Musillion: nutritional value, benefits and properties of a gastronomic jewel

From the family of molluscs, mussels as well as berobits or clams contain a lot of nutritional properties.Concrete mussels have a high content of vitamins, amino acids and minerals and are very beneficial for health.Mussels are considered by many as authentic gastronomic jewels because they improve the state and quality of the skin and bones, strengthen the immune system, help repair tissues and can even be useful to combat mental disorders such as depression.

They are a hypocaloric and nutritious food at the same time with a lot of properties.It is a food rich in protein, and that contains a low index of bad fats, but a high level of good fats, such as omega 3, so it is favorable to prevent cardiovascular diseases and reduce cholesterol.It also consists of various vitamins and a good range of minerals (such as calcium, iodine, iron, potassium and magnesium).For all this, the WHO and the Mexillon Regulatory Council of Galicia recommend its consumption.

Mussels

Nutritional value and varieties

The proportions of the nutrients of the mussels vary according to the type and amount of the food, but in general, every 100 grams of mussels provide 86 calories, 10 grams of proteins, 2 grams of fats, 2.3 grams of carbohydrates, 0 glycemic index.

There are several species of mussels (blond, Mediterranean, Californian, bearded ...), and can live in fresh or salty water.In the market we can find fresh mussels (they can eat cooked, smoked, fried, grilled, steamed ...), but they are also selling or even frozen.Of course, if we buy them fresh we have to choose those that are not shipyard and well closed.

Mussel

Properties and benefits

Strengthen the immune system

Rich in vitamin A, a cup of mussels contains provides 10% of the recommended daily intake for women and 8% for men.According to the Harvard Public Health School, vitamin A makes us much more than helping us see in the dark, stimulates the production of white blood cells.Stimulates the production and activity of white blood cells, participates in the restoration of the bones and regulates cell growth and division, among many other functions.

Good for muscles

Fifteen mussels provide the equivalent protein of a fillet of 170 grams of lean meat.So mussels are an excellent protein source.We need to consume proteins daily for many reasons, they are fundamental for growth, they help us preserve muscle mass, repair tissue repair, produce hormones and enzymes.

Good for bones and teeth

Mussels are a nutritious treasure rich in vitamin C and phosphorus, which makes them perfect allies to strengthen our bones and teeth.A cup of mussels contributes almost 20% of the required daily intake of vitamin C.In addition, vitamin C serves for the repair and maintenance of cartilage, bones and teeth, as well as to cure wounds and heal.This vitamin plays a fairly important role in infections control and is also a powerful antioxidant that can neutralize harmful free radicals.

A cup of mussels contains almost 30% of the required daily intake of phosphorus.The main function of phosphorus is the formation of bones and teeth.In addition, it plays an important role in the way the body uses carbohydrates and fats, and is necessary for the body to produce proteins that help in the growth, maintenance and repair of cells and tissues.

Anti -inflammatories

The mussels have more omega-3 fatty acids than any other seafood and much more than meat.A study of the Faculty of Medical Sciences of the Rmit University in Australia, identified that mussels have anti-inflammatory properties due to the large amount of Omega-3 that they have.

They help treat depression

Vitamin B12 intervenes in many bodily functions and offers many health benefits.Some psychological or behavioral indices related to depression can improve with the administration of supplements of this vitamin according to studies published in The American Journal Psychiatry.It has been investigated that if there are high levels of vitamin B12 the treatment of depression achieves better results.