Health Benefits Of Clams

Clam is the name given to short-bodied animals that live in shells, generally along the seashores. It is generally found in United States, along the seashores and across the coastal sides of the Atlantic and Pacific Ocean. The binomial name for Clams is Tridacna maxima and it belongs to the Bivalvia class in the family Veneridae. The word clam is often used to refer to freshwater mussels and other freshwater bivalves as well as marine bivalves. Though most of the species of Bivalvia are considered edible, some of them are too small and not all of them are considered palatable. The shell of a clam can be connected by a hinge joint and can be divided into equal valves. It is highly nutritious and a powerful storehouse of many essential nutrients required by the body, especially phosphorus, potassium, protein, vitamin A and iron. In addition, it is low in fat, thus making it suitable for health conscious people. Read on to know more about the health benefits of Clams and explore their nutritional value as well.

Nutritional Value Of Clams

Amount of Clams:227 g (1 cup)

Nutrients	Amount
Water	186 g
Ash	4.2 g
Cholesterol	77.2 mg
Protein	29 g
Fats
Total Fat	2.2 g
Saturated Fat	0.2 g
Monounsaturated Fat	0.2 g
Polyunsaturated Fat	0.6 g
Calories
Total Calories	703 KJ
From Carbohydrate	102 KJ
From Fat	83.3 KJ
From Protein	519 KJ
Fatty Acids
Omega-3 Fatty Acids	449 mg
Omega-6 Fatty Acids	36.3 mg
Carbohydrates
Total Carbohydrates	5.5 g
Vitamins
Vitamin A IU	681 IU
Vitamin A (retinol activity equiv)	204 mcg
Vitamin E (Alpha Tocopherol)	0.7 mg
Riboflavin	0.5 mg
Niacin	4 mg
Thiamin	0.2 mg
Vitamin B6	0.1 mg
Folate	36.3 mcg
Vitamin K	0.5 mcg
Dietary Folate Equivalents	36.3 mcg
Vitamin C	29.5 mcg
Pantothenic Acid	0.8 mg
Choline	148 mg
Vitamin D	9.1 IU
Vitamin B12	112 mcg
Minerals
Calcium	104 mg
Iron	31.7 mg
Magnesium	20.4 mg
Phosphorus	384 mg
Potassium	713 mg
Zinc	3.1 mg
Copper	0.8 mg
Selenium	55.2 mcg
Sodium	127 mg

Health & Nutrition Benefits Of Eating Clams

Clams make up for a heart-healthy choice, as they are low in fat and rich in omega-3 fatty acids.
It serves as a good source of phosphorus for the body, the nutrient required for proper formation of bones and teeth. In addition, it also helps the body utilize vitamins.
The protein level of clam is much higher than that of red meat, with very few calories. It helps in building lean body mass in athletes.
It is a rich source of iron for the body. In fact, the iron content in clam is much higher than beef. It is a boon for individuals suffering from iron deficiency.
The high amount of potassium present in clam assists the body in maintaining blood pressure and regulating heart function, along with other body processes.
It is rich in vitamin A, which is required by the body to maintain healthy skin and also promotes vision, growth and bone development.
Clam has a fair amount of cholesterol, which is required to maintain healthy blood cholesterol in the body.

Consumption & Storage Tips

Since clam is collected from the coastal sides, there are chances that it can be contaminated with chemical pollutants present in sea. Hence, it is advisable to wash it thoroughly before cooking and avoid eating it raw.
Clam is available in the market throughout the year, in canned, frozen and fresh form (shucked and unshucked).
It is highly perishable; hence, it should be eaten and cooked as soon as it is brought from the market.
While buying clam, make sure it feels heavy in size and is fresh and plump, without the odor of ammonia.
An unshucked fresh clam can be kept in the refrigerator by storing it in a bag made of natural material, like burlap, and is porous.
It is advisable to eat clam within 24 hours. If properly cooked, fresh clam can stay for approximately 4 days in the refrigerator. However, freezing cooked clam can make it rubbery and tough.

Caution

Though clam is a nutritious food, it is advisable not to eat it raw, as it can be contaminated with a bacterium called Vibrio vulnificus, which can lead to serious illness in people with underlying medical problems.

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