8 Top Health Benefits of Eating Oysters

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While oysters are traditionally known as an aphrodisiac food, maintaining a better love life is not the only reason to consider eating them. Oysters provide around 150 calories for 100 grams of consumption. They also have high levels of vitamin B12, zinc, iodine, phosphorous, potassium, selenium and iron and smaller quantities of calcium, magnesium and sodium. With all these impressive nutrients contained in such small portions, oysters are a god among superfoods, seriously boosting your body’s health and overall functions.

Being rich in essential nutrients, they boost metabolism, aid in weight loss, lower blood cholesterol levels, control blood pressure, promote tissue growth, repair and development.

8 Top Health Benefits of Eating Oysters

Wound Healing

The unprecedented levels of zinc in oysters result in a number of health benefits, including quicker wound healing rates, and boosted immune system against various infections and microbes. As an essential mineral, zinc is also important for proper growth and development of children and young adults, as well as the maintenance of bodily function for people of all ages.

Aphrodisiac

Scientific studies reveal that oysters can actually increase your sexual libido. Oysters have long been recognised as an aphrodisiac, particularly due to their high zinc content. For men especially, zinc has been shown to improve sexual drive and masculinity.

Brain Food

Oysters are good sources of Vitamin B 12, Omega 3 fats, iron and zinc, which boost memory and brain functioning. Low iron reserves reduce the ability to concentrate, whereas lower levels of zinc affect memory. Omega 3 fatty acids are a key component in brain functioning.

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.

Blood Circulation

Oysters are a fair source of iron, which is a key component of haemoglobin that carries oxygen to the cells. A steady supply of oxygen makes the various organ systems function efficiently and boosts the overall metabolic rate of the body.

Good for Environment

Oysters clean the water, remove nitrogen and provide an excellent habitat for other marine creatures. They’re also highly sustainable. And a healthy environment is good for the people living in it.

Aids Weight Loss

Low in calories, fat and a good source of protein, oysters represent one of the most nutrient packed foods with a low level of calories versus volume of serving. Eating too little protein can result in a sluggish metabolism, making it harder to shift excess weight. Oysters aid weight loss due to their protein packed ingredients, boosting your metabolic activity.

Energy Boost

Oysters contain high amounts of the vitamin B-12, as well as moderate amounts of riboflavin and niacin. B vitamins release energy by breaking down carbohydrates in the body, but they’re water soluble which means you need to replenish your supply throughout the day.

Sources:

https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/animal-product/oysters.html

http://www.medicaldaily.com/health-benefits-oysters-protein-minerals-packed-natures-most-helpful-mollusk-308072

http://www.catonsvillegourmet.com/the-health-benefits-of-seafood/the-health-benefits-of-eating-oysters/

http://www.panafricanalliance.com/tag/health-benefits-of-oysters/

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