3 types of protein that are good for men, and how to consume them correctly?
Oysters, salmon, and eggs are three protein-rich foods that are very good for men. However, it's important to pay attention to how you eat them to maximize their nutritional value.
Oysters: Should they be eaten raw or cooked?
According to Dr. Bui Thi Hong Gam from the Andrology Department of the Central Military Hospital 108, oysters are frequently mentioned when discussing male physiology because they contain a lot of zinc, which helps boost metabolism and increase testosterone in the blood, making them very beneficial for men.
Many people enjoy eating raw oysters, but cooked oysters are safer and offer more nutritional value for men. Photo: Tú Anh
Therefore, oysters are a food that men should include in their diet. However, if consumed improperly, oysters can be harmful because they are easily contaminated with microorganisms, bacteria, and viruses.
According to Foodnetwork, oysters are a highly nutritious food that is very beneficial to health. However, along with their benefits, oysters are also considered a potentially dangerous food because they are easily contaminated with microorganisms such as bacteria and viruses, due to their high protein and moisture content.
One type of bacteria that has been found in oysters is Vibrio vulnificus. This bacteria naturally lives in coastal waters where oysters live, such as the Gulf of Mexico.
Bacteria can accumulate in the tissues of oysters. People with weakened immune systems, including the elderly, children under 5 years old, pregnant and breastfeeding women, and those taking medications, are at the highest risk of infection by Vibrio vulnificus bacteria.
Symptoms of Vibrio vulnificus infection include bloody diarrhea accompanied by stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, and fever. Vibrio vulnificus can also cause life-threatening wound infections.
Another pathogen found in raw oysters is Norovirus. This virus is transmitted through food or can also spread through direct contact with an infected person, or by touching contaminated surfaces and then touching your mouth with unwashed hands.
Symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, fever, headache, and body aches.
These symptoms typically appear 12-48 hours after Norovirus infection. Fortunately, most people will recover within 1-3 days, but the risk of spreading the virus remains for several days afterward.
Anyone who eats raw oysters risks contracting bacteria and viruses, posing health risks and even threatening death. Therefore, people with weakened immune systems should limit their consumption of raw oysters and only eat them after they have been cooked.
Food contaminated with bacteria or viruses is almost undetectable; it may even retain its normal taste and color. The best way to avoid bacterial or viral contamination from oysters is to cook them at a minimum cooking temperature, at least above 60 degrees Celsius.
In Vietnam, there have been several reported cases of bacterial infections from eating raw oysters, including some fatal cases.
Besides oysters, seafood such as shrimp, crab, pork, beef, grains, and pumpkin seeds are also rich in zinc, so people can supplement their zinc intake from these food sources.
Salmon
According to Doctor Hong Gam, salmon is famous for being rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are good for cardiovascular health and sexual life. Besides salmon, sardines, tuna, flounder, etc., also contribute to a fulfilling sex life.
According to experts, omega-3 fatty acids prevent plaque buildup in arteries, allowing for better blood flow.
"When the circulatory system functions smoothly, it reduces the risk of developing certain diseases that affect sexual function in men," Dr. Hong Gam informed.
Although salmon is very good for you, men should only eat it 2-3 times a week. It's also important to refrigerate the fish for preservation and consume it within 24 hours. Avoid using fish that has changed color or is watery.
Salmon that is not properly sterilized may be contaminated with Salmonella, Vibrio vulnificus, and Vibrio parahaemolyticus, which are bacteria that can cause digestive upset, stomach pain, diarrhea, and food poisoning.
Chicken eggs
Chicken eggs are a food rich in nutrients that are good for the body, such as vitamins A, B, C, D and abundant minerals like iron and zinc, which are very beneficial for men.
Eggs, a familiar dish to many, are a nutritious food for men. Photo: Tú Anh
In particular, egg whites also help to increase oxygen levels, stimulate libido, and enhance male sexual pleasure. Furthermore, eggs contain acids that boost the male immune system, so regular consumption can help prevent certain diseases.
According to the National Institute of Nutrition, eating undercooked eggs not only carries the risk of bacterial infection, but also results in only 40% absorption and digestion.
If you eat boiled eggs, the absorption and digestion rate is 100%; for medium-rare fried eggs, it's 98.5%; for overcooked fried eggs, it's 81%; for sunny-side-up eggs, it's 85%; and for steamed eggs, it's 87.5%.
Eating raw or undercooked eggs carries a risk of food poisoning because chicken reproductive tracts contain many bacteria, so both the inside and outside of chicken eggs can be contaminated, especially with Salmonella - a major cause of food poisoning.
