Whelk (also known as scungilli) is a common name that is applied to various kinds of sea snail. Although a number of whelks are relatively large and are in the family Buccinidae (the true whelks), the word whelk is also applied to some other marine gastropod species within several families of sea snails that are not very closely related.

Many have historically been used, or are still used, by humans and other animals for food. In a 100-gram (3+1⁄2-ounce) reference serving of whelk, there are 570 kilojoules (137 kilocalories) of food energy, 24 g of protein, 0.34 g of fat, and 8 g of carbohydrates.^[rx] Dog whelks were used in antiquity to make a rich red dye that improves in color as it ages.^[rx] True whelks are carnivorous, feeding on worms, crustaceans, mussels, and other mollusks, drilling holes through shells to gain access to the soft tissues. Whelks use chemoreceptors to locate their prey.^[rx]

Buccinum undatum is a sea snail found on the coastal areas of the Northern Atlantic Ocean and Eastern coast as well as the western coast. It survives on the cold water containing 2 to 3 percent of salt content. The whelk is 11 centimeters long. The sexes are separate. The breeding takes place from October to May. Reproduction exists by internal fertilization which promotes the production of egg capsules for the protection of eggs. The egg is laid in whole capsule packets. The whelk has a life expectancy of 10 to 15 years. They are carnivores that feed on worms, mussels, crustaceans, and mollusks. It is used for food by humans or other animals. It is also known as Sea wash balls, Buckie, Common Northern Whelk, Common whelk, Sinuous whelk, Waved whelk, and Waved buccinum. The body is solid, ventricose, ovate-conical shaped measuring 10 cm in height and 6 cm wide.

History

It belongs to the normal benthic fauna of the North Sea. It is found in the sea at deeper depths. It is available in France, United Kingdom, Iceland, Norway, and other Northwest European countries. It is unable to survive above the temperature of 29°C and prefers colder temperatures.

Habitat

Finding a whelk depends on the species you’re looking for. In general, whelks may be found in many parts of the world, and are typically found on sandy or muddy bottoms, from shallow tide pools out to waters several hundred feet deep.

Feeding

As we all know that Whelks are carnivores, and normally feed on crustaceans, mollusks, worms and even eat other whelks. They can drill a hole into the shell of their prey with their radula, or may wrap their foot around the hinged shells of their prey and use their own shell as a wedge to force the shells open, then insert their proboscis into the shell and consume the animal inside.

Reproduction

Whelks reproduce by sexual reproduction with internal fertilization. Some, like the channeled and knobbed whelks, produce a string of egg capsules that may be 2-3 feet long, and each capsule has 20-100 eggs inside which hatch into miniature whelks. Waved whelks produce a mass of egg capsules that look like a pile of egg cases.

The egg capsule allows the young whelk embryos to develop and provides protection. Once they have developed, the eggs hatch inside the capsule, and the juvenile whelks leave via an opening.

Proximity	Amount	% DV
Water	27.2 g	N/D
Energy	234 Kcal	N/D
Energy	978 kJ	N/D
Protein	40.53 g	81.06%
Total Fat (lipid)	0.68 g	1.94%
Ash	3.4 g	N/D
Carbohydrate	13.19 g	10.15%

Minerals	Amount	% DV
Calcium, Ca	96 mg	9.60%
Iron, Fe	8.55 mg	106.88%
Magnesium, Mg	146 mg	34.76%
Phosphorus, P	240 mg	34.29%
Potassium, K	590 mg	12.55%
Sodium, Na	350 mg	23.33%
Zinc, Zn	2.77 mg	25.18%
Copper, Cu	1.751 mg	194.56%
Manganese, Mn	0.757 mg	32.91%
Selenium, Se	76.2 µg	138.55%

Vitamins	Amount	% DV
Water-soluble Vitamins
Vitamin B1 (Thiamin)	0.042 mg	3.50%
Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)	0.182 mg	14.00%
Vitamin B3 (Niacin)	1.696 mg	10.60%
Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid)	0.34 mg	6.80%
Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)	0.552 mg	42.46%
Vitamin B9 (Folate)	9 µg	2.25%
Folic Acid	0 µg	N/D
Folate, food	9 µg	N/D
Folate, DEF	9 µg	N/D
Vitamin B-12 (Cobalamine)	15.42 µg	642.50%
Vitamin C (Ascorbic acid)	5.8 mg	6.44%
Fat-soluble Vitamins
Vitamin A, RAE	42 µg	6.00%
Vitamin A, IU	138 IU	N/D
Retinol	42 µg	N/D

Lipids	Amount	% DV
Fatty acids, total saturated	0.053 g	N/D
Myristic acid  14:00(Tetradecanoic acid)	0.003 g	N/D
Palmitic acid 16:00 (Hexadecanoic acid)	0.034 g	N/D
Stearic acid 18:00 (Octadecanoic acid)	0.015 g	N/D
Fatty acids, total monounsaturated	0.048 g	N/D
Palmitoleic acid 16:1 (hexadecenoic acid)	0.009 g	N/D
Oleic acid 18:1 (octadecenoic acid)	0.01 g	N/D
Gadoleic acid 20:1 (eicosenoic acid)	0.014 g	N/D
Erucic acid 22:1 (docosenoic acid)	0.015 g	N/D
Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated	0.039 g	N/D
Linoleic acid 18:2 (octadecadienoic acid)	0.007 g	N/D
20:4 undifferentiated	0.015 g	N/D
20:5 n-3 (EPA)	0.007 g	N/D
22:6 n-3 (DHA)	0.01 g	N/D
Cholesterol	110 mg	N/D

Amino acids	Amount	% DV
Tryptophan	0.525 g	119.32%
Threonine	1.816 g	103.18%
Isoleucine	1.407 g	84.15%
Leucine	3.236 g	87.55%
Lysine	2.49 g	74.46%
Methionine	1.024 g	N/D
Cystine	0.318 g	N/D
Phenylalanine	1.401 g	N/D
Tyrosine	1.29 g	N/D
Valine	1.764 g	83.52%
Arginine	4.196 g	N/D
Histidine	0.83 g	67.37%
Alanine	2.646 g	N/D
Aspartic acid	4.358 g	N/D
Glutamic acid	6.238 g	N/D
Glycine	2.542 g	N/D
Proline	2.01 g	N/D
Serine	1.887 g	N/D

*Above mentioned Percent Daily Values (%DVs) are based on 2,000 calorie diet intake. Daily values (DVs) may be different depending upon your daily calorie needs. Mentioned values are recommended by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. They are not healthbenefitstimes.com recommendations. Calculations are based on average age of 19 to 50 years and weighs 194 lbs. Source: https://ndb.nal.usda.gov/ 

Health Benefits of Whelk

Whelk is an excellent source of essential fatty acids that prevents the chances of cancer, heart ailments if consumed in moderate amounts. The seafood lovers would like this. It provides vitamins, proteins, and minerals along with a low amount of fat. It does not increase the cholesterol of the blood. Due to the low content of calories, it is effective for weight loss.

1. Treat Alzheimer’s

Cobalamine helps to treat Alzheimer’s disease which shows the symptoms such as cognitive degeneration and confusion. The study shows that Alzheimer’s patients have a low content of Vitamin B12 in the body. (1)

2. Slows the aging process

Copper helps to prevent cell membrane from the damage of free radicals which attack organs that are the cause of age spots, wrinkles, macular degeneration, cancer, and kidney ailments. (2)

3. Brain functions

Iron helps to increase the development of the brain. It aids the supply of oxygen to the brain as it uses about 20% of oxygen. It promotes the cognitive activity and formation of neural pathways that help to prevent Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. The adequate intake of iron, as well as oxygenation of the brain, is vital. (3)

4. Hair health

Protein maintains hair health and prevents its damage. The study shows that it is essential for the growth of hairs. With its benefits, it is used in conditioners. (4) (5)

5. means of transport oxygen

Iron assists in transporting oxygen to the body cells which assist the organs to perform their various functions. (6)

6. Strengthen immunity

Pyridoxine is essential for the immune health of the body. It assists the body to prevent infections which could be victimized in the deficiency of Vitamin B6. (7)

7. Prevent cramps

Magnesium helps to relax kidney stress, muscular tension, and back muscles. Its deficiency could cause leg cramps and fatigue. The adequate intake of magnesium helps to treat chronic leg cramps. (8)

8. Repair cells

It helps to repair the body cells from wear and tear. It promotes the body cells which is essential for overall health. It helps to form protein and stimulate hormones. (9)

9. Eliminate free radicals

Manganese has antioxidant properties which monitor the activity of the free radicals that damage human cells and cause cancer. The supplements help to prevent these health conditions. (10)

10. Provides energy

Vitamin B2 is vital for energy production by supporting the metabolism of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats. (11)

Different Human Uses

Whelks are a popular food. People eat the mollusks’ muscular foot—an example is the Italian dish scungilli, which is made from a whelk’s foot. These animals are also collected for the seashell trade. They may be caught as bycatch (e.g., in lobster traps), and they may be used as bait to catch other marine life, such as cod. Whelk egg cases may be used as a “fishermen’s soap.”

The veined Rapa whelk is a non-indigenous species that have been introduced into the U.S. The native habitat of these whelks includes waters in the western Pacific Ocean including the Sea of Japan, Yellow Sea, East China Sea, and the Bohai Sea. These whelks were introduced into the Chesapeake Bay and may cause damage to native species.

Precautions                                                                                                 

• The toxic gland should be removed before consumption.
• It should be consumed in limited amounts carefully.
• People who are allergic to seafood should avoid it.

http://www.fisheries.is/main-species/invertebrates/common-whelk/

How to Eat         

• In Japan, it is used for making sushi and sashimi.
• In Vietnam, it is used to make Bún ốc – vermicelli.
• In Korea, it is served with cold noodles and salad.
• It is also served with alcohol as a side dish.
• In Vietnam, it is served with sea snails.
• It is consumed by sprinkling vinegar and with butter or slice of bread.

Precautions 

• The consumption of sea fish if one is trying to reduce inflammatory diseases such as heart disease.
• Farmed ones contain arsenic that leads to arsenic poisoning.
• Seafood should be cooked safely in order to prevent foodborne illness.
• Pregnant women, young children, older adults, people having lower stomach acid and compromised immune systems (HIV/AIDS, liver disease, cancer, diabetes, gastrointestinal disorders, people taking steroids, chemotherapy, or immune system) are prone to higher risk.
• It might be contaminated with bacteria such as Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Vibrio vulnificus, and other bacteria relate to land use, sewage discharges, runoff, etc. These microorganisms occur naturally in warm coastal waters which could cause even death or serious illness in individuals who are at higher risk.
• Listeria monocytogenes could cause a serious foodborne illness known as listeriosis.
• The virus Hepatitis A could survive in light cooking. So one should consume it after being properly cooked.
• Fish could have toxins that could cause illness such as ciguatoxin and scombrotoxin, or histamine poisoning.
• Sea fish is related to Scombrotoxin (histamine) which develops when fish is not kept cold enough. The symptoms develop quickly and also disappear completely within 24 hours.
• The flesh of tropical marine fishes might cause ciguatera poisoning experiencing gastrointestinal maladies that could last for several days, weakness in arms and legs, and reversal inability to differentiate between cold and hot. The symptoms could persist for weeks.
• Farmed seafood results in to increase in inflammation leading to weight gain, arthritis, and heart diseases.
• The imbalance ratio of Omega-6 and Omega-3 causes heart disease and hypertension.
• Seafood and fish in farms have polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), organophosphorus (OPs), organochlorine (OC), trifluralin pesticides, and hexachlorobenzene (HCB) causing diseases or even death.
• The seafood has a high content of mercury, which may lead to mercury toxicity.
• Consume it in moderate amounts. So consume it with caution or Avoid consuming it raw.
• Some people might get allergic reactions. So avoid it.
• It has a high chance of contamination.
• One should limit its intake.
• Consult the doctor by pregnant women and children before consuming it. Children and pregnant women should avoid it because the high content of mercury might cause a negative impact on the development of the nervous system of a fetus.

References

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