What Are Mussels?
Mussels belong to the family of clams and molluscs from saltwater and freshwater habitats. There are mostly two types of mussels – blue mussels and green lipped mussels. Unlike other edible clams, mussels have an elongated and asymmetrical shape. Most of them have shells that are generally rounded or oval. Their shells have subdued colors ranging in hues of blue, brown, gray and black while the interior is silvery. Their bodies are soft and spongy with a pale appearance and constitute the edible portion. They have a gritty and chewy taste. There are different species of mussels that live either in freshwater or saltwater. They are mostly found in the shallow coastal areas of oceans or near the edges of ponds and lakes. Freshwater mussels are generally not eaten as they produce water pearls. Mussels can be eaten baked, smoked, fried, broiled and steamed and are a popular fast food item in European and Pacific countries. Mussels are mostly grown in farms for commercial use, but they may be harvested in the wild.
Mussels Nutrition Facts
Mussels can be cooked with or without shells and have been declared the best seafood by the Monterey Bay Aquarium as the method of farming them is environment-friendly. They are also a nutrient dense food. Their various health benefits can be attributed to their nutritional value given below. Their nutritional profile comprises vitamin A, B-vitamins like folate and B12, minerals like phosphorus, zinc and manganese as well as omega-3 fatty acids. Here is the detailed information about nutritional benefits of mussels. Comparison Of Nutritional Values Of Blue Mussel, T-Bone Steak, Chicken And Turkey per 100gm (1), (2), (3), (4): This is chart is based on information provided by:
Calories And Fat
A 3 oz. serving of cooked blue mussels contains 146 calories, 4 grams fat, 6 grams carbohydrates, 48 mg cholesterol and 314 mg sodium. Since mussels are cooked in salt water, they contain a higher amount of sodium than other varieties of shellfish.
Protein
Mussels are a rich source of protein with a cup serving providing 18 grams of protein, which is equivalent to nearly 30% of the recommended daily value for an average adult. Dietary protein is an important source of amino acids required by your body to make proteins.
Vitamin A
These clams are also a good source of vitamin A. A cup serving of mussels contains 240 international units of vitamin A contributing to 10% and 8% of the recommended intake for women and men respectively.
Selenium
Mussels possess an abundant amount of selenium. A cup serving of mussels provides 67.2 micrograms selenium which is more than the recommended daily intake of 55 micrograms for adult men and women.
Vitamin B12
Mussels are an excellent source of vitamin B12. A 3 oz. serving of cooked mussel meat provides 20.4 micrograms that are equivalent to a whopping 340% of the recommended daily intake of this vitamin. Now that you have got to know what mussels are and what nutrients they contain, let’s go ahead and get to know of the amazing health benefits mussels can offer!
Top 19 Benefits Of Mussels
Check out here some of the best Mussels benefits.
1. Healthy Heart
Being low in total and saturated fat but high in omega-3 fatty acids, mussels contribute to a healthy heart. According to research conducted by the American Heart Association, the omega-3 fatty acids, particularly those present in fish and shellfish, possess cardioprotective benefits. These heart-healthy unsaturated fatty acids lower the risk of developing abnormal heartbeats, as well as triglyceride and fat levels in the bloodstream, thereby reducing the risk of heart attack or sudden death due to heart disease (5).
2. Treatment For Arthritis
According to research, the residents of the Maori coast of New Zealand whose diet consisted of green lipped mussels had lower incidences of arthritis. It has been found to be beneficial in the treatment of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Dried GLM extracts are particularly beneficial in this regard (6), (7).
3. Treatment For Joint Pains
Green mussels are a rich source of nutrients like iron, betaine and glycosaminoglycans like chondroitin sulfate. Some of these substances have been shown to contribute to relieving joint pains and joint stiffness (8), (9), (10).
4. Helps The Circulatory System
Regular intake of green lipped mussels may reduce the likelihood of heart attack and other circulatory problems. They facilitate healthy circulation to the vital organs and muscles by strengthening the arterial walls and improving blood flow (11).
5. Bone And Teeth Health
Consumption of mussels may facilitate the structural strengthening of teeth and bones and provide necessary support to surrounding tissues owing to its mineral rich profile. However, there is a lack of studies to substantiate this health benefit.
6. Immune System Health
Regular consumption of green lipped mussels may help to improve your resistance to viral and bacterial infection. They also improve wound healing by intensifying and accelerating the formation of antibodies (12), (13).
7. Healthy Nervous System
By stimulating the muscles, tissues and organs, green lipped mussels may help improve nerve cell functioning throughout the body and have a positive effect on cognitive functions (14). However, more scientific research is needed for evidence supporting the impact of mussels on the nervous system.
8. May Improve Fertility
Green lipped mussels are believed to benefit fertility by increasing the viscosity of cervical mucus plug in women and seminal fluid in men. However, there is a lack of scientific evidence to support this claim.
9. May Help Prevent Anemia
Green lipped mussels are an excellent source of iron with a 100 grams serving of cooked mussels contributing to over 100% of the recommended daily value for people above the age of 50. As we all know, iron plays a vital role in the production of red blood cells. It is involved in the formation of two oxygen carrying proteins namely hemoglobin and myoglobin. Deficiency of iron can lead to health issues like anemia, shortness of breath and low energy levels (1), (15).
10. Weight Management
Fresh mussel meat contains the same amount of high-quality protein as red meat but has much less total fat, saturated fat and nearly 25% fewer calories. Thus, replacing red meat with mussel meat constitutes a low-calorie diet that provides benefits of weight management.
11. May Reduce Symptoms Of Asthma
Green lipped mussels possess anti-inflammatory properties that have been found to be beneficial in reducing asthma symptoms. A study showed that patients who were given GLM extract experienced a significant decrease in daytime wheezing (16).
12. Skin Care Benefits
Seafood is beneficial for your skin as it has been shown to revive skin cells. Inflammation is one of the causes of skin aging. Green lipped mussels are rich in zinc and omega-3 fatty acids, both of which possess anti-inflammatory properties. Besides, deficiency of omega-3 fatty acids and zinc is considered to be one of the causes of psoriasis and eczema, both of which can be prevented by incorporating green lipped mussels in your diet. Supplements made from green-lipped mussels extract are considered to increase the elasticity of your skin, thus slowing down the aging process. However, there is a lack of evidence to draw definite conclusions about the efficacy of GLM extract for skin health (1), (17), (18), (19).
13. Healthy Cellular Functions
As stated above, mussels are a rich source of healthy proteins. These proteins help in maintaining cellular functions by providing structural support to the cells, enabling metabolic reactions to generate energy and allowing cellular communication to make your cells work together.
14. Anti-Aging Benefits
Green mussels contain mucopolysaccharides that help slow down the effects of skin aging. Mucopolysaccharides are found in our hair, skin, and nails, and they are present in greater quantities when we are young to help us grow. They help to maintain the elasticity of skin and give a smooth complexion (20) .
15. Great Source Of Protein
As we all know, protein is the building block of life. We all need adequate amounts of protein to grow. Green mussels are a great source of protein. It supplies almost 40% of the recommended dietary allowance of protein for men and 41% of that for women.
16. Contains Iron
Consuming green mussels can help prevent anemia. Lack of iron in the body can lead to anemia. Green mussels contain approximately 10.9 milligrams of iron. If you are over 50, then that takes care of your daily recommended intake of iron! Even people who are below 50, a serving of green mussels can give them around 50-60% RDA of iron. This iron helps the body to make hemoglobin and prevent anemia.
17. Source Of Vitamin B12
A 100 gram serving of cooked green mussels contains around 20 milligrams of Vitamin B12, which is essential for the pregnant women. Vitamin B12 helps in the production of red blood cells and DNA. It also helps your nervous system work properly.
18. Rich In Omega-3
Green mussel is rich in natural Omega-3 fatty acids. A human body cannot produce omega-3 fatty acid and needs to take it from other sources. Green Mussel is the best source of omega-3 and polyunsaturated fat. Omega-3 helps to prevent inflammation and reduce the risk of stroke, heart diseases, and arthritis. Omega-3 is also good for brain development.
19. Other Benefits
Other benefits of eating mussels include protection of gastrointestinal tract, treatment of sports related injuries, scavenging free radicals, boosting immunity, giving healthy nails and aiding healthier nerve cell functioning. So, this was about the best benefits of mussels, now know what are the precautions to follow before consuming it.
Precautions To Be Taken
Mussels are undoubtedly healthy seafood. This does not, however, undermine the need to exercise precaution in their preparation and consumption. Like other seafood, mussels are prone to bacterial contamination. Hence, only live mussels should be preferred, and dead mussels should be avoided as they deteriorate very quickly. Dead mussels are slightly open and do not close when touched. Apart from this, poisonous algae often get accumulated on the mussels that build up in their tissues, rendering them unfit for consumption. Eating such mussels can cause paralytic shellfish poisoning. The amount of algae present in mussels is regulated and monitored by Government agencies. For safe consumption, it is advisable to soak the mussels in fresh water for 20 minutes to remove sand. Use a firm brush to remove the additional sand and other debris. Rinse them under cool tap water and wipe them with a towel before cooking. Mussels can be flavored with ingredients like shallots and garlic. Hence, careful preparation and health issues prevailing in fishing areas are extremely important to ensure the safety of both commercial and self-harvested mussels.
Check out the below infographic to learn the most important health benefits of mussels. Can I eat mussels every day? No. While mussels are a good source of nutrition, they also may contain mercury that could cause health problems. Hence, limit mussel intake to twice or thrice a week. When should you eat mussels? Mussels can be enjoyed as a lunch or dinner, preferably while fresh from the market (from September through April). Black or green mussels: which variety is better? It comes down to personal preference, as both types have a comparable nutritional profile. How many mussels does one individual need? One to one and a half pounds of mussels are adequate for one main course meal. Are frozen mussels healthy? Yes. Frozen mussels are as healthy as their fresh counterparts.
