Ducks and chickens belong to the same poultry family, but they have different effects. Duck meat is cool in nature and is especially suitable for people with internal heat. Eating duck can also alleviate autumn dryness. Duck meat is rich in nutrients and has excellent nourishing effects on the body. So, can you eat duck meat when you have a cold?
Nutritional Value of Duck Meat
Duck meat is rich in protein, which is easily absorbed by the body. It contains more B vitamins and vitamin E compared to other meats, effectively preventing beriberi, neuritis, and various inflammations, as well as having anti-aging effects. The fat content is moderate and it also contains abundant niacin, which is an important component of two coenzymes in the human body, providing protection for patients with heart diseases such as myocardial infarction.
Dietary Functions of Duck Meat
Duck meat is cool in nature, with a sweet and salty taste, and it is associated with the spleen, stomach, lung, and kidney meridians. It has the functions of nourishing the stomach and kidneys, reducing edema, relieving heat-induced diarrhea and coughing, and preventing autumn dryness. People with excessive internal heat are suitable for eating duck meat. It is also beneficial for those with weak constitution, poor appetite, fever, dry stool, and edema. Duck meat itself is nutritious and can be used for stewing to combat fatigue. Duck fat has relatively low cholesterol compared to other animal fats and has a good ratio of saturated fatty acids, monounsaturated fatty acids, and polyunsaturated fatty acids. Duck blood has the effect of nourishing blood, clearing heat, and detoxifying.
Can You Eat Duck Meat When You Have a Cold?
Although duck meat is rich in nutritional value and has good dietary functions, it is cool in nature, greasy, and difficult to digest. It can easily lead to intestinal obstruction. Moreover, it is oily and greasy, which is not suitable for consumption by cold patients. Otherwise, it may worsen the condition and cause symptoms such as abdominal pain and diarrhea. People who are susceptible to colds should also avoid eating duck meat because ducks are cool in nature. However, if the illness is caused by wind-heat, moderate consumption of duck meat can help reduce internal heat.
Suitable and Unsuitable Groups for Eating Duck Meat
1. Duck meat is suitable for people with internal heat, those who are weak, have poor appetite, dry stool, and edema, as well as those with malnutrition, postpartum or post-illness recovery, dry throat, and thirst.
2. In addition to people with colds, those with cold and painful stomach, watery diarrhea, lower back pain, cold dysmenorrhea, obesity, arteriosclerosis, and chronic enteritis should not consume duck meat.
Considerations When Eating Duck Meat
Fresh duck meat may contain bacteria, so it should be thoroughly washed and cooked before consumption. Duck meat has a mild nature and can be eaten all year round. It is best to eat duck meat in summer and autumn. Eating duck meat in autumn can help alleviate autumn dryness, and eating it in summer has a better nourishing effect compared to other meat. Duck meat is suitable to be consumed with yam, red beans, Chinese angelica, and cabbage.
