Seafood is among the most coveted sea delicacies on the market. This delicacy, deeply rooted in Spanish gastronomy, becomes a culinary protagonist and an exceptional guest at the table on festive dates such as Christmas.
Also during the summer it triumphs in the menus and menus of terraces and beach bars. Paellas, clams, clams, octopus, razor clams and mussels are among the most popular varieties during the summer, when seafood, prawns and shrimp dishes are also exceptional companions, mainly in coastal areas.
As you well know, among its varieties we can distinguish crustaceans, that is, those with shells, such as shrimps, prawns or crayfish; and mollusks, characterized by their shells. Some people also include cephalopods – squid, cuttlefish, octopus, squid – in the seafood category.
Each variety has specific characteristics, but most of them share important nutritional properties and benefits beyond an exquisite flavor, capable of conquering the most select palates. And although any excuse is a good one to enjoy this marine delicacy , we summarize five advantages of its consumption:
1. Source of Omega 3
Seafood proteins are of high biological value (20% per 100 grams), being of animal origin and containing essential amino acids such as Omega 3, very beneficial to prevent cardiovascular diseases.
2. Not at odds with the scales
Due to its low fat and caloric content -fat does not reach 2% of its composition and concentrates less than 100 Kcal per 100 grams- seafood is not at odds with diets. If you want to take care of the line during the summer without depriving yourself when going out for tapas, do not hesitate, choose seafood.
3. Contains important nutritional values
Despite its low fat content, seafood is rich in vitamins and minerals. Thus, most varieties contain to a greater or lesser extent vitamin A, ideal for skin and eye care in summer, vitamin E, antioxidant, and B complex vitamins, including folic acid, beneficial against anemia.
4. A healthy food
Although seafood should be consumed with moderation if you suffer from cholesterol or hypertension, due to the uric acid it contains, in general it is a beneficial food for your health because of its nutritional properties. Due to its high protein value and its minerals, it is recommended for athletes as it improves the functioning of the nervous and muscular system. In addition, as we have already mentioned, it prevents heart problems due to its content in Omega 3 polyunsaturated fats.
Among the minerals present in seafood are potassium (very important for the muscles and nervous system, as well as for the regulation of water in the body), sodium (also essential for regulating the body’s fluids), iodine (which, in addition to preventing goiter or hypothyroidism, is necessary for metabolism), magnesium (which strengthens bones, by helping to fix calcium, it fights calcium deficiency), and magnesium (which strengthens bones), magnesium (which strengthens bones by helping to fix calcium, fights diabetes and counteracts insomnia, stress and depression, as it helps regulate serotonin, a substance on which mood depends) and zinc, which favors the immune system by preventing infections, improves fertility, both female and male, favors cognitive capacity and helps absorb nutrients, among other benefits.
Certain varieties such as clams are rich in iron and others such as prawns stand out for their calcium content. They are also famous for their aphrodisiac properties. Oysters are among them.
5. A gastronomic delicacy
Seafood is the star of countless recipes. Both traditional and avant-garde cuisine include this product in their dishes. Whether cooked, fried, grilled, with different sauces… the culinary potential of these seafood, alone or accompanied, is well known. And its flavor is celebrated like few others.
