There are a ton of good reasons to add oysters to your diet. Firstly, theyre one of the most delicious foods on the planet, and can be enjoyed raw from the shell, grilled, steamed, or fried, and incorporated into dozens of different dishes and cuisines. Secondly, most oyster farms have a low impact on the natural environment and are managed to ensure high sustainability. But best of all, oysters are an extremely nutritious foodstuff to add to your diet. In this guide, were going to outline the many ways in which oyster nutrition can benefit you.
Nutritional Content
Oysters offer a ton of health benefits, thanks to their huge stockpiles of essential vitamins, minerals and organic compounds. Theyre an excellent source of protein, vitamin D, zinc, iron and copper, and also have high levels of Vitamin C, phosphorus, niacin and riboflavin. But it doesnt stop there. Theyre also rich in beneficial antioxidants, healthy cholesterol and omega-3 fatty acids. With all these impressive nutrients contained in such small portions, oysters are a god among superfoods, seriously boosting your bodys health and overall functions. Lets look at some of the many benefits your body can receive.
Weight Loss
As we just discussed, oysters are packed to the brim with nutrients, yet they have one of the lowest calories-to-serving-size ratios of any food out there. People often turn to chicken when seeking a low-calorie, protein-rich meat, yet oysters have around half the calories per serving size as chicken! If youre trying to lose weight, you can enjoy the exquisite taste of oysters without having to worry that itll add on pounds.
Heart Health
Like fish and other seafoods, oysters are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are considered a healthy fat or cholesterol. They have been proven to reduce the chance of plaque accumulation in the blood vessels and improve overall cardiovascular health. Their vitamin E content also increases the strength of cellular membranes, further protecting against heart disease.
Blood Circulation
With their high potassium and magnesium content, oysters can lower your blood pressure and increase circulation and blood oxygenation. Meanwhile, their rich stockpiles of iron help formulate red blood cells, boost the bodys metabolic rate, and defend against conditions such anemia.
Bone Strength
With a wealth of healthy minerals in every serving, oysters can massively improve the strength of your bones. Calcium, iron, zinc, phosphorus and selenium all help increase bone durability, and protect you from conditions such as osteoporosis.
Immunity
You may have heard about antioxidants before. Famously found in teas, herbs and fresh vegetables, antioxidants fight against dangerous free radicals in the body, thereby reducing risk of heart disease and premature aging. Well, it so happens that oysters are also rich in antioxidants, not to mention Vitamin C and Vitamin E, all of which go a long way towards strengthening the bodys immune system.
Aphrodisiac
Oysters have long been recognized as an aphrodisiac, particularly due to their high zinc content. For men especially, zinc has been shown to improve sexual drive and masculinity.
PLEASE NOTE!
While oysters are a super healthy source of minerals, vitamins and proteins, we strongly recommend not over-eating them! As with anything, moderation is key, even for vitamins and minerals. Eat oysters regularly, by all means, but be sure to rotate them with fish, chicken and other healthy sources of protein so you can benefit from a wide range of different nutrients. Variety really is the spice of life!
