Nature works in mysterious ways, and it bestows us with wondrous gifts in the form of flora and fauna. One such offering is Oysters. These naturally occurring mollusks are packed with nutrition, and they are delicious as well. Oysters are eaten worldwide and for good reasons. There are many health benefits of oysters including boosting immunity, elevating sexual desires, weight loss, healthy heart and many more. Let’s dive into understanding the health-inducing properties of oysters.
What Are Oysters?
Oysters are the type of mollusks eaten throughout the world and part of the staple diet in many countries. True oysters which belong to family Ostreidae are eaten as a delicacy whereas the feathered oysters which create pearls are not consumed. The edible part of the oyster is the meat inside, and once you crack the shells, this meat can be cooked variety of ways. Many people prefer to eat them raw as well. Other than offering oyster health benefits, they are beneficial for the environment as they cleanse the pollutants. While Oysters do wonders for your health, they are also mouth-watering.
Nutritional Value Of Oysters
Oysters are the powerhouse of nutrition and are considerably loaded with proteins, minerals, and vitamins. Eating oysters improve your protein intake without increasing your fat consumption. One serving of oysters contains approx. 5 grams of protein and 2 grams of carbohydrates. Oysters are the rich source of omega-3 fatty acids like DHA and EPA, magnesium and potassium. Oysters are filled with essential minerals. A single serving of oysters includes about 28 milligrams of zinc, about 9 milligrams of iron and approx. 131micrograms of selenium. Eating oysters benefit your health overall as it is packed with vitamins. A serving of oysters provides a substantial amount of vitamin C, and the vitamin B-12 is also abundant in an oyster.
Are Oysters Good For You?
If you are a fan of seafood and don’t have any seafood allergies, then Oysters are the right choice for you. Oyster benefits in numerous significant ways. This small thing can work wonders for your overall health. If you have a weak immune system, then eating raw oysters is not advisable but you can indulge your taste buds by cooking or steaming the raw oysters. Oysters are one of the least contaminated varieties of seafood, according to the Resources Defence Council.
Health Benefits Of Eating Raw, Steamed Oysters
Some people love to eat the slimy inside, and some can’t get enough of its briny flavor. Some people gorge themselves in eating Raw Oysters, and some enjoy steamed or Smoked Oysters. However, consumed in any form, health benefits of oysters cannot be undermined.
Health Benefits Of Raw Oysters
These are just as amazing as cooked oysters, offering several essential nutrients including omega-3 fats, vitamins, and minerals. Raw oysters are not much safe, because they can be polluted with food poisoning causing organisms. Because of this, the eating raw oysters is not advised, especially if you have a weak immune system.
Health Benefits Of Smoked Oysters
Smoked Oysters are similar to raw oysters, but they have an added advantage as steaming or smoking the oysters kills the harmful bacteria and thus making it safe for consumption.
Health Benefits Of Oyster
1.Improves The Energy
Nowadays most of the diet we consume, lack of proper nutrients which are required to keep the optimal body functioning. As a result of low nutrition, energy levels decrease, and our performance suffers.
Oysters come loaded with the nutrient punch which can help eliminate fatigue, according to recent studies that 15-40% of Americans don’t have enough levels of B12 for their optimal health. Oysters contain the appropriate amount of B12 vitamins and turn the food we eat into energy. A 3.5-ounce single serving of oysters contains 16 micrograms of vitamin B-12 which can increase our energy levels.
Oysters also include iron, which helps the body in transporting oxygen to different cells and thereby giving an energy boost. Iron is essential for energy production and strengthening of the immune system.
2.Food That Arouses Sexually
Oysters are abundantly rich in zinc found, and that is why they are renowned as an aphrodisiac. Zinc stimulates the testosterone production which is an important hormone controlling women’s and men’s libido. In men, Zinc improves sperm count. In women, zinc regulates the combination of progesterone, estrogen, and testosterone. Therefore, oyster benefits in boosting the sexual drive and enhances the sexual function.
3.Helps In Weight Loss
If you are watching your weight, then eating Oysters will benefit your health tremendously. These small marvels of nature are low in fat and calories but have a high protein content. Individuals struggling to lose weight can consume oysters to nurture the body with all the essential nutrients without increasing fat intake. Including them in your food intake will boost the metabolic activities and improve weight loss without extra work.
4.Fastens The Healing Power
Oyster has unparalleled levels of zinc which aids in faster wound healing and reduces the risk of infection. Health benefits of Oyster include the boosting the immune system of the body and subsequently increasing its potential to fight various microbes and viruses.
5.Reduces Blood Pressure
In comparison with sodium-rich protein foods like cold cuts, sausages, hot dogs and canned fish, Oysters benefits the body by lowering the blood pressure levels. They make a nutritious meal for individuals with high blood pressure. Hypertension or high BP increases the risk of heart diseases and many other diseases.
6.Lowers The Cholesterol Level
Healthy heart equals a healthy body. A high level of cholesterol results in the blockage of arteries and makes the heart weak. Oysters are rich in Omega3 fatty acids which are recognized to lower the bad cholesterol levels and hence reducing the threat of cardiac disorders. They improve the level of good cholesterol. The presence of potassium and magnesium also aids in lowering the blood pressure and increasing the blood circulation.
7.Improves Our Brian Function
Oyster health benefits include protection and improvement of brain function. They are a valuable source of B12, omega-3 fatty acids, iron, and zinc. Low levels of iron in the brain degrades the strength of a person to concentrate while zinc scarcity can affect the memory.
8. Good For Skin
Acne free, glowing and healthy skin is a dream for everyone. Oyster benefits by fulfilling that dream. The deficiency of Zinc in one of the significant contributing factors responsible for the outburst of acne. The zinc in Oysters inhibits the microbes causing acne, reduces inflammation and clears the pores. Oysters also aid in skin repair by boosting collagen production
9.Improves The Healthy Sleep
Adequate Sleep has no replacement when it comes to improving brain function and enabling growth and recovery of cells. Getting sufficient sleep helps in the restoration of energy levels. Zinc and Magnesium found in Oysters promote healthy sleep.
10. Keep You Away From Cancer
Oysters are quite beneficial in fighting cancer by boosting the immune system. Oysters are rich in nutrients having antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties which can protect the body against free radicals which are by-products of cellular metabolism. These free radicals can attack healthy cells and mutate them into cancerous cells. Antioxidants and several vitamins found in oysters can eliminate these free radicals from the body and thereby keeping you away from Cancer.
11.Boost The Better Vision
Oysters are the natural sources of zinc, a mineral which ensures the adequate production of eye’s pigment in the retina. Stronger eyesight is directly proportional to the Zinc levels in your body. Eating Oysters regularly can enhance eye function in dim light, slow down age-related macular degeneration and prevent cataract development, therefore boosting the better vision.
12. Fights Wrinkles
We get wrinkles as we age. How? It’s because the fat cells which are deposited under the third layer of our skin used to get thin when we mature. Oysters are rich in omega 3 fatty acids so eating them will make your skin layer smooth and thicker. This helps to get rid of wrinkles.
If you are one those who are watching everything you eat or who wants to include more nutrition in your food, then embrace this natural wonder in your diet and provide the level of vitamins, minerals, and protein a significant boost. Whether you like the steamed, smoked or raw, oysters remember they are power packed with nutrients so their health benefits of raw oysters, smoked oysters are always high. If being scrumptious isn’t sufficient incentive for you, these facts about the health benefits of oysters will help you more in enjoying eating them.
