The suckers along the arms of the octopus give it a great unique texture. As a result, the octopus arms are the most coveted seafood body parts among chefs. However, the popularity of octopus as a delicacy gained momentum due to its rich nutrition profile.
Octopus Nutritional Information
A 100g serving of cooked octopus contains (2): Dr. Madathupalayam Madhankumar, a gastroenterologist, says, “Octopus has good amounts of iron, selenium, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin B 12, copper, potassium, calcium, and magnesium. It contains carbohydrates but not at high levels.” All these essential fats and nutrients have several health benefits.
Health Benefits Of Octopus
1. Rich In Omega-3 Fatty Acids
The octopus contains high amounts of omega-3 fatty acids, including eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). EPA and DHA are crucial for fetus development, maintaining cardiovascular health, and improving cognitive function in people with mild Alzheimer’s disease (3), (4).
2. Good Source Of Antioxidants
Octopus contains essential amino acids and antioxidants and can be used to formulate functional foods (foods that offer health benefits) (5). Antioxidant-rich diets help strengthen the immune system to improve the body’s disease-fighting abilities. Moreover, antioxidants neutralize free radicals and help reduce inflammation.
3. May Boost Metabolism
Octopus contains iron and vitamin B12. Lack of these nutrients affects the body’s metabolic functions, and deficiency of either nutrient may cause anemia (6).
4. May Lower Plasma Fat Levels
An animal study found that Adimchae (a type of kimchi containing octopus) could lower plasma lipid levels and prevent plaque formation (fatty deposits) in the arteries (7). This may reduce the risk of cardiovascular conditions.
5. May Have Antibacterial Effects
The suckers present in the octopus arms contain a peptide called OctoPartenopin, which is active against many gram-positive and negative bacteria, especially Staphylococcus and Pseudomonas. This peptide can be used to develop antibacterial agents and food preservatives (8).
6. May Promote Cardiovascular Health
Octopus (Amphioctopus neglectus) contains macrocyclic lactone, a bioactive compound that can inhibit the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), responsible for causing hypertension. Additionally, it contains taurine, may help prevent blood clots by lowering cholesterol levels in blood vessels (9).
7. May Help Manage Diabetes
A study on diabetic rats found that using octopus proteins as a dietary supplement could reduce blood glucose levels. The researchers concluded that octopus proteins could prevent complications caused by diabetes, especially toxic liver disease (hepatotoxicity) (10). Don’t these benefits make octopus well worth trying? Read on to learn how you can get started.
How To Add Octopus To Your Diet: Popular Recipes
Octopuses are highly sought after in southern European and Asian countries. You can consume them boiled, grilled, baked, or fried. It can be tricky to cook octopus at home because it becomes tough, rubbery, and dry when overcooked. However, it is tender, moist, a bit spongy, and crunchy if cooked well. Raw octopus with sesame oil has a smooth, salty-sweet taste with nutty undertones. Here are a few recipes you may try.
1. Marinated Octopus
This Greek appetizer is usually served with soups and salads. What You Need
1 kg octopus 1 cup of red wine vinegar 2 tablespoons of olive oil Dried oregano for garnish
How To Prepare
- Remove the ink sac, stomach, beak, and eyes from the octopus under running water. 2. Boil the octopus in a pot for 10 minutes. 3. Remove from heat and drain. Rub it under running water to remove the dark outer membrane. 4. Boil the octopus in a pressure cooker (without a lid) with enough water to cover it. Once the water starts boiling, put the lid, and cook for 10 minutes under pressure. Reserve the water. 5. Chop the octopus into bite-sized pieces. 6. Put them into a bowl and add the reserved water and all the ingredients. Mix well. 7. Refrigerate for at least 5 to 6 hours before serving. 8. Put the octopus pieces in a serving bowl and top it with olive oil and oregano.
2. Braised Octopus In Paprika Sauce
Spice up your snack game with this easy-to-make Spanish snack! What You Need
1 kg octopus ¼ cup of oregano ¼ cup of rosemary ¼ cup of bay leaves ¼ cup of parsley ¼ cup of thyme 3 garlic cloves (chopped) ½ teaspoon of salt 1 teaspoon of black pepper 1 tablespoon of sweet paprika ½ cup of olive oil 2 lemons
How To Prepare
- Boil the octopus for 8 minutes. Discard the head after boiling. 2. Put the octopus arms in a pot with oregano, rosemary, bay leaves, parsley, and thyme. 3. Cook at 200°F for 3-4 hours until tender. 4. Chop the octopus into bite-sized pieces. 5. Combine garlic, salt, pepper, and paprika until you get a paste. Add olive oil and mix well. 6. Toss the octopus with the paprika-garlic sauce in a large bowl. 7. Juice one lemon into the bowl and toss to combine. Enjoy!
3. Stewed Octopus
Serve this southern Italian dish at a barbecue or dinner party for a weekend treat! What You Need
1 kg octopus 4 tablespoons of olive oil 4 garlic cloves (finely chopped) 1 cup of white wine 1 cup of tomatoes (chopped) 1 teaspoon of chili flakes 1 teaspoon of salt 2 tablespoons of honey 2 tablespoons of dill (chopped) 4 tablespoons of parsley (chopped) Freshly ground black pepper, as needed
How To Prepare
- Boil the octopus in salted water for 1 to 2 minutes. 2. Chop it into bite-sized pieces and sauté in olive oil over medium-high heat for 2 to 3 minutes. 3. Add garlic and sauté for another minute or two. 4. Add the wine and bring to a boil. 5. Stir in the tomatoes and chili flakes. Let it simmer for 3 to 4 minutes. 6. Add about a teaspoon of salt and honey. Stir well, cover, and cook for 30 minutes. Add half the dill and parsley. 7. Cook the octopus for 45 minutes more if it is still extremely chewy. 8. About 10 minutes before the octopus is done, uncover the pot and increase the heat a little to cook down the sauce. 9. Sprinkle black pepper, the remaining parsley, and dill before serving. Pair with garlic bread or pasta of your choice! This delicious treat might not be for everyone. In the next section, experts explain the reason why.
Possible Side Effects And Allergies of Octopus
Dr. Madhankumar says, “It is high in sodium and cholesterol. It can cause allergies in people allergic to shellfish. There is also a risk of the presence of heavy metals in octopuses.” Therefore, consume octopus in moderation to reap its benefits and avoid possible side effects. Is octopus good for weight loss? Octopus is low in fats and a rich source of complete protein, making it an ideal inclusion in a weight loss diet regimen. Is octopus high in cholesterol? Octopus is a lean protein with a decent amount of cholesterol (about 96 mg per 100 g serving) (2). However, that still is less when compared to squid and shrimp (11), (12). The amount of dietary cholesterol also depends on the method of preparation with or without minimal oil. Is octopus high in mercury? While octopus varieties could have low to moderate mercury levels, they are not on the list of the best seafood options (13), (14). It is advisable to avoid octopus during pregnancy and breastfeeding. What has more protein: chicken or octopus? Octopus has more protein per 100 g serving when compared to chicken (2), (15). Is frozen octopus good? Yes, frozen octopus retains the taste and nutrition of a fresh octopus and might even be more tender. Is octopus a superfood? Rich in essential nutrients, vitamins, proteins, and omega-3 fatty acids, octopus makes for a healthy food option. It is also considered a superfood in some regions, like Greece, where it makes for a great alternative to red meat and dairy protein sources during Lent (the period of absence before Easter). Is octopus red meat? Octopus has red to purplish mottled skin. However, it has delicate white meat underneath that turns translucent on cooking. Is octopus keto-friendly? Octopus has a fair amount of carbs and is not suitable for a ketogenic diet (2), (16). Is octopus good for testosterone? Studies suggest that D-aspartic acid in octopus may increase testosterone levels in male animal specimens. However, the same has not been established for humans yet (17), (18).
