Mollusks – Nutritional Value, Health Benefits

Mollusks comprise of 23% of named marine organisms. Various mollusks live in freshwater and terrestrial habitats. Typically phylum is classified into 8 or 9 taxonomic classes, two of which are extinct. Cephalopod mollusks such as cuttlefish, squid, and octopus are neurologically advanced of all invertebrates. Colossal squid or giant squid are the most known invertebrate species. Gastropods such as slugs and snails are the numerous mollusks that account 80% of the total classified species.

Mollusks have limpet-like a shell on top which is made up of proteins and chitin fortified with calcium carbonate and secreted by a mantle covering the whole upper surface. Its underside consists of a single muscular foot. Mollusks are coelomates and coelom is small. Hemocoel is the main body cavity in which blood circulates as its circulatory systems are open. The feeding system comprises of the rasping tongue, radula, and complex digestive system in which muscle-powered hairs known as cilia play crucial roles. Mollusks have two paired nerve cords and three in bivalves.

Most of the mollusks have eyes and all have sensors for detecting vibrations, chemicals, and touch. The reproductive system relies on external fertilization. Mollusks are the food source of modern humans. Various species of mollusks are consumed worldwide either raw or cooked.

Culinary uses

Mollusks such as oysters, clams, mussels, escargots, and squid are steamed and fried.

Health Benefits of Mollusks

• Prevent Anemia? – Anemia is caused due to deficiency of red blood cells in the body leading to symptoms such as pale skin, fatigue?, and dizziness?. It results from blood loss, chronic? disease, and some gastrointestinal disorders. Bivalves are loaded with iron and vitamin B12, two of which nutrients assist in preventing anemia. A serving of clams helps to meet the daily requirement of both Vitamin B12 and iron. An adequate amount of these nutrients prevent conditions such as iron deficiency anemia by keeping red blood cells healthy.
• Chances of Heavy Metal Contamination – Seafood poses a threat in promoting chances of exposure to heavy metals such as mercury. It is common in fish such as swordfish, king mackerel, and tilefish. It absorbs high mercury content from its prey. Mercury poisoning causes symptoms such as pain?, numbness?, tremors, rashes, memory problems, and even death. During pregnancy, high mercury content promotes the chances of birth defects such as motor difficulties, cognitive deficits, and sensory problems. Due to the diet, bivalves are less likely to accumulate heavy metals such as mercury which makes them a healthier option in comparison to some other seafood varieties.
• Source of Protein – Bivalves are foods with high protein. A single serving of scallops, clams, and mussels offers 22 grams of protein. Protein has a crucial role in maintaining overall health. It is demanded hair, skin, and nails and act as antibodies for protecting against infection?. It is an enzyme to catalyzes chemical reactions in the body and acts as a messenger to transmit signals between cells. Adequate protein is required for functioning from the growth of muscles to the regulation of blood pressure.
• Source of Antioxidants – Antioxidant neutralizes free radicals and prevents damage to cells. Antioxidants lower oxidative stress, lower chances of chronic conditions such as cancer, heart disease, diabetes?, and also minimize inflammation?. Various nutrients act as antioxidants in the body. Selenium prevents oxidative stress and is beneficial to strengthen immunity?, heart health, and preventing cancer. Zinc lowers markers of inflammation and lowers the chances of infection with its antioxidant properties. Moreover, Vitamin C is an antioxidant having a powerful effect for preventing disease.
• Supports weight Loss? – Bivalves have a high content of calories with richness in protein and nutrients. It is an excellent choice for those willing to shed extra pounds. Mollusks such as clams, mussels, and scallops are rich in protein which helps to keep full and ward off cravings and lower appetite. Study shows that high protein meal lowers ghrelin, hunger hormone effectively. Study shows that increase in intake of protein by 15 percent promotes satiety and lowers daily caloric intake by 441 calories which results in significant losses in the body weight and fat mass.
• May Promote Heart Health and a Healthy Weight – Fish consumption is associated with a variety of health benefits, including lower heart disease risk and brain function support (rx, rx, rx). However, it is important to note that cod and other lean fish are lower in omega-3 fatty acids than fatty fish like salmon (rx). These fats are presumed responsible for many health benefits. Nonetheless, cod is nutrient-dense, meaning that it contains many beneficial nutrients in relatively few calories. Thus, lean fish like cod can still promote good health and may even be weight-loss-friendly (rx,  rx). As mentioned previously, cod is also a good source of high-quality protein (rx, rx).
• Low in Mercury – One potential health concern associated with fish consumption is mercury exposure. Water sources can be contaminated with mercury, a toxic heavy metal, that accumulates in fish. When humans eat these fish, the mercury can lead to health problems (rx). In severe? cases, mercury poisoning in humans can result in brain damage, which may be especially concerning in nursing or pregnant women because of potential harm to the developing child (rx). In fish, the highest levels of mercury are often found in species that have longer lifespans and are relatively high on the food chain. Fish with the highest mercury content include shark, swordfish, king mackerel, tilefish, orange roughy, and marlin. Common fish like tuna, halibut, and bass also contain mercury (rx). Cod is lower in mercury than these fish, making it a better choice for those looking to avoid toxins (rx).
• Vitamin B12 – Another one of the most important Sablefish nutrition facts is that it contains extremely large quantities of vitamin B12. There is 81% of the recommended daily intake of this vitamin in only 3 ounces of it. Here are some benefits of this vitamin: It improves the functioning of nerves. It removes amino acids and homocysteine from the blood. This lowers your risk of heart disease. It makes it possible for the body to develop red blood cells and hemoglobin?. Hemoglobin is essential for the transportation of oxygen to cells.
• Vitamin B-3 – Significant amounts of vitamin b-3 are also found in Alaskan Cod. Vitamin b-3 helps to improve digestive health, the functioning of nerves, and skin health. Another effect of vitamin B-3 is appetite control. Phosphorus: Alaskan Cod also contains significant amounts of phosphorus. Phosphorus is essential for bone health. In addition, it helps to ensure that the enamel on teeth remains healthy. It also improves the health of gums. Individuals who suffer from osteoporosis? may see an improvement in their condition if they consume significant amounts of phosphorus. In addition, phosphorus helps to promote heart health.
• Pyridoxine – Alaskan Cod contains significant amounts of pyridoxine. This material helps with the metabolism of a variety of nutrients.  Iron: Alaskan Cod is rich in iron. Since iron is essential for the transport of oxygen throughout your body, cells throughout the body can benefit from iron. The benefits for the brain are particularly significant. In fact, the brain is estimated to use 20% of the body’s oxygen supply. It can even help to prevent dementia? and promote the formation of new pathways within the brain.
• Pantothenic Acid – Pantothenic acid can help to reduce your levels of stress, and there is a lot of it in Alaskan Cod. In addition, it can lessen depression and anxiety. It is able to do this because it reduces the levels of hormones that are associated with these conditions.
• Magnesium – Alaskan Cod contains sizable amounts of magnesium. This material can help to reduce tension in the muscles, especially back muscles. It also is important for the reduction of leg cramps. Furthermore, it can reduce stress on the kidneys?. It’s also important for bone health due to its effects on calcium metabolism.
• Choline – While choline is not a vitamin, its properties are very similar to vitamins. One of the most important Sablefish nutrition facts is that it contains a significant amount of choline with 21% of your recommended daily intake in one serving. Choline helps to improve brain function, and it is a precursor to the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. Furthermore, choline deficiencies are extremely common with 9 out of 10 people not getting enough of this essential nutrient.
• Selenium – Selenium is an element that has a strong antioxidant effect. As a result, it can help to prevent a wide range of diseases. One serving of Alaskan Cod contains 58% of your recommended daily intake of selenium.  Iodine, Alaskan Cod is rich in iodine, and the body cannot make this nutrient on its own. This material is necessary to make thyroid? hormones.
• Molybdenum – Alaskan Cod contains a significant amount of this material, and it is necessary for the functioning of enzymes. Many important functions within the body require this material, such as the replication of DNA and RNA. However, there’s another reason why molybdenum is important. Scientists are still researching the role in molybdenum in the body, and it’s likely that it plays more roles in the body than are currently known. Here are some possible health benefits of molybdenum that are still being researched:
• It may help to reduce your risk of cancer.
• It may reduce inflammation.
• It may help to reduce the symptoms of autoimmune? diseases.

Precautions

• People allergic to seafood should avoid it.
• It causes allergic symptoms such as hives?, itching?, difficulty breathing, swelling?, dizziness and abdominal pain?.
• If experienced other symptoms then immediately seek for medical attention.
• It should be consumed with some safety concerns.
• Refrigerate seafood until it is ready to use.

References