When asked about the liquid inside a balut egg, everyone answers that it is “very nutritious,” even saying it is “as nourishing as ginseng.” However, is this really the case as many expect?
For those who are “admirers” of balut, they cannot overlook what is considered the most delicious part of the egg, which is the tasty, sweet liquid that comes with it. When asked how this liquid tastes, everyone replies it is “very nutritious,” even claiming it is “as nourishing as ginseng.” But is the liquid inside a balut egg truly as nutritious as many believe?
The Truth About the Claim “The Liquid Inside Balut Eggs is as Nutritious as Ginseng”
To address this question, we first need to examine the nutritional values of regular duck eggs and balut eggs to see how different they are. MSc Dr. Dang Ngoc Hung (Institute for Research and Nutrition Consulting) states: “In terms of composition, these two types of eggs are not very different. A regular duck egg contains: 90 kcal, 6.4g protein, 7g fat, 0.5g carbohydrates, and 294mg cholesterol. A balut egg contains: 98 kcal, 7.3g protein, 6.7g fat, 2.2g carbohydrates, and 324mg cholesterol.”
This is a comparison of two random eggs; if we consider the same egg undergoing two processes (like with balut), the difference is not significant. This means that the balut and regular duck eggs are not significantly more nutritious than each other.
Balut Egg.
Sharing insights about the liquid in balut eggs, which is considered the most nutritious part, experts analyze: “In ducks, this primarily consists of the duck’s urine.We should regard it as a normal dish; it is delicious and interesting, but that liquid is not as nutritious as many think.”
MSc Dr. Dang Ngoc Hung advises that while balut is nutritious, it should not be consumed in excess as it may lead to increased cholesterol levels; it is advisable to eat only 1-2 eggs at a time.
What is the Best Time of Day to Eat Balut?
According to the Clinical Nutrition Institute, the “golden time” to eat balut is in the morning. It is advisable to avoid eating it in the evening as the body’s metabolism slows down during this time, which can lead to feelings of fullness, indigestion, bloating, and difficulty sleeping, especially if consumed in large quantities.
Eating Balut in the Morning is Best
Who Should Avoid Eating Balut?
1. People with Kidney Disease
According to general practitioner Bui Da Sáng (Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, Hanoi Oriental Medicine Association), individuals with kidney disease often experience significant issues with metabolism, and reduced urine output prevents the kidneys from filtering out all toxins. Eating balut can increase urea levels in the body, causing kidney damage and even urinary tract poisoning. Therefore, this group should avoid or limit consumption.
2. Patients with Fatty Liver Disease or Cardiovascular Issues
According to Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tran Dinh Toan (Director of the Clinical Nutrition Institute), this group of people should avoid or limit their intake of balut due to its high nutritional content. Consuming it can increase the burden on the liver, raise the risk of atherosclerosis, and increase the likelihood of heart attacks and strokes.
Hypertensive Patients Should Avoid Balut.
3. Individuals with Gout
This dish is high in protein, and the more one consumes, the higher the protein level in the blood, worsening the gout condition.
4. Children Under 5 Years Old
At this age, children’s digestive systems are not fully developed, and balut should be limited to avoid bloating, gas, indigestion, and even diarrhea.
5. People with High Blood Pressure
Hypertensive patients should avoid balut as consuming this food results in a significant intake of protein and cholesterol—two factors that contribute to high blood pressure.
