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The Health and Wellbeing Benefits of Oysters

With a growing interest in seafood as an important contributor to human health and wellbeing, consumers want to know, not only what nutritional value their food contains, but also how it contributes to the maintenance of health. The oyster is truly a food offering the consumer positive health benefits.

Pacific Oysters (Crassostrea Gigas) are naturally one of the most nutritionally well-balanced types of shellfish. They are low in fat content, with minimal calories and cholesterol in addition to being high in protein and a rich source of iron, omega 3 fatty acids, calcium, zinc, selenium and vitamin C.

Protein
As part of a balanced, healthy food diet, our bodies need protein to build strong bones, muscles, skin, and cells. Because we can’t store protein in our bodies the way we can store carbohydrates, we need to make sure we get enough protein every day.

Iron
A predominant property of Pacific oysters, iron aids in transporting oxygen to the body’s cells. Iron is a facilitator for regulating body temperature and also plays a key role in providing strength to the immune system and maintaining good heart health.

Omega 3 Fatty Acids
Raw oysters are loaded with Omega 3 Fatty Acids which are good for your joints, skin, vision, brain, heart, and helps lower bad cholesterol (LDL) levels. 100g (about 6 medium oysters) have 740mg of Omega 3 Fatty Acids. The average recommended daily value is 1000mg for women and 600mg for men.

A daily dose of Omega-3 fatty acids from oysters and oily fish promotes the following long-term nutritional benefits:

  • Lubricates joints, decreasing inflammation in inflamed joints
  • Fights wrinkles, keeping ageing at bay
  • Pumps the heart – Omega-3s reduce triglycerides, stabilize your heartbeat, make platelets “less sticky” and can even lower blood pressure
  • Attacks acne and other helps alleviate suffering from other common atopic skin conditions such as eczema
  • Clears cholesterol – boosts levels of HDL (the good cholesterol) and helps clear your arteries, reducing the risk of heart disease
  • Boosts the brain function with more oxygenated blood throughout the body’s blood cells
  • Strengthens overall immune health and nerve function, staving off cardiovascular diseases

Calcium
Calcium is needed for strong bones, aids in blood clotting and activates enzymes to help with digestion.

What does Calcium do for the body, beyond building bones?
Perhaps best known for improving bone health, calcium is actually responsible for a lot of things in your body. Proper amounts of calcium help keep your joints free of inflammation and arthritis, as well as help your muscles contract. Calcium also helps your brain communicate with your nerves, keeps your blood pressure normal and reduces the risk of colon cancer.

Zinc
The majority of people get most of their zinc from meat and poultry, but oysters and other types of fish are a lesser-known dietary source of zinc.

A serving of oysters contains impressive health benefits with more zinc than any other food per serving (76.7mg in 6 medium oysters!). This is more than 100% of the suggested daily amount of 8-11mg. Zinc helps maintain a healthy immune system which is needed for fighting illness and healing wounds.

It also helps maintain your sense of taste and smell. Because your body has no natural way to store zinc, it’s important to make sure you’re getting your daily dose.

Vitamin C
Vitamin C is an antioxidant that protects your body from free radicals, which may cause heart disease and cancer. It also helps your immune system and helps you heal from scrapes and bruises.

Cholesterol
According to a study at the University of Washington, shellfish poses no danger to cholesterol levels. This study found that some of the most commonly eaten shellfish, including oysters, showed evidence of raising HDLs (good cholesterol levels) and lowering LDL’s (bad cholesterol levels).

healthy oysters

Natural Aphrodisiac
There is some research that suggests oysters are a natural aphrodisiac enhancing sexual health and well-being. This is mainly due to oysters containing high levels of zinc which may have a positive effect on fertility and testosterone production. Sustainable oysters provide essential natural nutrients for any seafood lover aiming to maintain a delicious and balanced diet.

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