If you are a seafood eater, you must have heard about Abalone. However, it may come as a surprise that this sea snail holds vast nutritional value.
Yes, abalone is not only a tasty dish but also a source of valuable nutrients. In the following article, I’ll tell you about Abalone Health Benefits.
Nutritional Profile of Abalone
Abalone is a nutritional powerhouse.
Overview
Abalone is low in calories but high in essential nutrients. A 100-gram of abalone contains:
- Calories: 105
- Protein: 17.1 grams
- Fat: 1.28 grams
- Carbohydrates: 11 grams
Macro-nutrients
- Protein: Abalone offers a plentiful amount of good protein thus it’s very helpful for muscle building or repair. The protein found in it can be readily digested by the body while providing all necessary amino acids.
- Fat: Its fat content is very low and mainly made up of unsaturated fat which is good for the heart.
- Carbohydrates: It has a low carbohydrate content, thus contributing to its overall low caloric value.
Micro-Nutrients
Abalone is rich in various vitamins and minerals, including;
- Vitamins:
- Vitamin A: Supports vision and immune function.
- Vitamin B12: Essential for nerve function and the production of DNA and red blood cells.
- Vitamin E: Acts as an antioxidant, protecting cells from damage.
- Vitamin C: Boosts the immune system and helps in collagen production.
- Minerals:
- Iron: Crucial for oxygen transport in the blood.
- Calcium: Important for bone health.
- Phosphorus: Works with calcium to build bones and teeth.
- Potassium: Helps to regulate blood pressure.
- Magnesium: Involved in over 300 biochemical reactions in the body.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Abalone contains omega-3 fatty acids, which are good for heart health. Omega-3 helps to reduce inflammation, lower blood pressure, and decrease the risk of heart disease.
Table of Contents
Abalone Health Benefits:
Abalone has several health benefits including;
1. Rich Source of Protein
Due to its high protein content, abalone is an ideal food for the body’s muscles as well as tissue formation and repair. From the athletic people who need to undergo training to the patients who have just been administered surgery, such individuals require proteins in their diet and will find abalone as a solution to their requirements.
It is also revealed that protein is effective in causing a feeling of satiety, which is beneficial on the subject of weight control. If you include abalone in your meals, you will not feel hungry again soon and thus will not be enticed to take snacks that are rich in cholesterol.
2. Supports Immune Function
Vitamins A, E, and C, as well as zinc and selenium found in abalone help improve the body’s immunity. The nutrients also assist in boosting the immunity of the body, that is, the capability to fight against pathogens.
Because of the vitamins E and C which are regarded as antioxidants, the fluid interferes with oxidation stress that impacts negatively on the cell’s immune system. Most of these antioxidants reduce the impact of free radicals thus promoting normal body health and aging.
3. Promotes Heart Health
There are various nutrients with health-enhancing features and one such is omega-3 fatty acids present in abalone. It assists in lowering inflammation levels and blood pressure as well as the likelihood of heart disease.
Omega 3 is beneficial in the prevention of heart attacks and stroke as part of daily diets. Abalone also has benefits in addressing cholesterol levels as it has good cholesterol only. The healthy fats in abalone reduce bad cholesterol (LDL) levels while increasing good cholesterol (HDL) levels.
**Also Read: Top 10 Health Benefits of a Balanced Diet
4. Bone Health
Abalone contains other nutrients such as calcium and phosphorus which are important in building strong bones and teeth. Abalone consumption can therefore help reduce the risks associated with bone disorders such as Osteoporosis.
Vitamin D is essential in the utilization of calcium and bone metabolism. Abalone is also a rich source of vitamin D, which aids the body in the absorption of calcium.
5. Supports Cognitive Function
Packed with B vitamins especially B12 which is crucial to brain functioning abalone is valued nutritionally. B vitamins are known to keep the nervous system healthy and improve mental health.
Its omega-3 fatty content is also very helpful to the brain. They facilitate the proper functioning of neurons and prevent damage, leading to proper memory and prevention of instances of neurodegenerative diseases.
6. Enhances Skin Health
Due to the various nutrients found in abalone, it is also considered to be a skin-repairing food since it helps construct collagen in the body. Collagen is a structural protein in the skin and it functions in providing elastic properties to the skin.
Abalone has the capability of expelling free radicals from the body since it is rich in antioxidants which help shield the skin. Skin and face care involves preventing premature signs of aging for which one can use the above tips in order to minimize wrinkles and lines thus leading to a healthy skin surface.
Abalone in Traditional Medicine
Abalone has been traditionally employed in medicine and other related fields for many centuries, especially by the people of Asian countries. It is considered to have various uses in traditional medicine, such as for treating poor vision, and the flu, and to increase the life span.
Although there is a need for scientific research to back this claim, the traditional uses of abalone highlight its cultural importance and potential health benefits.
Potential Side Effects and Considerations
While abalone is generally safe to eat and has several health benefits, there are a few things to keep in mind;
- Allergies: Well, some people may have an allergic reaction to shellfish and the abalone may be one of them. Do not take abalone if you have a shellfish allergy and discuss it with your doctor.
- Mercury Content: Like other seafood, abalone also contains mercury. Consume it in moderation, especially for pregnant women and young children.
- Environmental Concerns: For the conservation of marine life it becomes mandatory that you use sustainable abalones. Choose products that have logos of certification that they use sustainable methods.
Conclusion
Abalone is not only a tasty seafood dish but has many valuable nutrients that are good for the human body. Apart from the immune system and heart, abalone consumption has various benefits that help improve various aspects of a person’s health such as bone health and mental function.
Thus, the next time you come across abalone, do not hesitate to include it in your diet as they are beneficial to your health.