Oysters are a delightful bite of pure ocean flavour
The French poet Léon-Paul Fargue says eating oysters was “like kissing the sea on the lips.” For James Beard, the American culinary expert, they were simply “one of the supreme delights that nature has bestowed on man”.
But did you know that oysters have incredible health benefits too? Yes, eating oysters not only satisfies your taste buds but these slippery little suckers are a powerhouse of nutrition, and they can do wonders for your health.
The health benefits of oysters – here are 7 reasons why you should start shucking and slurping these shelled beauties more often.
They are low in calories
If you’re watching your waistline, oysters are a great choice. One medium-sized oyster has only about 5 calories. So go ahead and gobble guilt-free.
Oysters are little shells full of nutrients
Oysters are one of the best dietary sources of zinc, which is essential for a healthy immune system. Zinc also plays a role in wound healing, DNA synthesis, and cell division. In fact, just six medium-sized oysters contain about 76 milligrams of zinc, which is more than the daily recommended intake for adults. So, if you’re feeling a bit under the weather, and feel your immune system needs a boost, why not reach for a plate of oysters instead of popping pills?
Oysters are a good source of vitamins
Vitamin D is important for bone health and helps the body to absorb calcium. Oysters are one of the few foods that naturally contain vitamin D. They also contain an impressive amount of vitamin B12, an essential nutrient for healthy energy levels, memory, skin, mood and digestion. Vitamin B12 is also important for maintaining healthy nerve cells and red blood cells. A deficiency in this magic vitamin has been associated with tiredness, weakness, anaemia, dementia and even Alzheimer’s. So, if you want to keep your energy levels up, and your brain healthy, make sure to add some oysters to your diet.
Oysters are good for your heart
Oysters are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for heart health. These fatty acids can help reduce inflammation and lower your risk of heart disease. Oysters also contain potassium, which can help regulate blood pressure and reduce the risk of stroke. So, if you want to keep your ticker ticking, eat some oysters.
They are high in protein
Oysters are a great source of protein, essential for building and repairing muscles. Cheerfully chowing down half a dozen oysters can give you around 12 grams of protein, equivalent to about 50gms of meat. While that may not seem an astronomical amount, it pays to remember that you’re getting this amount of protein from a food source with very few calories: a great bang for your buck.
They are good for your mood
The high concentration of magnesium in oysters can help you feel more relaxed and can reduce feelings of stress or depression.
They can boost your libido
Oysters have long been considered an aphrodisiac, and there may even be some truth to this claim. Oysters are rich in zinc, which is essential for testosterone production. You can work out the rest.
So, what are you waiting for?
It’s hard to beat all the health benefits of oysters from a nutritional standpoint, so start incorporating more oysters into your diet today. Your immune system, skin, brain, heart, mood and taste buds will thank you. And eating oysters is also just really good fun.
The oyster of choice
Thanks to our careful husbandry and intelligent market selection, our plump Pacific oysters have become the oyster of choice in the Auckland restaurant scene and are exported in large numbers to Pacific Rim countries.
Feel free to contact us directly should you want more information. As a family business, we are very proud of what we produce and sell – and we only sell the best.