Health Benefits Of Oyster

A favorite among exotic foods, oysters are large shellfish loaded with many health benefits. They have rough, fluted shells that are soft and fleshy in texture, influenced by the water they come from. Sweet and sometimes salty, oysters have a unique dusky flavor. Oysters can be consumed in variety of ways such as half shelled, raw, smoked, boiled, baked, fried, roasted, stewed, canned, pickled, steamed and grilled. They are rich in various vitamins and minerals and hence, benefit the young and old, men and women. Read through the following lines to know more about the health and nutrition benefits of eating oysters and also explore the nutritional value of oysters.

Nutritional Value of Oyster

Amount of Oyster (raw): 1 cup

Total Weight of Oyster (raw): 248 g

Nutrients	Amount
Basic Components
Protein	17.5 g
Cholesterol	131 mg
Water	211 g
Ash	3.5 g
Carbohydrates	9.7 g
Calories
Total Calories	169
Calories From Carbohydrate	38.9
Calories From Fat	55
Calories From Protein	74.7
Fats & Fatty Acids
Total Fat	6.1 g
Saturated Fat	1.9 g
Monounsaturated Fat	0.8 g
Polyunsaturated Fat	2.4 g
Total Omega-3 Fatty Acids	1667 mg
Total Omega-6 Fatty Acids	144 mg
Vitamins
Vitamin A	248 IU
Vitamin C	9.2 mg
Vitamin D	794 IU
Vitamin E (Alpha Tocopherol)	2.1 mg
Vitamin K	0.2 mcg
Thiamin	0.2 mg
Riboflavin	0.2 mg
Niacin	3.4 mg
Vitamin B6	0.2 mg
Folate	24.8 mcg
Vitamin B12	48.3 mcg
Pantothenic Acid	0.5 mg
Choline	161 mg
Minerals
Calcium	112 mg
Iron	16.5 mg
Magnesium	117 mg
Phosphorus	335 mg
Potassium	387 mg
Sodium	523 mg
Zinc	225 mg
Copper	11 mg
Manganese	0.9 mg
Selenium	158 mcg

Nutrition and Health Benefits of Eating Oysters

A rich natural source of zinc, oysters assist in maintaining a strong immune system, healing wounds, maintaining the senses of taste and smell and inhibiting the abnormal clotting that contributes to cardiovascular disease.
Oysters contain proteins that are high in tyrosine, an amino acid that is used by the brain to help in regulating mood and adapting to stress.
Including oysters in your diet helps in maintaining collagen levels in the skin. This enables the skin to retain its elasticity and firmness and delay the onset of wrinkles.
The high levels of calcium, iron and vitamin A in oysters assist in healthy being of the bones, blood and eyesight, respectively.
Oysters are low in fat, cholesterol and calories and can thus be enjoyed by everyone, if consumed in moderation.
Since oysters are rich in amino acids, they are known as aphrodisiacs for triggering increased levels of sex hormones, testosterone and estrogen.

Buying and Storing Tips

Fresh oysters smell clean just like the ocean.
Live oysters have their shells tightly sealed.
To preserve oysters, place them on a platter or cookie sheet with their flat side up and cover them with a towel. Refrigerate them until serving.

Cooking Tips

Oysters are prepared by simply opening the shell and serving the contents either raw or by adding salt or lemon.
Raw oysters can also be blanched for 30 seconds to 1 minute in very hot water to kill the oysters and open up by themselves.
Grill the oysters about 6 inches above the coals with their flat side up for about 3 minutes. When done, the oysters will pop up open by themselves.
Immerse shucked oysters in flour or cornmeal mixed with herbs and spices. Fry it in butter or oil and sauté until brown for about 2 to 3 minutes.

Caution

Oysters should not be consumed by people with heart disease or hypertension, since they are high in sodium.
Raw oysters contain bacteria called Vibrio that causes illness, especially in people with weakened immune system.

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