled and peeled duck eggs 7 tablespoon of mayonnaise 2 stems of celery, finely chopped 2 tablespoons of chopped or relished pickles 2 teaspoons of salt 5 tablespoons of mustard, grounded 1 teaspoon of lemon juice, fresh ¼ teaspoon of dill leaf ¼ teaspoon of paprika ¼ teaspoon of black pepper
Instructions
Bacon And Duck Egg Sandwich
Ingredients
slices of sourdough bread 2 tablespoons of aioli or mayonnaise lettuce leaves 1 thickly sliced large tomato 2 duck eggs 4 rashers of bacon olive oil
Instructions With their yellow-orange interior, they add a pop of color to your salad or make your sandwich gooey and yummy. Do duck eggs raise cholesterol? While duck eggs have a higher concentration of cholesterol than chicken eggs, there is a lack of studies suggesting that they may raise cholesterol levels. Is duck egg good for weight gain? Yes. Duck eggs are nutritious and packed with proteins and healthy fats that may help one gain weight. Is duck egg good for hair? Possibly. Anecdotal evidence suggests that the rich protein content of duck eggs may help promote hair growth and boost scalp health. Is duck egg good for constipation? Yes. Eggs are rich in digestible proteins that may help boost digestion and relieve constipation (14). Do duck eggs build muscle? Yes. Duck eggs are a good source of proteins that may help build and repair muscles. Are duck eggs dairy-free? Yes. Eggs (including duck eggs) are often grouped together with dairy products at supermarkets. However, they are obtained from birds and not mammals. Hence, they are dairy-free.
