Battle of the Eggs: Duck vs. Chicken?
Where have the last two months gone? Blogging fell to the wayside as children were home for the Summer and God advanced the call to open a new classical Christian school for children with intellectual and developmental disabilities in our city. I have been stretched and blessed through this journey. I can attest that my need for a holistic wellness plan has never been more evident. I am so thankful for all of the tools God has provided me to subdue autoimmune symptoms, sustain energy, combat illness and manage a healthy weight. Maintaining my customized vitamins and adding in a new wellness program called Lean30 has been key and has helped me to drop a pesky 5 pounds that snuck up on my body in the early Summer months.
If your life has been FULL like ours, intentional strategies for success alongside a community of encouragement are vital. We simply cannot pour from an empty cup.
With that said, one of the most exciting health victories for me this Summer was discovering that while my body still rejects chicken eggs, it is now gratefully receiving DUCK EGGS! After 6 years of “no eggs”, this truly is a gift from the LORD.
As someone who struggles to consume enough daily protein, finding a quick, affordable and portable protein option has been game changer. Protein is essential for increasing energy, lean muscle tissue and healthy organ function.
“Humans need amino acids, the building blocks of protein, to mount a response to infection, as well as for just about every structure in the body—bone, liver, gut, tissues, hair, nails, skin, and the one that likely comes to mind first when you think of protein: muscle” (Courtney Rubin, Women’s Health Magazine).
If you are able to eat chicken eggs - please continue! Each egg contains about 6 grams of protein and houses all 9 essential amino acids (1). If you are like me, however, and chicken eggs have caused GI distress, inflammation, vomiting and/or hives, you clearly do not want to keep consuming them. Eggs are a common food intolerance (2) - so I know I’m not alone! Interestingly, though, many people who cannot tolerate hen eggs CAN tolerate duck eggs. I wish I had known sooner!
Duck Eggs vs Chicken Eggs:
1. Different Protein Make-Up
While this isn’t true for everybody, one of the common allergens of a chicken egg is a protein enzyme called conalbumin which makes up 12% of a chicken egg white, but only 2% of a duck egg white (3). It is possible, therefore, for someone to be able to eat duck eggs who cannot safely consume hen eggs (like me!). If conalbumin is what you are intolerant to, you may be able to eat duck eggs. Interestingly, it is this same protein that is altered in high temperatures which likely allowed me to eat baked goods made with chicken eggs even thought I would get sick from eating a scrambled egg (4). With that said, I am eager to begin incorporating duck eggs into my baking as many professional bakers report that duck eggs help make desserts fluffier, lighter and more decadent (5).
2. Provides More Protein
Duck eggs are larger than their hen counterparts. In effect, each duck egg contains more protein than a chicken egg (on average 9 grams vs. 6). Most people are not consuming enough protein in their daily diet. The average adult needs about 0.8 grams of protein per 2.2 pounds of body weight (6). So, someone who weighs 150 lbs should ideally be eating about 54 grams of protein each day. Finding creative ways to elevate protein sources is crucial. I can now cook up two duck eggs and feel energized and satiated with 18 g of protein in the morning (or I have even boiled 2 duck eggs to bring with me for lunch at work). When I combine that with my morning coffee and Collagen + I am adding 27 grams of protein before I step out the door!
3. Richer and Creamier
I had no idea what to expect when I ate my first duck egg. I was a bit intimidated if I’m being honest. I was not sure how my body would respond for one. But also, I was a bit uneasy about how it might taste. Y’all. Duck eggs are DELICIOUS! Their yoke is buttery and full-flavored. I have been preparing mine over easy so I could enjoy dipping a piece of whole grain gluten free bread through the creamy goodness.
A Plan for the Future:
Our family’s new appreciation for duck eggs has launched us into a new vision! This Spring, we plan to bring home ducklings so that we can raise them for their eggs! We have missed having a pet since our beloved Mollie girl shih-tzu passed in February. While I am not yet ready for another dog, God is making room in my heart for some feathery friends. We are eagerly reading books and talking with friends who are currently raising ducks to learn more about this endeavor. With entrepreneurship joyfully running deep in our veins, we envision raising ducks for eggs not only to feed our family but to create a from-home business opportunity for our boys (one who is a budding baker too!). We invite you to join us on the journey as we learn to quack the code (tee-hee) on proper care for our future flock. I have enjoyed researching the benefits of raising ducks vs. chickens. As I continue to learn, I look forward to sharing with you!
