The benefits of mussels

Benefits of mussels: get to know them

What are the benefits of mussels? Is it possible to eat this type of seafood to be harmful? The most important information you will find in the following article.

What is mussel?

Mussels are one of the types of marine organisms that descend from the family of oysters and molluscs (Clams and molluscs). Mussels are available in several different types, some of which are edible and for human consumption, such as: the following types:

Blue mussel: This is a common type of mussel. 

Green lipped mussels: spread especially in New Zealand.

Mussels have a hard, bivalve shell that ranges in color from shades of blue to black, and is sometimes oval in shape.

Inside these shells are small, silvery creatures that are the edible part of mussels and contain high levels of proteins and many vitamins and minerals.

It is possible to find different types of mussels in salt water or in sweet water. 

Nutritional value of mussels

Every 100 grams of raw blue mussel contains the following nutrients and nutritional values: 

energy

86 calories

water

80.58 gr

Fats

2.24 gr

proteins

11.9 gr

Calcium

26 milligrams

iron

3.95 milligrams

magnesium

34 milligrams

phosphorous

197 milligrams

potassium

320 milligrams

sodium

286 milligrams

zinc

1.6 milligrams

Selenium

44.7 mcg

Niacin

1.6 milligrams

manganese

3.4 milligrams

vitamin C

8 milligrams

folate

42 mcg

Colin

65 milligrams

Vitamin B12

12 mcg

Vitamin A

160 international units

The benefits of mussels

Here is a list of the most important potential benefits of mussels:

1. Improve bone and joint health

Some types of mussels, especially green mussels, may have various benefits for bones and joints, as follows: 

Arthritis resistance

Green mussels contain substances that may help stimulate the production of leukotrienes, which are important for fighting inflammation.

Therefore, eating this type of mussel in its natural form or in the form of supplements may help to significantly reduce inflammation, which is the main cause of arthritis. 

Increase bone strength and reduce chances of osteoporosis

Mussels contain a range of minerals and vitamins important for bone health, and because of the aforementioned mussels' ability to fight inflammation, this type of seafood may help reduce stress on the bones.

2. Resistance to anemia

Eating mussels may help combat anemia or reduce the chances of developing this disease in general, due to the following:

Mussels are rich in iron, which is important for the blood.

Mussels contain high amounts of vitamin B12, which the body needs to produce red blood cells.

3. Losing excess weight

One of the potential benefits of mussels is that it may help support efforts to lose excess weight, as this type of seafood contains a small amount of calories.

So when eating it after cooking it in ways that do not add a lot of calories to it, it may help in the process of losing weight. 

4. Strengthening blood circulation

Mussels contain different types of nutrients that are essential and important for the health of the circulatory system, which may help strengthen the walls of blood vessels in the body, which may have a positive effect on the strength of blood circulation in the body. 

5. Improve skin appearance and health

Due to the presence of good amounts of many important nutrients for the body and skin in mussels, such as: omega-3 acids, eating mussels or mussel supplements can contribute to improving the health and appearance of the skin in general. 

6. Other benefits

The benefits of mussels are many and varied, and here are some of their other potential benefits:

Improving heart health and lowering blood pressure levels due to the content of mussels in omega-3 acids that are important for health.

Increasing fertility levels in both men and women, due to the potential ability of mussels to increase the amount of sexual fluids in both males and females.

Improve nerve health.

Strengthening the immune system.

Muscle Building. 

Dangers and harms of mussels

The danger of mussels lies in the materials that they feed on while they are in the water, as the mussels work to purify the water by feeding on plankton present in the water mainly, and sometimes while purifying the water to obtain food, the mussels may feed On some other harmful substances in the water, such as: toxins and bacteria.

Although cooking mussels may help to destroy a large amount of toxins and harmful substances stuck in them, it does not get rid of them completely.

Therefore, in order to avoid damage to mussels, it is preferable to adhere to the following:

Avoid eating mussels raw, and ensure that they are fully cooked and matured before eating them, especially by people with the following diseases: diabetes, liver disease, cancer, and digestive disorders.

Avoid eating it by people who have somewhat sensitive stomachs, as eating mussels by them may cause these symptoms to appear: excessive gas and diarrhea.

Avoid taking mussel supplements during pregnancy.