- Dear Doctor, on social media, some claim that children eating balut are prone to bloating, digestive issues, or even slower development. Is this accurate?
- From my perspective, children under 5 years old should avoid balut because their digestive systems are not yet fully mature. Eating it can easily cause bloating or digestive problems, which could harm their health. For children aged 5 and older, half an egg per serving is sufficient, with no more than 1–2 servings per week (half a balut is roughly equivalent to 4–5 fertilized quail eggs). Over-eatingOver eating balut can lead to vitamin A buildup in the body, as vitamin A dissolves in fat and accumulates in the skin and liver when consumed in excess. This may cause yellowing of the skin, skin peeling, and interfere with bone development, potentially hindering healthy growth in children.
Dr. Ho Thu Mai, an experienced nutrition consultant for both children and adults, provides further insights:
- Are there other groups of people who should avoid eating balut?
- People with conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, liver diseases (e.g., hepatitis, fatty liver), cardiovascular issues, or gout should limit or avoid balut. Consuming it may increase cholesterol levels, block arteries, and raise the risk of heart attacks or strokes. Pregnant women should avoid eating balut with Vietnamese coriander, as this combination may increase the risk of bleeding or miscarriage.
When is the best time to eat balut, and how much is safe? Balut is best eaten in the morning. Avoid consuming it in the evening because it is a nutrient-dense food and can be hard to digest. Eating it late at night may lead to bloating, discomfort, or indigestion. While balut is highly nutritious, eating it daily can raise cholesterol levels, increasing the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes. As mentioned earlier, frequent consumption may also result in excess vitamin A, which can cause yellowing skin, peeling, and negatively affect bone growth. Healthy adults should limit themselves to no more than two balut eggs per week.
- Why should balut be paired with Vietnamese coriander and ginger?
- In traditional medicine, Vietnamese coriander is known for its warm, spicy properties. It helps with digestion, prevents bloating, and has antibacterial effects. It also improves vision, strengthens muscles and bones, and prevents cold-related digestive issues. Eating balut with Vietnamese coriander (and sometimes ginger) helps balance its "cold" nature, preventing bloating and indigestion. Vietnamese coriander may also reduce the dish’s aphrodisiac effects, helping maintain the body’s energy balance. Fresh ginger further supports digestion, improves blood circulation, and relieves issues like cold stomach, bloating, abdominal pain, muscle cramps, and diarrhea. Balut is considered a highly nourishing food that supports blood health, brain function, vision, and growth. Combining it with Vietnamese coriander and ginger enhances its benefits while minimizing potential side effects, making it a traditional remedy for anemia, weakness, malnourishment, and related conditions.
Balut is a nutritious and popular snack in Vietnam
- Doctor, can eating balut really help underweight individuals gain weight, as many believe?
- Balut is a common and highly nutritious snack in Vietnam. Each egg contains about 182 kcal of energy, 13.6 grams of protein, 12.4 grams of fat, 82 mg of calcium, 212 mg of phosphorus, and 600 mg of cholesterol. It also provides beta carotene, vitamins A, B, and C, as well as iron. While balut is nutrient-dense, eating it alone without a balanced diet will not effectively help with weight gain. To gain weight in a healthy way, it’s important to consume a variety of nutrients and follow a well-rounded meal plan.
- Thank you for your insights, Doctor!
Dr. Ho Thu Mai is an experienced nutrition specialist who has advised on diets for both children and adults and developed nutritional programs at healthcare facilities. At Vinmec Hospital, Dr. Mai provides nutrition consultations and check-ups on weekdays, except for Saturday afternoons and Sundays.
To arrange an appointment, please call HOTLINE or make your reservation directly HERE. You may also download the MyVinmec app to schedule appointments faster and manage your reservations more conveniently.
