Benefit
We can probably talk for a long time about the beneficial properties of these amazing mollusks.
Ichthyologists count many varieties of squid. The weight of some individuals can reach three hundred kilograms. Despite their external differences, all mollusks are united by one characteristic - the presence of an ink sac. Of course, it must be removed before cooking. Squid meat is considered a source of protein, as well as a number of vitamins. Many people are faced with iodine deficiency in the body, and squid will help replenish its supply. First of all, the presence of such seafood in the diet plays a vital role for the full functioning of the thyroid gland. Accordingly, hormonal balance is normalized and overall well-being improves.
Squid meat contains magnesium, potassium and a number of other elements, without which it is impossible to imagine the full functioning of the cardiovascular system. If you systematically feast on squid, you will be able to note a number of useful properties:
- strengthening vascular walls;
- reduction of harmful cholesterol levels;
- cleansing the body of toxins;
- strengthening the heart muscle;
- preventing the occurrence of atherosclerosis.
Remember that squid meat contains sodium. And this element helps to normalize the water-salt balance. Another beneficial property of seafood is its diuretic effect. Accordingly, you can get rid of swelling and also normalize blood pressure levels.
Other beneficial properties of squid include:
- normalization of the endocrine system;
- elimination of the consequences of intoxication of the body;
- removal of accumulated waste and toxins, as well as other heavy compounds;
- normalization of the digestive process;
- activation of the brain;
- memory stimulation;
- promoting the production of gastric juice;
- normalization of intestinal function;
- strengthening muscle tissue;
- increased appetite;
- establishing metabolic processes.
In general, seafood can be safely included in almost any diet, even dietary. During a diet, the human body experiences a catastrophic lack of nutrients. Squid meat will correct this annoying situation. You will eat deliciously, satisfy your hunger and replenish your vitamin supply. Another significant advantage is the minimum amount of calories consumed.
The benefits of squid for women are also obvious. These seafood have a beneficial effect on the thyroid gland, and, accordingly, on hormonal levels. If a woman’s diet includes such seafood, then during menstrual bleeding and menopause, the state of health will noticeably improve, and unpleasant symptoms will be reduced to a minimum.
Secrets of the squid
Unfortunately, not every person can boast of the ability to feast on seafood. You will have to exclude squid from your menu if you have an individual intolerance to fish protein.
Contraindications also include hypersensitivity. If you have a history of allergic reactions to such products, then you should approach consuming squid with extreme caution, otherwise you may provoke an exacerbation of unpleasant symptoms. And allergies are not just itching or sneezing. It can lead to a dangerous condition - anaphylactic shock.
It is not recommended to eat dried squid often. Due to the salt content, excess fluid will accumulate in the body. And this is not only swelling, but also an increase in the load on the vessels.
- By eating squid, you can protect yourself from unpleasant seasonal colds and inflammatory processes in the body. The high content of vitamins, antioxidants and amino acids strengthens the immune system and promotes the production of protective antibodies.
- Squid is good for the heart and blood vessels. It not only contains potassium and magnesium, which strengthen the heart muscle and improve blood circulation. Omega-3 is also important for blood vessels. It removes cholesterol, makes blood vessels strong and elastic. And vitamin PP prevents blood clots from forming on the vessels, reducing the risk of thrombosis.
- B vitamins, magnesium and omega-3 are an ideal complex for those who want to have excellent memory, strong nerves and healthy sleep. There is also scientific fact that omega-3 stimulates mental performance and reduces the risk of senile dementia.
- Seafood is always recommended by endocrinologists for regular consumption by those who have problems with the thyroid gland. Squid is an excellent source of iodine, and selenium, which is so abundant in the mollusk, helps the thyroid gland absorb it.
- Phosphorus, calcium, and copper in squid strengthen bones and promote their normal growth and strength. Phosphorus is essential for healthy teeth and gums.
- Squid is an ideal product for men. This product contains large amounts of the most important microelements for them - zinc and selenium. They support reproductive function, normalize hormonal levels and increase fertility.
Consumption of 100 g of squid covers the daily requirement of iodine by 2 times, cobalt by 9.5 times. A sufficient amount of these elements ensures the coordinated functioning of the thyroid gland. It is worth noting that squid is the leading product in terms of cobalt content. Cobalt has the following properties:
- normalizes iodine metabolism;
- promotes increased activity of blood cells - leukocytes, which increases the body's resistance to infections;
- stimulates the functioning of the nervous system;
- participates in the synthesis of vitamins B, C;
- activates enzymes;
- ensures the full functioning of the pancreas;
- regulates hematopoietic processes.
Copper is best absorbed from foods containing zinc. Squid contains both elements, which increases the value of the meat. Zinc increases the absorption of copper and promotes the biological activity of components.
100 g of squid contains 1/3 of the daily requirement of phosphorus. The element is responsible for the occurrence of biochemical reactions in cells and participates in the processes:
- growth of bone and muscle tissue;
- production of energy resources;
- maintains normal blood composition.
The beneficial properties of squid for human health are explained by its rich chemical composition.
- Iron. The component ensures the transport of oxygen to tissues. Lack of iron leads to anemia.
- Potassium. A sufficient amount of the element normalizes the functioning of the heart and blood vessels, and prevents joint diseases.
- Magnesium. The element is responsible for the functioning of the nervous system and helps to withstand stressful situations.
- Calcium and fluoride keep bones and teeth healthy.
- Sulfur keeps the skin clean.
Squid has a high content of B vitamins and nicotinic acid (vitamin PP). These substances have beneficial properties:
- improve blood circulation;
- control the consistency of the blood (prevents excessive thickness).
Nicotinic acid removes toxins and heavy metal salts from the body.
For women
The shellfish contains essential fatty amino acids: Amega-3 and Amega-6. These substances are important for women because... are responsible for the cell renewal process, maintaining health and beauty. Beneficial properties of squid for the female body:
- improve the condition of skin, hair, nails;
- prevention of breast cancer, neoplasms in the reproductive system;
- maintain hormonal balance;
- regulate the menstrual cycle.
For men
Eating seafood has a beneficial effect on men's health. Valuable properties of squid for men:
- increase testosterone levels in the blood;
- improving the functioning of the genitourinary system;
- increase sexual activity.
Regular consumption of shellfish helps build muscle mass. Athletes love squid for this property.
For children
Benefits of shellfish meat in children's diets:
- stimulates growth;
- strengthens bone and muscle tissue;
- supports the functioning of the endocrine system;
- strengthens the immune system.
Squid contains unique amino acids, lysine and arginine, which are necessary for the absorption of protein from food. Insufficient synthesis of these substances weakens the body, since vitamins supplied with food cannot be fully absorbed. As a result, the child becomes susceptible to viral and bacterial infections. Squids saturate the child’s body with fatty acids, which has a positive effect on the following indicators:
- concentration of attention;
- memory;
- appetite;
- calcium absorption;
- enzyme exchange.
When losing weight
Thanks to its high protein content, which helps ensure a feeling of fullness for a long time, and the almost complete absence of fat, sea squid is an ideal product to include in a weight loss menu.
Useful substances that make up the shellfish:
- help get rid of hunger;
- help eliminate swelling;
- improve metabolic processes in the body, which helps to “burn” extra pounds.
Eating seafood too often while losing weight is not necessary. It will be enough to include them in the lunch or dinner menu.
1 day of such a diet may look like this:
- breakfast – 2 boiled eggs, vegetable salad and green tea without sugar;
- lunch - vegetable soup with a slice of black bread;
- afternoon snack – apple or grapefruit;
- dinner - boiled squid with vegetables, unsweetened tea.
It is not recommended to use squid as the main product of a mono-diet.
These seafood are often consumed by adherents of a raw food diet. The benefits of raw squid have not yet been proven, so it is better to give preference to boiled squid
Attention! The diet of a person losing weight can include only boiled or steamed shellfish. Eating fried foods will not bring benefits. Squid dishes will help you lose weight.
Dietary properties
The low nutritional value of the product allows it to be used by people who want to lose weight and as a supplement to a therapeutic diet. Squid meat is easily digestible and does not cause heaviness in the stomach. The product consists of 70% protein. There is very little fat in it and these fats are represented by saturated acids, which play an important role in metabolic reactions and the digestibility of chemical elements.
Adherents of a healthy lifestyle must include boiled squid in their diet. Overweight people and athletes who want to gain muscle mass consume this type of meat as an ingredient in a special diet. Benefits of seafood for weight loss:
- enhances the production of gastric juice;
- improves the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract;
- removes harmful substances from the body;
- reduces bad cholesterol levels;
- saturates cells with vitamins and minerals;
- accelerates metabolic processes.
In dietary nutrition, squids are added to salads or boiled. Smoked and dried seafood is high in calories, so this type of meat processing is not suitable for weight loss.
A special diet has been developed for seafood lovers. A special diet in addition to squid includes:
- non-starchy vegetables;
- fruits;
- fish;
- dairy products;
- hard cheese;
- crabs, mussels, oysters;
- seaweed;
- olive oil.
Drinks of preference:
- clean water;
- green tea without sugar;
- apple juice.
Animal and bird meat is replaced with fish, crabs, and squid. The diet is maintained for 21 days.
Medicinal properties
Squid is included in the therapeutic diet after operations. Consumption of the product helps to improve well-being, strengthens the body and saturates it with useful elements. Medicinal properties of squid meat:
- saturation with iodine and cobalt for diseases of the endocrine system;
- strengthens the walls of blood vessels during atherosclerosis;
- diuretic effect;
- dilates blood vessels in hypertension;
- relieves pain in joints and muscles;
- stabilizes blood composition;
- normalizes heart function;
- improves bile flow during cholestasis;
- helps cope with nervous overload during periods of stress;
- increases libido in case of sexual problems;
- taurine removes harmful cholesterol.
A therapeutic diet may be prescribed to stabilize the patient’s condition or as an element of complex therapy.
- Squid meat contains practically no cholesterol, and the substances included in its composition, on the contrary, help reduce its level in the human body. Therefore, it is indicated not only for athletes gaining muscle mass, but also for people who are overweight.
- Squids contain a large amount of copper, which is involved in the formation of red blood cells; its deficiency in the body can lead to anemia or anemia.
- One of the important elements contained in these seafood is selenium, which has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which has a beneficial effect on joint health and prevents the development of arthritis.
- Squids are high in protein, which, coupled with a low content of bad cholesterol, makes this product an excellent addition to the diet of athletes. After all, proteins play an important role in the formation of muscle mass and their proper development.
- Squids are a valuable source of the mineral phosphorus, which is involved in the growth of teeth and bones, which is especially important for actively growing children and adolescents.
- Due to the high content of vitamin B12, their consumption helps reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases - stroke, heart attack and increases the tone of blood vessels, which is a good prevention of atherosclerosis.
- Potassium contained in squid meat helps normalize arterial blood pressure in hypertensive patients.
- An excellent source of magnesium, squid helps relax the nervous system and relieve muscle spasms, improving overall well-being.
- Zinc is present in large quantities in squid meat. A lack of zinc leads to an increased susceptibility to infectious diseases.
- According to experts, squid meat has anti-sclerotic properties and helps improve memory and stimulate mental activity. This property is especially useful for people whose work involves mental work.
- Squid contains substances that help remove heavy metal salts from the body.
- Squid meat increases the production of gastric juice, thereby helping food to be well absorbed. It increases appetite, and food is digested much easier, which relieves a person of the unpleasant feeling of heaviness in the stomach.
Squid meat has excellent taste, high nutritional value and healing properties. That is why this mollusk is called “sea ginseng”.
The benefits of squid are due to the many nutrients and vitamins it contains:
- Protein;
- Vitamins C, B1, B2, B6, B9, PP, E;
- Polyunsaturated fats.
Squid contains a huge amount of micro- and macroelements important for human health:
- Phosphorus;
- Iron;
- Copper;
- Iodine;
- Potassium;
- Calcium;
- Sodium;
- Magnesium;
- Nickel;
- Zinc;
- Selenium.
The iron and potassium content in squid supports normal heart function. In addition, white squid meat contains absolutely no cholesterol. Iodine is essential for humans to maintain a healthy thyroid gland and the endocrine system as a whole. The selenium content in squid is particularly beneficial: it helps remove heavy metal salts from the body.
The undoubted benefit of squid is that, thanks to the components in its composition, you can effectively influence the level of cholesterol in the blood (if it is exceeded). And this is a good prevention against heart and blood vessel diseases. Many beneficial substances in squid meat make blood vessels more elastic, and this increases their strength and ability to narrow.
The benefit of squid also lies in the fact that, thanks to the proteins contained in shrimp and squid, their consumption well supports and improves the development of muscle tissue. These properties and the high calorie content of squid make this meat an excellent product for consumption by those people who aim to build muscle (athletes, bodybuilders).
The nutritional value, along with the high calorie content of squid, has an excellent effect on the condition of the digestive system. Shrimp and squid are perfectly absorbed by the body without creating heaviness in the stomach. Metabolic processes in the body proceed normally, since there are no purine compounds in squid meat.
Doctors consider the significant benefits of squid to be their ability to stimulate mental activity and improve memory. Thanks to selenium and vitamin E, the benefits of squid are due to their diuretic function, which stimulates the rapid removal of toxins from the body. And in this case, the genitourinary system is significantly strengthened.
Thus, the benefits of squid are represented by a whole list of beneficial effects on the human body:
- Anti-sclerotic;
- Strengthening the heart muscle;
- Endocrine system support;
- General strengthening;
- Removal of waste and toxins;
- Strengthening blood vessels;
- Improved digestion;
- Diuretic.
The calamari content of squid is relatively low, which sets it apart from other types of meat, and at the same time it is satisfying and tasty. So, the calamari content of squid is 100 kilocalories per 100 grams of meat.
Indicators of nutritional value of squid, in the overall composition of the product:
- Proteins – 18%;
- Fats – 2.2%;
- Carbohydrates – 2%.
It has been scientifically established that the benefits of seafood such as squid and shrimp are higher in many respects than any other meat, even turkey and beef.
- various diseases of the stomach and intestines (contain molybdenum, vitamins B1, B3, B9);
- diseases of the thyroid gland (they contain a lot of iodine);
- problems with the cardiovascular system (too much potassium);
- kidney disease (vitamin B3 and potassium and no purine bases);
- to reduce cholesterol levels (contain unsaturated acids omega-6 and omega-9, as well as taurine, vitamins B3 and B12);
- diseases of the musculoskeletal system (a lot of calcium and fluoride, as well as the absence of purine bases).
Besides:
- Squid contains a lot of taurine, which helps normalize blood pressure and protects the heart muscle and blood vessels of people from the effects of cholesterol.
- Being a sodium antagonist, the potassium in the product provides a diuretic effect, reduces blood pressure and relieves swelling.
- Polyunsaturated acids have a beneficial effect on the liver.
- A large amount of cobalt (squid belongs to 1st place in terms of the content of this element in food) ensures the normalization of metabolism.
- Extractive substances give a special taste to the meat of this oceanic representative, while enhancing digestive functions, improving the quality of gastric juice.
- The high content of amino acids, in particular lysine and arginine, strengthens the immune system, synthesizes collagen, stimulates growth hormones and reduces the likelihood of diabetes.
- Iron in the product increases hemoglobin in the blood.
- Vitamin E accelerates the removal of heavy metals and toxins from the body.
- Proteins help athletes build muscle mass, so the use of squid for athletes is recommended by nutritionists.
- A large amount of squid in the diet provides good memory and stimulates mental activity.
- According to research, squid, used in human nutrition as a main dish, provides a large amount of energy, but does not allow you to gain weight.
Squid, like fish and other seafood, is a perishable commodity. Therefore, if stored incorrectly in a very short time, they can become a source of bacteria and lead to severe food poisoning. They should be stored frozen and defrosted immediately before cooking.
It is recommended to eat squid in the same cases as fish, replacing meat products with them. The daily norm is no more than 100–150 g.
What's in squid?
What are the benefits and harms of squid? Like many other seafood, they contain most of the vitamins and minerals necessary for the human body to function normally.
Squid meat consists of:
- complete, easily digestible proteins, which are building materials for cells of musculoskeletal and connective tissues;
- fats, including omega-3 fatty acids;
- carbohydrates, which include substances such as lysine, arginine, glycine, glutamic and aspartic acids;
- vitamins A, C, D, E, PP and group B;
- minerals - zinc, copper, manganese, selenium, phosphorus, iodine.
100 g of product contains:
- proteins – 21.2 g;
- fat – 2.80 g;
- carbohydrates – 2 g.
The calorie content of boiled or steamed shellfish is 122 kcal per 100 g of product, fried - 310 kcal.
The substances that make up squid meat have the following effects:
- diuretic - help relieve swelling;
- stabilizing - improve the functioning of the cardiovascular system, normalize blood pressure and prevent the formation of blood clots;
- hematopoietic – stimulate the formation of red blood cells;
- stimulating – activate brain activity and normalize metabolic processes in the body;
- strengthening – help strengthen the immune system and prevent diseases, improve the structure of hair, teeth and the musculoskeletal system;
- restorative - have a regenerating effect on liver cells, help strengthen the walls of blood vessels;
- reproductive – improve the functioning of the reproductive system, improve potency in men;
- rejuvenating – help improve the condition of the skin and strengthen the hair follicles.
Whether squid will be beneficial or harmful depends on the quality of the product and the method of its preparation. Boiled and canned shellfish are the most beneficial for the body, and the most harmful are dried shellfish.
The tentacles of the mollusk contain a lot of iodine.
Contraindications and harm of squid
Absolute contraindications include individual intolerance to seafood.
Relative contraindications:
- children under 3 years of age (especially in children with food allergies);
- diseases of the thyroid gland, characterized by excessive synthesis of iodine.
The potential benefits and harms of squid must be taken into account. Thus, an absolute contraindication to consuming squid is individual intolerance to this product. In addition, it is not recommended to eat dried squid and shrimp too often, since in this form they provoke the deposition of salts and retain fluid in the body.
Seafood, any kind, including squid and shrimp, have strong allergenic properties. Therefore, as with any seafood, you need to be careful with them. The harm to squids may be associated with the environment in which the marine inhabitant lived. After all, many different pollutants that are toxins for the body are often released into sea water.
And, nevertheless, it is obvious that there is great benefit in human consumption of seafood, and harm from squid and shrimp is unlikely, provided that there is a competent approach to their selection and use.
Alas, squid, like other marine life, are capable of accumulating mercury compounds, arsenic and other harmful elements from sea water, with all the ensuing consequences. Therefore, they are not recommended to be eaten regularly.
Dried squid, which have become so popular recently, cause especially great harm to the human body. The presence in them of a large amount of salt and various kinds of food additives - dyes, flavor enhancers, preservatives and others - negates all their benefits and turns squid into an extremely unhealthy product!
If you really care about your health, then it’s better to refuse such a “delicacy”!
- people prone to allergies, as they are a powerful allergen;
- squids are too heavy food for a child’s stomach, they should not be given to small children under three years of age, and teenagers should eat them only occasionally and in small quantities;
- pregnant women and nursing mothers.
Contraindications
Squid, like other foods, may not be healthy for everyone.
You should be careful when consuming squid dishes:
- people prone to allergic reactions or suffering from individual intolerance to this ingredient;
- suffering from pancreatic diseases;
- with increased cholesterol levels in the blood;
- young mothers during breastfeeding;
- children under 3 years old
Squid is recognized as an environmentally friendly product. However, consuming shellfish of poor quality or grown in environmentally unsafe conditions can cause food poisoning.
Eating dried squid, so popular today, which is often used as a snack with beer, will also not bring health benefits. These foods contain a lot of salt. Therefore, great love for them can threaten the appearance of edema and disruption of the excretory system. And the monosodium glutamate present in such snacks, which unscrupulous manufacturers often add to improve taste, is quite capable of causing the development or exacerbation of a variety of diseases if regularly consumed by the body.
Dried rings can be harmful to health.
How to cook and eat properly
The best option for a healthy and tasty shellfish dish is a whole carcass. The fillets and rings are chemically treated to remove the skin. During the cleaning process, the mollusk loses some of its beneficial properties, because... impregnated with a dubious composition.
Characteristics of a quality product:
- carcasses are easily separated from each other;
- the surface of the squid is white or cream-colored;
- there is no damage to the product, the integrity of the packaging has not been compromised;
- the carcass must have the correct shape.
Small carcasses have pronounced taste properties, unlike large specimens. The product should not smell like old fish. This smell is a sign of stale goods.
When choosing dried shellfish, preference is given to:
- to a domestic manufacturer;
- composition with a minimum content of food additives.
Not all squid offered by the manufacturer are of natural origin. Modern technologies make it possible to grow shellfish in artificial conditions. Such a product may contain antibiotics and harmful additives that were used as feed. A mollusk grown under artificial conditions is recognized by the regular shape of its small rings. Signs of a natural product:
- pale yellow color;
- sloppy shape in the form of shavings;
- mined in the open seas.
Not the whole mollusk is eaten, but only the carcass and tentacles. If you bought them frozen or just took them out of the refrigerator, you should defrost them at room temperature, then pour boiling water over them for one minute. The skin will begin to curl up and can be removed along with the insides.
After this, the squid is ready for further cooking in a variety of ways of your choice: frying, stewing, canning and preparing salads.
Squid carcasses must be frozen, and initially, since when defrosted and re-frozen, the meat begins to fall apart and become bitter.
To select fresh squid that have not been thawed during storage, look closely at the carcasses. They should not stick together, but should be easily separated from each other.
The film that covers the carcass is gray-pink, light brown or purple. If this color has spread to the meat itself, this is a bad sign.
The meat itself should be white, and dense to the touch, not falling apart. A yellow or purple tint to the meat indicates that it has been defrosted and/or has begun to spoil.
If the seller refuses to separate you the required number of carcasses, the briquette was obviously re-frozen and therefore stuck together.
Squid for pancreatitis
The content of extractive substances that enhance the secretory ability of the pancreas, thereby supporting the activity of the inflammatory and destructive process;
Because many components of squid are recognized as allergens that can aggravate an already serious pathological process in the pancreas.
Therefore, you can remember about squid only after the resolution of acute pancreatitis.
In most cases, the pancreas reacts neutrally to squid meat in dishes. The reaction is similar to eating lean fish. It is worth expanding the diet with squid in the case when the patient does not experience exacerbations of pancreatitis for a long time.
But even healthy people, not to mention those with pancreatitis, should treat squid meat with caution, since due to their habitat, these marine inhabitants may contain toxins contained in the emissions of factories and enterprises, as well as mercury, which often accumulate in their body in significant quantities. Therefore, it is not recommended to purchase seafood at spontaneous markets, especially if you have pancreatitis.
Harm to the body
As with every product, squid has harmful properties in addition to its beneficial properties. Squids can cause two types of harm:
- Squid is a strong allergen. People with a congenital intolerance to seafood should not consume these shellfish at all. Literally eating one such shellfish at a time can cause harm. But these people already know about it. Very frequent consumption of this product may lead to an acquired allergic reaction. Out of love for seafood, you should not lead the situation to such severe allergic diseases, which can even lead to death. It’s better to close your favorite and useful product less often than later.
- All sea and ocean life most often lives in polluted areas. Because of this, they accumulate toxins harmful to humans: mercury, oil and other harmful substances. But to limit yourself from risk, it is enough to buy squid from a large, well-known, certified manufacturer, and not cheaply on a spontaneous market. Do not hesitate to ask about certificates indicating the quality of the product when purchasing. These certificates are obtained exclusively after long and thorough laboratory tests. The place of the catch is also worthy of your attention, because the catch should be made only in environmentally friendly places.
Proper and moderate consumption of squid will enrich the body with beneficial vitamins and substances that are rarely found in regular food. And their energy and nutritional values are universal for many life situations, including bringing your figure into its ideal proportions or simply fixing the result that has already been achieved. The healthiest thing is boiled and stewed squid. Excessive and inaccurate use of this product can greatly harm the body, so you need to know when to stop everything.
During pregnancy and lactation
During pregnancy, a woman's need for nutrients increases. Squid contains important elements that are often missing when carrying a baby:
- iodine;
- magnesium;
- cobalt;
- B vitamins.
Cobalt in meat is involved in the reactions of cell production of DNA and RNA. The functioning of the thyroid gland in the expectant mother increases by 30-40%. To produce thyroid hormones fully, the body requires food rich in iodine. This element is responsible for the proper formation of organs and systems of the fetus.
A sufficient amount of magnesium prevents:
- miscarriage;
- premature birth;
- birth defects in a child.
Magnesium stabilizes the nervous system, protects the expectant mother from overstrain and mood swings.
Squid can be consumed throughout pregnancy. During this period, it is undesirable to eat sea fish, because... it absorbs mercury compounds that are dangerous to the fetus. Squids do not absorb toxic substances, so it is rational to replace sea fish with this type of shellfish.
When breastfeeding, shellfish is introduced into the diet when the child is 8 months old. Since seafood is highly allergenic, it can cause anxiety, colic, and skin rashes in a baby. The product is introduced into the diet carefully, observing the child’s reaction. If there are no consequences, a nursing woman safely includes squid in her diet.
Chemical composition
Squid contains a whole list of amino acids that participate in metabolism as enzymes and can be the building material of muscles and cells.
The amino acids in squid, their percentage and brief beneficial properties are as follows:
- Tryptophan - 25.3%: formation of serotonin and melatonin;
- Threonine - 31.3%: promotes normal growth;
- Isoleucine - 39%: treatment of muscular dystrophy;
- Leucine - 27.5%: increases immunity;
- Lysine - 32%: helps in the absorption of iron and zinc;
- Methionine - 22.4%: cleansing of toxins;
- Cystine - 13.4%: reduces the harmful effects of alcohol and nicotine;
- Phenylalanine - 14.9%: improves working memory;
- Tyrosine - 13.1%: improvement of conscious functions during periods of stress;
- Valine - 31.4%: regulates nitrogen concentration;
- Arginine - 21.1%: regulates blood pressure;
- Histidine - 16.6%: regulates blood acidity;
- Alanine - 16.2%: improves the health of hair, nails and skin;
- Aspartic amino acid – 13.9%: relieves chronic fatigue;
- Glutamic acid - 19%: improves concentration and memory;
- Glycine - 31.7%: breaks down fatty acids;
- Proline - 17.4%: improves skin structure;
- Serine - 9.8%: significant for muscle growth.
And the taurine contained later helps reduce cholesterol. B vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B5, B9, B12.) are involved in almost all vital processes such as metabolism, blood formation and various functions of the nervous system. This vitamin can be found in squid fillets.
Like other seafood, squid contains a large amount of iodine, which promotes brain and thyroid function, and Omega-3 fatty acids, which are needed to improve the functions of the brain, reproductive and vascular systems. Unregulated levels of these acids lead to hormonal dysfunction.
The combination of phosphorus and vitamin B helps maintain the nervous system’s resistance to stress, chronic fatigue and emotional stress.
Squid can supply a person with copper and iron, which has a beneficial effect on the circulatory system. And copper itself improves the health of hair and skin.
Squid also contains a list of useful vitamins and metals:
- Vitamin E and selenium: antioxidant effects on the body. They bind free radicals and heavy metal salts and remove them.
- Zinc: immune support, protection against infectious diseases.
- Calcium and phosphorus: healthy bones and teeth.
- Lysine is an amino acid: good for vision and relieves eye fatigue.
- Magnesium and calcium: strengthens the functioning of the heart muscles, normalizes heart rate, improves blood circulation. Additionally, magnesium prevents spasms in muscle tissue.
- Potassium: normalizes the concentration of water and salts, removing excesses. Has an anti-edematous effect.
Is it possible to give squid to children?
Squid is a dietary product because it is low in calories, has easily digestible protein and healthy fatty acids. Eating squid also improves the digestion of food, removes cholesterol from the body and simply improves the taste of the dish. For baby food, squid contains lysine and arginine, which has a beneficial effect on the growing body. But you shouldn’t introduce squid into your child’s food, like other fish, too early.
Nutritionists do not recommend feeding squid meat to children under three years of age. And older children should not get too carried away with squid, since this food is heavy for a child’s stomach.
It should be remembered that squid meat must be introduced into the child’s diet carefully and in small portions in order to avoid allergic reactions and stomach upset.
You should also remember that smoked, dried or salted squid does not contain anything healthy and is not suitable for baby food.
Dried
The further you go, the more calories you get. It is not without reason that those who carefully monitor their diet eat mostly boiled food. Jerky, dried or salted foods have too many calories. Dried squid contains as much as 237 kcal in 100 grams, and the BJU is 62g/2g/5g. And the seasonings used reduce their benefits. Salt causes water retention, which leads to swelling. The body is not washed away from toxins and accumulates toxins.
The nutritional value
Nutrient name | Content per 100 g of product (in g) | Percentage of daily value (in%) |
Squirrels | 18 | 23,7 |
Fats | 2,2 | 3,7 |
Carbohydrates | 2 | 0,9 |
Water | 76,4 | 3,2 |
Ash | 1,4 | — |
Vitamin | Contents per 100 g of product | Percentage of daily value per 100 g (in%) |
B1 | 0,18 | 12 |
B2 | 0,09 | 5 |
B6 | 0,18 | 9 |
B9 | 11 mcg | 2,8 |
E | 2,2 | 14,7 |
C | 1,5 | 1,7 |
PP | 7,6 | 38 |
Niacin | 2,5 | — |
Mineral | Content per 100 g of product (in mg) | Daily value (in%) |
Potassium | 280 | 11,2 |
Calcium | 40 | 4 |
Magnesium | 90 | 22,5 |
Sodium | 110 | 8,5 |
Sulfur | 180 | 18 |
Phosphorus | 250 | 31,3 |
Iron | 1,1 | 6,1 |
Iodine | 300 mcg | 200 |
Cobalt | 95 mcg | 950 |
Manganese | 0,17 | 8,5 |
Copper | 1500 mcg | 150 |
Molybdenum | 20 mcg | 28,6 |
Nickel | 11 mcg | — |
Zinc | 1,8 | 15 |
Squids in weight loss diets
Squid meat can easily be called a dietary product. Per 100 g of fresh fillet, the calorie content is on average 86 kcal. Therefore, shellfish fillet can be safely consumed as a worthy replacement for animal meat.
Followers of strict diets, as well as fans of such a radical trend in nutrition as a raw food diet, should pay special attention to squid. The fact is that with a truncated diet (meaning the variety of foods consumed), the amount of vitamins, minerals, amino acids and other substances supplied with food is sharply reduced. Squid meat can more than make up for this deficiency.
In addition, unlike most seafood, this shellfish is eaten raw, without heat treatment. It is enough to hold fresh fillet in an acidic marinade based on citrus juice or apple (wine) vinegar and it can be consumed without any fear.
How to use
Squid has juicy and tender meat if cooked correctly. Before use, the shellfish is cleaned from the outer shell. To do this, prepare two containers of water. Hot water is poured into one container. The temperature should be 80-90 degrees. The second container is filled with cold water. To facilitate cleaning, the carcass is dipped first in hot and then in cold water.
After a temperature contrast, the top layer of the mollusk curls up into pink flakes, which are easily removed. Then the remaining viscera and cartilage are removed.
Squids retain their beneficial and flavorful properties during short heat treatment. Sliced squid is dipped in boiling water for 2 minutes and removed from the stove. The product is kept in cooling water for 15 minutes and served.
Fry shellfish rings for no more than 5 minutes after cooking. Prolonged heat treatment distorts the taste of the product: the meat becomes tough and difficult to chew.
Options for preparing dishes with shellfish:
- salads with added product;
- fried rings;
- marinated rings with sauce;
- squid stewed with sour cream and garlic;
- stuffed squid;
- kebab on the grill.