In addition to providing a true pleasure of taste, shellfish are a healthy food that features a valuable source of nutrients and ingredients necessary for proper functioning of the body. If the shellfish have not yet been included in your regular menu, the following reasons might encourage you to do so.
So Few Calories
Good news for everybody who pays attention to the scale: shellfish do not contain a lot of calories. On average, 100 grams of shellfish meat contain only between 40 and 80 calories. You can forget counting your bites!
A Good Omega 3 Source
Many studies emphasize the importance of omega-3 fatty acids in our diet, as these favorably affect cardiovascular health and brain activity. Along with fish and nuts, seashells are regularly mentioned as a quality source of omega 3, and mussels the most so among them.
A Bounty of Vitamins and Minerals
Besides having a high content of valuable fat, shellfish is abundant in both vitamins and minerals. They are a good source of vitamin A, B12 and C, and, among other nutrients, they contain iron, magnesium, potassium and zinc. Oysters are especially known as a rich source of zinc, a mineral that strengthens immunity. Moreover, two to three oysters contain a daily dose of zinc needed by the body!
