Calorie content and beneficial properties of mussels

How many calories are in mussels

Mussels are an incredibly nutritious variety of seafood. They are low in calories and fat. In addition, they are rich in protein, high in microelements, vitamins and minerals. 100 grams of mussels cooked under high heat and humidity contain 112 calories, 4 grams of fat, 20 grams of protein, 6 grams of carbohydrates, 1 gram of saturated fat, 48 milligrams of cholesterol and 314 milligrams of sodium. Read more about it in a separate issue.

Mussels are typically cooked in salt water, so they contain higher amounts of this mineral.

Mussels can be smoked, fried, boiled, stewed, grilled or fried in butter or vegetable oil. They are added to almost any recipe as a healthy source of protein. They can be boiled in coconut milk with lots of garlic and hot pepper added for a spicy taste.

Mussels in wine

To prepare a delicious dinner, you will need these products.

Next, you need to adhere to this action plan. Finely chop the garlic, half the pepper and onion, sauté in olive oil, add thyme. Pour hot water over the tomatoes and leave for a few minutes. After this, you need to mix the stewed garlic, onions, peppers with softened tomatoes. Pour wine into the pan and bring to a boil. Then add seafood there. Simmer for 5 minutes, add salt and pepper at the end. It should be consumed with the sauce in which the mussels were cooked.

To keep yourself in good shape, you need to monitor your diet and try to eat healthy foods, including mussels, as often as possible. This way you can not only restore your metabolism, but also reduce weight.

Source: ktostroynee.ru

What's the best way to cook this seafood?

In order to prepare a fragrant, tasty and healthy dish with mussels, you don’t need to spend a long time at the stove. Such famous dishes with mussels as paella and sea cocktail are useful with proper nutrition and low-calorie diets

. Eating protein-rich mussels instead of red meat as part of a low-calorie diet offers weight management benefits.

Also, when playing sports, mussels take an active part in gaining muscle mass, due to their high amino acid content.

You should choose mussels with a hermetically sealed shell without damage. For best results, they are grown on a farm. This keeps the “thinness” of the shell to a minimum.

thoroughly cleaned before cooking

mussels It is recommended to soak them in fresh water so that the water filters out the sand. After soaking, you can use a hard brush to remove sand or other debris from the pulp. Then rinse again with water and dry with a towel before cooking.

To make the mussels' flavor stand out among the many ingredients, you can cook them with shallots and garlic, then add other herbs and spices, as well as lime juice or white wine.

Useful properties of mussels

The special value of mussels is that they consist of almost one protein and are low in calories, therefore they are considered a dietary product, for which women love them very much. Also, mussels are very useful for people involved in sports and, what is most interesting and important, for increasing “male strength.” Mussels contain a large amount of vitamin E, as well as iron, zinc, phosphorus, iodine and of course calcium. Due to their high vitamin E content, mussels are considered antioxidants, which helps prevent cancer and protects the body from harmful substances. But that’s not all the benefits of mussels.

It is generally accepted that the most delicious and healthy mussels are those caught in the cold season. But those who like to relax by the Black Sea and happily buy or tear mussels themselves can safely argue with this. At any time of the year they are both tasty and healthy. In order for mussels to be better absorbed, they should be consumed with vegetables or cereals. These shellfish also go well with parsley, white wine, lemon, and olive oil. Most often, salads, appetizers, and pilaf are prepared from mussels, but special connoisseurs of this product believe that it is best to cook it separately, in the sink and on the grill, while enjoying the unique aroma. With regular consumption of mussels, the body rejuvenates, the blood is renewed faster, metabolism improves, and the general condition of the body noticeably improves. It is especially recommended to eat mussels for people engaged in hazardous work and living in polluted areas. Mussels have the properties of removing harmful radicals from the human body.

When purchasing peeled and frozen mussels, pay special attention to the packaging; it must be vacuum sealed, without damage, without mold or liquid. Thaw the mussels to room temperature and smell them; good mussels should have the aroma of the sea, but spoiled mussels should have a specific, unpleasant odor. After cooking, it is recommended to smell the mussels again and make sure that they are of high quality. If the smell bothers you even a little, you shouldn’t risk eating these shellfish, much less give them to children. Speaking of children, doctors do not recommend giving shellfish to children under 3 years of age, because... they are not absorbed by the child's body and can cause allergies.

Recipes and calorie content of delicious dishes with mussels

Quick paella with mussels and shrimp

• spoon ;
• 0.5 cups chopped onion;
• 0.5 cups chopped;
• 1 chopped;
• 2 cups brown rice;
• 1 cup chicken broth;
• pinch;
• a pinch of salt;
• a pinch of freshly ground pepper;
• 1 large pinch of saffron;
• 400 grams peeled and chopped raw;
• 1 cup green peas;
• 400 grams of mussels (with shell).

Add onion, bell pepper and garlic to the heated oil and cook, stirring, until the vegetables soften. Add rice, broth, thyme, salt, pepper and saffron and bring to a boil over medium heat, cover for 5 minutes.

Stir in shrimp and peas. Place the mussels on top of the rice in an even layer and cover with a lid. Simmer until the mussels open and the rice becomes soft. Remove from heat and let rest until liquid is absorbed.

Stewed mussels in tomato broth

• spoon ;
• finely chopped garlic;
• 6 ripe, coarsely chopped without core;
• 1 cup of dry wine;
• 1 kg mussels;
• pinch

Heat oil in a large saucepan with a tight-fitting lid. Add garlic and cook, stirring. Add tomatoes and stir for 1 minute. Add wine, stir. Add mussels and cover until all mussels open (3 to 4 minutes). Transfer the mussels to a deep plate. Pour in a spoonful of broth and sprinkle with parsley.

Calorie content – ​​188 calories per 100 grams.

Thai bouillabaisse

• 3 tbsp. l. oils ( or );
• 1 cup diced shallots;
• 4 cloves of chopped garlic;
• 2 tbsp. l. ;
• 1-2 small chili peppers;
• 3 tbsp. l. ;
• liter of chicken broth;
• 4 cups fish vinegar;
• 340 grams chopped cod or halibut;
• 340 grams of raw shrimp;
• 200 grams peeled, trimmed and chopped dry scallops;
• 16 mussels;
• 10 large shiitake mushrooms;
• juice of 1 large lime;
• 1 ripe, peeled and diced;
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves.

Heat oil in a saucepan. Add shallots, garlic, ginger and chili pepper to taste; cook, stirring, until softened, 3-4 minutes. Add flour, mix well. Pour chicken broth, fish or seafood. Reduce heat and simmer gently.

Carefully place the fish, shrimp, scallops, mussels and mushrooms into the broth. Bring to a low simmer and cook until tender, 3 to 4 minutes. Remove pan from heat and stir in lime juice. Serve with a garnish of avocado and cilantro.

Calorie content – ​​212 calories per 100 grams.

Spanish Tapas

• 2 tsp. any oil;
• 3/4 cup washed chickpeas;
• 8 Cherry tomatoes, halved;
• 1 small chopped;
• 2 cloves of garlic;
• 2 teaspoons chopped fresh;
• a pinch of freshly ground pepper;
• a pinch of saffron;
• 150 g vegetable or chicken broth;
• 1/4 cup sherry;
• 2 kg mussels.

Heat oil in a large saucepan. Add chickpeas, tomatoes, onions, garlic and allspice. Cook until soft. Add oregano, pepper and saffron. Cook for about 30 seconds. Pour in the broth and sherry, stirring and bring to a boil. Add mussels and stir. Boil. Cover with a lid, reduce heat and simmer until the mussels open.

Calorie content – ​​198 calories per 100 grams.

Mussels stewed with apple and fennel

• 2 tsp. rapeseed oil or ;
• 1 tart, thinly sliced, cored green, such as Granny Smith;
• 1 onion, cut into quarters;
• 1 small, thinly sliced ​​onion;
• 2 tsp. fresh or 1/2 teaspoon dried;
• 1 tsp. chopped fresh or 1/4 teaspoon dried;
• 1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg;
• 1/2 cup vegetable broth or chicken broth;
• 1/4 cup dry vermouth or dry white wine;
• 2 kg mussels.

Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add apple, fennel and onion. Cook, stirring frequently, until tender, 6 to 8 minutes. Stir in thyme, sage and nutmeg. Cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Pour in the broth, stirring. Boil. Add mussels and stir. Cover, reduce heat and simmer until mussels open, 6 to 8 minutes.

Calorie content – ​​218 calories per 100 grams.

Mussels marinated with onions

Ingredients for cooking:

• mussels in shells – 400 g;
• chopped shallots - ¼ cup;
• red wine vinegar - 2 tablespoons;
• sauce;
• balsamic vinegar – ½ teaspoon;
• salt, ground black pepper to taste.

Place shucked oysters in a bowl with ice. Cover with lid before cooking. Chop the onion, add vinegar, sauce, balsamic vinegar and other seasonings, whisk the mixture. Add this brine to seafood and place in a cold room. In a day the dish will be ready.

Nutritional value and chemical composition

Mussels are considered a high quality complete protein food, providing the body with 106 g of the highest quality amino acid.

% of the daily requirement indicated in the tables is an indicator indicating how many percent of the daily requirement in a substance we will satisfy the body's needs by eating 100 grams of mussels.

Manganese is also found in large quantities in mussels

. This mineral is used by the body as part of enzymatic functions, bone formation and the absorption of energy from food. Mussels are also a good source of iron and vitamin C, which helps the body better absorb iron. Iron is an important part of hemoglobin and also helps maintain healthy immune function.

Mussels are a source of large amounts of vitamin B12

. From one serving the body receives more than the prescribed daily requirement! B12 is important because it is involved in the creation of red blood cells and is also a vital part of the body's many chemicals found in every cell.

Mussels are equally beneficial for both women and men. They help keep hair and nails in perfect shape, and also help avoid catabolism.

How do you choose mussels and what recipes do you use them in? Share on

Mussels are surprisingly pleasant-tasting mollusks that live in seas and oceans in places where the water is not too cold. They have quite large shells, and these can live up to 30 years! They feed mainly on algae and the remains of animals and plants. Mollusks pass all substances through themselves - this is their special way of feeding. Today, this product is increasingly being bred, which makes it higher quality and less expensive. The edible parts of mussels are their muscle and mantle. The tissues themselves do not contain very much fat and carbohydrates, but in terms of protein content this product is superior to the meat of domestic animals and fish.

Nutritional value of mussels

Despite this fact, the calorie content of mussels remains very low - only 75-77 kcal is contained in 100 g of seafood, so this ingredient can safely participate in many weight loss diets.

Mussels are very light, with a delicate and pleasant taste; moreover, their consumption improves heart function and makes the immune system more resistant to diseases. It cannot be argued that the high protein and fat content is direct evidence that the calorie content of mussels will be high. The fat contained in seafood is polyunsaturated acids, which have a beneficial effect on the human eyes and brain. Studies have proven that regular consumption of seafood can resist the formation of cancerous tumors and have a positive effect on liver function. But if people have problems with blood clotting, they should not eat these foods often.

Mussel soup is an excellent dietary dish for those who want to remove a couple of centimeters from their waist, because the calorie content of mussels remains minimal while being highly nutritious. For those who care about both products and their calorie content, nutritionists develop special calculation indicators that indicate the nutritional value of the ingredients. For those who are used to counting calories, the nutritional value table will show how rich mussels are in microelements. Phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, sodium, calcium - these are only some of the substances included in their composition.

Preparation process for use

When preparing fresh mussels you need to pay attention to several points:

• sinks should be rinsed under running water to remove sand, algae and dirt;
• the doors must be tightly closed;
• You need to cook the mussels for a few minutes until the shells open completely;
• It is advisable to eat the finished dish immediately; mussels cannot be stored for a long time.

Squeeze the juice of two lemons, salt and spices into a pan with seafood.

Harmful properties of shellfish

These mollusks can not only be beneficial, but also cause harm to the human body. The fact is that toxins and pathogens accumulate in their bodies. During their lives, they accumulate the poison saxitoxin, which can cause paralysis. Therefore, in many countries they abandon the natural production of mussels and grow them in artificial conditions.

Thus, eating mussels is extremely healthy; they have a beneficial effect on the body, saturating it with nutrients. At the same time, the calorie content of mussels remains very low.

Mussels are bivalve sea mollusks, the culinary benefits of which have been known to mankind since ancient times. Thus, fried mussels were served at the tables of Roman patricians, and later they were an exquisite delicacy on the menu of European monarchs. However, it was not only the nobility who feasted on healthy shellfish - the hearty bouaibes stew was a traditional dish for sailors and fishermen of Marseille.

How to clean mussels

It all depends on where you will eat boiled seafood - at home or in a restaurant. If you choose the second option, then the waiter will immediately serve you a fork and tweezers. You need to hold it with tweezers and use another device to remove the meat from the sink. If you are served raw mussels, then you can bring the shell to your mouth and, as if from a cup, begin to suck in the healthy product.

When eating shellfish at home, there are also no particular difficulties, since boiled mussels will open the shell after processing. The product will contain pebbles, grains of sand, fragments of valves and a tuft of algae (beard). The buyer simply needs to remove unnecessary debris and separate the meat from the flaps.

If you bought a frozen product, then you should follow this action plan.

1. We select only tightly closed shells and place them in the pan. After that, fill it with water and add a little corn flour. Leave for an hour. This way you can remove the sand that is contained in the sinks.
2. If you notice antennae, you need to remove them with pliers or a knife, pulling them towards the base of the shell. Next, clean the mussel shells with a stiff brush.
3. We rinse the product and immediately begin cooking.

How to clean fresh shellfish yourself. We choose according to the same principle: closed, intact and undamaged shells. Pour cold water into a saucepan and place the selected shellfish there. If 30 minutes have passed, then you need to scrub the sinks with a brush. Set aside cleaned foods in clean water. After this you can start cooking.

Helpful tip: when the clams are only slightly open, you should press on them, and if the shells slam shut, you can start cooking. Otherwise, doubts arise about the freshness of the product; it is better not to consume it.

Where do mollusks live?

Bivalves live in almost all seas and oceans of the globe, and therefore are an affordable product.

There are special farms where delicious shells are bred purposefully for gastronomic purposes. But this gift of the sea is valuable not only for its spicy taste; shellfish meat contains necessary and beneficial substances for the human body, and, in addition, is low in calories.

What are the beneficial properties of seafood, what calorie content do various seafood dishes have and how to properly eat mussels as part of a diet - we will try to answer all these questions below, in a detailed review article.

What are the benefits of mussels in the diet?

If we talk about seafood in terms of composition, then the meat of sea mollusks is the healthiest protein in its pure form. The meat of the sea creature contains phosphatides in abundance - substances necessary for the full functioning of the human liver. Mussels are considered a rather fatty product, but the fats from this seafood are healthy - they consist of polyunsaturated fatty acids that promote the breakdown of fat, as well as rapid regeneration and restoration of cells. Proper nutrition must include this seafood in the menu, as it is useful for activating brain function.

Shellfish are also rich in microelements: manganese, zinc, iodine, cobalt, and rare amino acids. The product contains vitamins of various groups - B, PP, E, D. In terms of the amount of beneficial antioxidants, shellfish meat is ahead of animal by-products.

Regular consumption of seafood is an excellent prevention of oncology, arthritis, and malfunctions of the immune system. Sea delicacy meat helps improve metabolism and blood circulation, increases the body's tone and its resistance to various infections.

Seafood also contains enzymes that have a positive effect on the activity of the gastrointestinal tract.

Nutritionists unanimously recognize shellfish as a dietary product - the calorie content of mussels is low. There are only 77 kilocalories per 100 grams of product. However, everyone who daily struggles for a slim figure and a healthy lifestyle knows that the calorie content of any product depends on exactly how it is prepared. Let's try to find out the calorie content of mussels per 100 grams, depending on the cooking method.

Caloric value of mussels depending on the cooking method

Boiled shellfish have the lowest calorie content - only 50 kilocalories per 100 grams of the finished product. Boiled seafood can be used in the preparation of salads, dietary snacks and soups, and eaten as an independent dish.

The big advantage of boiled mussels is not only their low calorie content, but also the fact that when cooked, most of the nutrients in the product are retained in full.

You can often see ready-made shellfish in oil in modern hypermarkets.

How many calories does this product contain? The calorie content of mussels in vegetable oil is quite high compared to the boiled product. It is about 132 kilocalories per hundred grams of product. Keep in mind that this indicator is approximate, since to determine the exact energy value of products you need to calculate the total calorie content of all components of the finished dish. But still, seafood canned in oil is a product suitable for dietary nutrition, especially for a protein or low-carbohydrate diet.

Gourmets know how delicious baked and fried seafood is, but will a dish prepared in this way be dietary? As for fried mussels, the calorie content of the product will be about 59 kilocalories per 100 grams, but the benefits of the food are questionable - during the frying process, harmful carcinogens are released, which are substances poisonous to the human body.

It’s much better to enjoy seafood baked on a grill or over coals.

The calorie content of mussels baked in oil largely depends on how exactly the shellfish will be prepared: when the mussels are baked in the shell, the percentage of calories will remain insignificant, and if the shellfish are baked with a sauce of cream and cheese, the calorie content will increase several times.

Therefore, if you want to introduce delicious seafood into your menu and at the same time eat properly and without harmful consequences for your figure, you must choose dietary recipes and methods for preparing shellfish.

Dietary mussel dishes

A delicious dietary dish that can be prepared from sea shellfish is boiled mussels with a delicate creamy sauce.

For the recipe you will need to prepare the following ingredients in advance:

• fresh unpeeled mussels – one kilogram;
• large lemon;
• spices and seasonings to taste. goes well with shellfish - bay leaf, black pepper, garlic, basil;
• heavy cream – 0.5 liters;
• parmesan – 100-200 grams;
• egg yolks – 2 pieces.

Pour clean water into a saucepan and place over high heat. Immediately add a few black peppercorns (10-12 pieces), a couple of bay leaves. Let the water boil and add the prepared mussels to the boiling water. Boil the seafood for about 10 minutes. While the shells are cooking, prepare the sauce. Grate Parmesan on a medium grater, mix with cream, add grated garlic clove, beaten egg yolks and chopped basil. Beat well with a mixer.

Catch the finished seafood from the pan: their shells should have opened during the cooking process.

Tear off one flap, and the second will serve as a kind of baking dish for you. Place seafood in shells on a baking sheet, pour a spoonful of sauce into each shell and place the dish in the oven for 10 minutes.

For a holiday meal, you can cook seafood in wine.

For the recipe you will need the following products:

• pre-cooked mussels – one kilogram;
• a glass of dry white wine;
• garlic - four cloves;
• tomatoes – 2 pieces;
• onion - one head;
• parsley - one small bunch;
• half a sweet bell pepper;
• seasonings and spices to taste.

Mussels are not only tasty, but also healthy seafood, which is used in medicine and cosmetology. Scientists have proven that the polyunsaturated acids they contain protect the human heart, preventing the development of diseases of the cardiovascular system. Doctors recommend including them in the diet of both adults and children. You can eat them in small portions 1-2 times a week. In combination with fresh vegetables and grains, they saturate the body with vitamins and speed up the weight loss process.

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Simple mussel recipes

In any case, it is advised not to subject shellfish to prolonged heat treatment. If this advice is not followed, you will end up with tough and not very tasty meat. We bring to your attention three simple mussel recipes for effective weight loss.

Boiled mussels with sauce

We will need:

• unpeeled mussels – 1 kg;
• lemon, peppercorns, bay leaf;
• cream 10-33% – 500 grams;
• Parmesan cheese – 100 grams;
• egg yolk – 2 pieces;
• garlic – 1 clove;
• basil.

Step-by-step recipe for preparing this dish:

1. Pour water into a saucepan, put on fire, add a couple of bay leaves (to taste), 10 peppercorns.
2. 3-5 minutes after boiling, lower the shellfish into the liquid and cook for the same time.
3. As soon as you notice that seafood has begun to open, you need to remove it from the water. If they do not open, they cannot be eaten.
4. All you have to do is separate the clam from the shell and place it on a baking sheet.
5. For the sauce you will need to grate the cheese, chop the garlic and basil, add the boiled chopped yolk. Pour sauce over each piece.
6. Place in the oven at 200 degrees for 10 minutes. The dish is ready!

Marinated mussels with onions

Ingredients for cooking:

• mussels in shells – 400 g;
• chopped shallots - ¼ cup;
• red wine vinegar - 2 tablespoons;
• sauce;
• balsamic vinegar – ½ teaspoon;
• salt, ground black pepper to taste.

Simple steps to prepare shellfish:

1. Place unshucked oysters in a bowl with ice.
2. Cover with lid before cooking.
3. Chop the onion, add vinegar, sauce, balsamic vinegar and other seasonings, whisk the mixture.
4. Add this brine to seafood and place in a cold room. In a day the dish will be ready!

Mussels in white wine with garlic

In order to prepare a delicious dinner, you will need these products.

This product refers to mollusks that have 2 valves. Thanks to their tight closure, the product retains its freshness. Mussels are not only found in the wild. People have been practicing their artificial cultivation for a long time. The time it takes for a mussel to reach the required size is 18 months.

Health benefits of mussels

Mussels have a rich chemical composition, which makes the product beneficial for human health. The low-calorie delicacy with a delicate taste contains vitamins A, E, K, group B, as well as valuable macro- and microelements: potassium, sodium, phosphorus, iron and manganese. The lack of these substances in the body leads to a sharp deterioration in health. The beneficial properties of shellfish for men's and women's health are discussed below.

For men

Benefits for men:

The protein in their composition promotes the production of the main male hormone - testosterone.

For women

Benefits for women:

• Shellfish meat speeds up metabolism and promotes gradual weight loss without harm to health.
• Strengthens the nervous system. This property of the product is especially important for women during menopause, which is often accompanied by irritability, chronic nervousness and apathy.
• Polyunsaturated fatty acids increase collagen production and promote skin cell renewal.
• Potassium and phosphorus strengthen nails and improve hair condition.
• Protein is a building material for human cells and organs, so pregnant women should diversify their menu with seafood delicacies, but only after consulting with their doctor.

Calorie content of mussels, their composition

A mussel is a bivalve shell with a living mollusk attached inside. Only the edible parts of mussels are used for food.

this is the muscle and mantle of a mollusk hidden behind the shell valves. Shellfish meat contains almost no fats and carbohydrates, but it contains a lot of animal protein and amino acids.

Dietary mussel meat contains an average amount of minerals in concentrated form. This is not only sodium, phosphorus, magnesium, calcium, iron and iodine, but also rare minerals boron and cobalt, vital for hematopoietic processes. The delicacy contains a full range of vitamins, including groups B, A, C, and riboflavin. Mussels are rich in animal starch glycogen, which regulates the balance of glucose in the blood.

Low calorie content allows you to use the benefits of mussels in weight loss diets. Portioned 100 grams of product contain only 76-77 kcal

. The excellent taste of shellfish meat allows it to successfully replace chicken or beef to create a low-calorie diet.

Recipes

Cheese cream soup

List of ingredients:

• peeled mussels - 200 g;
• cream cheese - 150 g;
• potatoes - 150 g;
• onion - 1 pc.;
• salt - to taste;
• fresh greens - 1 small bunch.

Preparation:

1. 1. Boil the mussels. Frozen seafood should be cooked for no more than 5 minutes, and fresh seafood in shells - 10-12 minutes.
2. 2. Cut the potatoes into large cubes and boil in salted water until soft. Then puree it using a blender.
3. 3. Cut the onion into half rings and fry until golden brown. Add mussels to it and simmer over medium heat for 4 minutes.
4. 4. Place all ingredients into a saucepan and salt the dish. Cook, stirring, 5 minutes. The cheese should be completely melted.
5. 5. Sprinkle the finished soup with herbs.

Diet salad

List of ingredients:

• peeled mussels - 200 g;
• shrimp - 200 g;
• avocado - 100 g;
• cherry tomatoes - 4 pcs.;
• quail eggs - 2 pcs.;
• olive oil - 4 tbsp. l.;
• Dijon mustard - 1 tsp;
• salt - to taste.

Preparation:

1. 1. Fry the mussels and shrimp until cooked.
2. 2. Cut the avocado and tomatoes into cubes.
3. 3. Boil the eggs and finely chop or grate on a fine grater.
4. 4. For dressing, mix olive oil with mustard.
5. 5. Mix all salad ingredients well, season with sauce and salt.

Mussels in creamy sauce

List of ingredients:

• mussels - 500 g;
• cream or fat sour cream - 230 ml;
• shallots - 100 g;
• vegetable oil - 50 ml;
• cheese - 200 g;
• salt - to taste.

Mussels belong to the family of bivalve mollusks. However, ordinary people most often call mussels Mytilus, the type genus of the family. Some genera Crenomytilus, Mytilus and Perna live throughout the ocean, but they are important fisheries targets. However, mussels are also bred in artificial reservoirs (on the seabed on ropes or special platforms), after which they end up on the table of seafood lovers.

However, only a few gourmets know the beneficial properties of mussels. Many people prefer this seafood product for its unusual taste.

The benefits and harms of mussels for children

Seafood is a strong allergen; therefore, it is not recommended to give mussels to children under three years of age. Starting from the age of three, this product can be included in a child’s diet only with the permission of a pediatrician.

Mussels can bring significant benefits to a child’s health, unless the baby is allergic to this product. Seafood contains high-quality and easily digestible protein, which is necessary for a child’s growing body. In addition, mussels are rich in vitamins and microelements, the most necessary of which are phosphorus and calcium. These microelements in mussels are enough to compensate for their deficiency in the child’s body.

The beneficial properties of mussels for children are due to the presence of polyunsaturated fatty acids in them, the most important of which are omega 3 and omega 6. The lack of these acids leads to disruption of the physical and mental development of children.

Chemical composition

Mussel meat is a high-quality pure protein and is rich in phosphatides. These are quite fatty shellfish, but they contain useful components such as polyunsaturated fatty acids. Mussel meat is a real Klondike of microelements such as: iodine and zinc, manganese and copper, cobalt and 20 amino acids essential for humans. It is worth noting that there is almost ten times more cobalt in mussels than in beef, pork or chicken liver. In addition, meat also contains invaluable vitamins, without which normal functioning of the body is simply impossible. Thus, a mussel lover, along with meat, receives vitamins D and E, PP, group B (B1, B2 and B6). This gift of the sea is also a powerful antioxidant.

Weight loss diet with mussels

The low calorie content of mussels allows them to be eaten even with a very strict diet. They are lower in calories than chicken meat, but the percentage of protein in them is much higher

. These seafood do not contain cholesterol and fat, so mussels bring significant benefits to the body.

Including mussels in the diet of people who want to lose weight helps speed up metabolism. To achieve better digestibility, it is recommended to drizzle seafood with olive oil.

, serving with boiled vegetables. The health benefits of mussels are felt within a few days, when the body begins to get rid of excess fat deposits.

There is no harm to mussels on a low-calorie diet. If you follow your doctor's recommendations, you can stick to this diet for an unlimited period of time to effectively lose weight.

Data:

The benefits of mussels for human health have found wide application in cosmetology. Vitamin-rich mussel hydrolyzate is added to moisturizing serums and skin masks.

Calorie content and composition

The nutritional value (BJU) of 100 grams of shellfish meat is only 77 kcal. Of these, the majority is occupied by easily digestible protein - 12 g, as well as valuable fats - 2 g, carbohydrates - 3.4 g.

The composition contains a large amount of water, which is not surprising for a marine life - 83 grams.

In addition, mussel meat contains cholesterol - 40 mg. However, there is no need to be afraid.

For the use of such a product to be harmful, you need to eat huge portions every day, and this is physically impossible. On the contrary, the required percentage of fatty acids will each time normalize and strengthen the heart and blood vessels, preventing the formation of blood clots in the walls.

The energy ratio of a 100-gram serving of shellfish meat, or KBZHU as a percentage, is 5.4: 14: 3: 2.5.

The glycemic index (GI) of the seafood delicacy is very low - the indicators vary from 0 to 1. This feature makes the product dietary and safe for diabetics, since it does not cause spikes in blood sugar at all. In addition, the digestion process will be faster, safer, and without the formation of fatty deposits.

Mussel meat is valued not only for its taste. First of all, it is rich in vitamins and mineral elements, without which the normal functioning of an adult body is impossible. In addition, amino acids and antioxidants help cope with various diseases, including reproductive system problems.

Chemical composition:

• ash;
• sulfur;
• calcium;
• potassium;
• magnesium;
• phosphorus;
• sodium;
• iron;
• ascorbic acid;
• vitamin A;
• B vitamins - B1, B2;
• vitamin C;
• vitamin PP;
• vitamin E;
• retinol;
• niacin;
• thiamine;
• riboflavin;
• cholesterol;
• saturated fatty acids (SFAs).