Did you know that in addition to being an eco-friendly food, the oyster has endless benefits for the human body? Find out which are the main ones below:
- Improve cardiovascular health
Omega 3 fatty acids are essential for the proper functioning of the cardiovascular system, to protect older people from degenerative diseases of the nervous system, to combat aging and have a very important anti-inflammatory and antithrombotic effect. The body cannot generate omega 3 and therefore we have to obtain it through the diet. Oysters are rich in omega 3, their intake lowers triglycerides in the blood, as well as levels of bad cholesterol (LDL), which is essential to prevent heart problems and against arteriosclerosis. In addition, the high content of potassium and magnesium help reduce blood pressure, relax blood vessels, improve blood circulation and oxygenation.
- Fight and prevent anemia
This shellfish is an excellent source of iron, as it provides more than 90% of the daily needs in each serving. Iron is a key component in the formation of red blood cells and is the main defense against iron deficiency anemia which causes fatigue, cognitive dysfunction, stomach disorders and muscle weakness. The amount of vitamin C in oysters improves its bioavailability; and copper helps form hemoglobin and store iron in the body. In addition, vitamin B 12 participates in the maturation process of red blood cells and helps prevent megaloblastic anemia, when red blood cells are larger than normal. In turn, iron helps the body transport oxygen to individual cells increasing our energy.
- They strengthen the immune system
Eating oysters boosts the immune system due to its high content of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. They are an extraordinary source of vitamin B 12 (cobalamin), essential to preserve the health of nerves, cells and the heart, as well as to prevent dementia. The content of vitamin B2, riboflavin, vitamin C, vitamin B3 and vitamin A is also very important. They are very powerful antioxidants due to the presence of vitamin C and minerals such as copper and selenium, which help defend against free radicals and prevent heart disease and premature aging of the body. On the other hand, its content in ceramides and minerals protects against different types of cancer.
They are very rich in zinc and selenium. One oyster provides just over half of your daily zinc and selenium needs. Zinc is the second most abundant trace element in the body, a necessary mineral in many metabolic processes, is involved in protein and insulin synthesis, is crucial for the immune system, and helps speed wound healing. Selenium protects from free radicals and reduces the risk of inflammation.
- They increase bone density.
They have a high content of minerals calcium, phosphorus, zinc, iron, copper and selenium, which contributes to increase bone density, as well as the strength and durability of bones, protecting against diseases such as osteoporosis.
- They promote muscle growth.
They are a great source of complete proteins since they provide all the essential amino acids, proteins participate. In the construction and repair of muscle tissue, they regulate cell activity and form enzymes, among many other properties. Its zinc content promotes the production of anabolic androgenic hormones such as testosterone, which is vital for muscle growth.
6 . Aphrodisiac food
Oysters may increase sexual performance, as some research suggests that their high zinc content promotes increased release of sex hormones. They can also help increase the number and mobility of sperm.
7 . They regulate the thyroid. Selenium and zinc contribute to the proper functioning of thyroid hormones. It is also an important source of iodine, since a single oyster has the 6% necessary for the proper functioning of the thyroid gland, regulates the metabolic rate of the body and the growth and development of the fetus. They are beneficial for our metabolism, regulating our energy level and the proper functioning of cells.
