Health Benefits of Eating Duck

Health Benefits of Eating Duck

Article
Kids' Zone
Health & Wellness
+1
Contributed byKrish Tangella MD, MBASep 15, 2022

Duck is a lean meat and contains small amounts of omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin B3 (niacin), selenium, iron, zinc, and copper. All these wonderful constituents in duck make it a very healthy meat option. Duck meat is a little higher in calories in comparison to other meat options; despite this, it is a healthy choice considering all the mineral nutrients that are present.

Iron

Iron is a vital nutrient that is needed by the body to make hemoglobin that is essential to make red blood cells. Red blood cells in the body carry oxygen to the entire body. Children need a lot of iron and duck meat is a very good source of iron. The California Department of Public Health recommends duck meat to pregnant and breast-feeding women, as it is a good source of protein and iron. 

Selenium

Selenium is essential for the human body as it plays a crucial role in DNA synthesis, protection against oxidative damage, and reproduction. The Food and Nutrition Board (FNB) in their Dietary References Intake (DRIs) recommends an adequate intake of 55 mcg of selenium for an average person in the age range of 19 to 50 years. Numerous research reports have also shown that a higher level of selenium in blood is beneficial in the management of cancer. 

Zinc

Zinc is another essential mineral found in duck, and is helpful in many aspects of cellular metabolism. Zinc plays an important role in the proper functioning of the immune system, protein synthesis, and cell division. Zinc is also needed for proper development in the formative years and is essential for the development of the senses of smell and taste. The body needs zinc on a daily basis as zinc cannot be stored by our body. According to the Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs) developed by the Food and Nutrition Board (FNB), a daily intake of 11 mg for men and 9 mg for women is required for people over the age of 19 years.

Omega-3 fatty acid

Omega-3 fatty acid is found in duck meat. Omega-3 fatty acid cannot be produced by our body and must be consumed through the intake of food. Omega-3 fats have many benefits and are required for numerous body functions, like controlling blood clotting, building cell membranes in the brain, and protecting against heart disease and stroke. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is a type of omega-3 fatty acid found in meat and seafood. Omega-3 fatty acids also help in enhancing mental health. They also play a role in reducing inflammation and have shown evidence of reducing joint swelling, pain, and morning stiffness. 

Duck is beneficial source of omega-3 fatty acids that are necessary for the proper functioning of the body. Duck also contains iron which helps in making red blood cells, zinc which plays a huge role in the proper functioning of the immune system and protein synthesis. Duck meat also contains selenium that is essential for DNA synthesis. All these elements combined in duck meat make it a very healthy meat choice indeed.

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Krish Tangella MD, MBA

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