Health Benefits Of Lobster - Nutritional Value Of Lobster, Nutrition Benefits Of Eating Lobsters

Lobsters are large marine crustaceans with hard shells and ten legs, two of which develop into claws. Found in all oceans, lobsters live on rocky, sandy or muddy bottoms, from the shoreline to beyond the edge of the continental shelf. They are caught and eaten for their flavor and texture. Lobsters are widely used for preparing soups, bisques and lobster rolls. For a sweetened flavor, they are dipped into clarified butter and then cooked. Lobsters are known to contain many minerals and vitamins. They help in healing various health problems. Read through the following lines to know about the nutritional value as well as health and nutrition benefits of lobsters.

Nutritional Value of Lobster

Amount of Lobster: 1 Lobster

Total Weight of Lobster: 150 g

Nutrients	Amount
Basic Components
Carbohydrate	0.7 g
Protein	28.2 g
Cholesterol	142 mg
Water	115 g
Ash	3.3 g
Calories
Total Calories	135
Calories From Carbohydrates	2.4
Calories From Fat	12.2
Calories From Protein	120
Fats & Fatty Acids
Total Fat	1.3 g
Saturated Fat	0.3 g
Monounsaturated Fat	0.4 g
Polyunsaturated Fat	0.2 g
Vitamins
Vitamin A	105 IU
Vitamin E (Alpha Tocopherol)	2.2 mg
Vitamin K	0.2 mcg
Riboflavin	0.1 mg
Niacin	2.2 mg
Vitamin B6	0.1 mg
Folate	13.5 mcg
Vitamin B12	1.4 mcg
Pantothenic Acid	2.4 mg
Choline	121 mg
Minerals
Calcium	72 mg
Iron	0.4 mg
Magnesium	40.5 mg
Phosphorus	216 mg
Potassium	413 mg
Sodium	444 mg
Zinc	4.5 mg
Copper	2.5 mg
Manganese	0.1 mg
Selenium	62.1 mcg

Nutrition & Health Benefits Of Eating Lobsters

Since lobster contains very low amount of carbohydrates, it forms a perfect ingredient in no- or low-carbohydrate diet.
Lobster is beneficial for both heart and brain, since it contains a high constitution of Omega-3 fatty acids.
High in selenium, lobster helps in aiding the immune system and thyroid gland and preventing heart disease.
It contains copper that helps in avoiding bone and tissue diseases.
The high amount of phosphorus present in lobster helps in the proper functioning of the kidneys and reduces arthritis pain.
It is extremely beneficial for increasing brain activity, boosting immune system and maintaining a healthy reproductive system.
Lobster helps in avoiding various health disorders, like osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, cardiovascular disease, chronic conditions involving bone, connective tissue, heart and blood vessels and colon cancer.

Buying & Storage Tips

Pick up fresh lobsters that are alive and frisky, with their tails curled up or flapped, rather than hanging down when picked up.
Always go for a lobster that has been in the tank for not more than a week.
Fresh lobsters, when cooked, have a bright red shell and the exposed meat is white and moist. The meat of old lobsters is dried and yellow.
To store a lobster in the refrigerator, wrap it in several sheets of newspaper and wet it, if dried out.
To freeze lobster meat, wrap it in freezer paper or plastic and over-wrap it with a plastic bag. Frozen lobster can be stored for up to two months.
To thaw a lobster, remove the cover and place it in a bowl or pan in the refrigerator, overnight.
For quick thawing, wrap the lobster in a plastic bag and place it under running water, for 30 minutes per pound.

Cooking Tips

To kill fresh lobster, boil at least 1 gallon of water in a large pan and plunge the lobster’s head first into the boiling water. Reduce heat and cook for 5 minutes for 1.25-pound lobster, plus 2 minutes each for additional pound.
Place the cooked lobster in a broiler pan, with the meat-side-up. Brush with lemon and oil or melted butter and place the pan 4 inches away from the heating element. Broil the meat until well cooked.
To prepare soup, boil the lobster lightly, so that the meat is not fully cooked. Cool the lobster, crack the shell and remove the meat, tomalley and coral. Boil the shells in water to form a savory broth. Strain the liquid to remove the shells. Add herbs, spices and vegetables to the broth and cook well. Add the lobster meat during the last minutes of cooking.

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Benefits Of Lobster

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