Parents sometimes give it to children for its nutrient density (high in protein, calcium, iron, and phosphorus). While these are folk beliefs rather than modern scientific claims, the dish’s popularity stems from its perceived restorative and invigorating qualities.
Vietnam
Similar to the Philippines, in Vietnam, incubated fertilized eggs are consumed as a nutritious, restorative food. Popular belief holds it as especially beneficial for pregnant or postpartum women, providing strength, energy, and recovery support during vulnerable periods.
Cambodia and Laos
Variations in the practice of consuming incubated fertilized eggs exist in Cambodia and Laos, with similar views of it as a high-nutrient, energizing food tied to traditional health practices.
Fertilized Eggs in Traditional Medicine
While fertilized poultry eggs aren’t a central focus in ancestral medicine, the egg does serve an important role in dietary practices.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)
Eggs in general (including those symbolizing potential life) are valued for nourishing “Jing” (essence/vitality), which supports reproductive health, kidney function, hormone balance, and overall fertility.
While TCM texts emphasize eggs as embodying life potential, specific references to fertilized or incubated eggs are less common.
Ayurveda
In Traditional Indian Medicine, eggs are regarded as supporting reproductive health, hormonal balance, and vitality, particularly when used with herbs for fertility.
However, consumption of fertilized eggs is not considered an important dietary focus.
Summary
In conclusion, despite the compelling anecdotal claims online, there is actually no credible research indicating that fertilized chicken, duck, or other types of eggs are more nutritious than non-fertilized ones when there is little to no incubation.
Any differences between the two are microscopic and tied to embryonic biology, not human nutrition.
If you wish to consume fertilized eggs, traditional Asian diets that considered them important to health incubated them for 2-3 weeks, allowing the embryo to develop considerably.
In short, the perceived “boost” in nutrition from fertilized eggs aligns with traditional dishes like Filipino balut, where the egg is allowed to incubate and develop almost to the point of hatching before being consumed.
Thus, whether you are choosing eggs at a farmer’s market or deciding whether or not to have a rooster with your backyard hens, factors like diet and environment are far more important than fertilization status when it comes to egg nutritional quality.
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