Snail meat is a delicacy in certain places, including Nigeria. While snail might not look appetising, some people are gifted in the art of preparing it in such a way that it may be hard to tell it apart from other kinds of meat. There are joints and high-class restaurants where snail meat is part of the menu. This just shows how much people enjoy eating snail meat.
In this article, you will find out the nutritional value and health benefits of snail meats.
Nutritional Value Of Snail Meat
Besides being very tasty, snail meat is packed with nutrients. Snail contains 80% water, 15% protein, and 2.4% fats. In addition to that, it contains a range of other nutrients like selenium, calcium, phosphorous, magnesium, and iron.
It is also rich in vitamins A, B12, E, and K. As you can see, snail meat is quite healthy. But it is not just eating snails that is good for us.
Snail slime is used for cosmetic purposes as it contains glycolic acid, collagen, elastin, and other essential substances the skin requires. It helps reduce scarring, itching, toothache, and so on.
Health Benefits Of Snails
Today, we would be looking at some of the health benefits of snails. Here are some benefits that can be derived from consuming snails as food:
1. Good for the bones
Snail meat benefits the bones and teeth. This is is because it is rich in calcium and phosphorous, two minerals that strengthen the bones and teeth.
They also increase bone density, which prevents brittleness. That is why they are good for those who are suffering from osteoporosis, which is a condition that is characterised by soft and brittle bones.
2. Supports heart health
Eating snail meat is also good for the heart because it is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids. Not all meats contain Omega-3s and that is what makes snail meat good in its own way.
Omega-3s improve heart health and reduce the risk of heart diseases. It also increases good cholesterol and reduces bad cholesterol levels in the blood, which is very important for the health of your heart.
3. Rich in iron
Eating iron-rich food is very important. Iron plays a lot of roles in the body, including the regulation of body temperature and for producing haemoglobin, which is the protein in the red blood cell that transports oxygen to all parts of the body.
Eating snail meat would supply the body with all the iron it needs. Also, people suffering from anaemia, which is iron deficiency, can include snail meat in their diet to increase their iron levels.
4. Reduces blood pressure
Snail contains magnesium and potassium, two minerals that help to relax the blood vessels, thereby reducing blood pressure levels. If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with high blood pressure, you can include snail meat in your diet to bring the blood pressure levels under control.
5. Good for the skin
Some skincare companies use snail slime in making their products, because of how beneficial it is to the skin. It contains collagen, which helps to strengthen the skin and increase elasticity, which prevents wrinkles. It also contains vitamin E, which is good for the skin also.
6. Prevents anemia
Another fascinating health benefit of eating snail is that it prevents Iron-deficiency anemia. Anemia can cause symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, pale skin, chest pain, headache, dizziness, and shortness of breath. Snails are a great source of iron, and eating snails may help relieve some of the symptoms of anemia.
7. Strengthens the body’s immune system
Snail meat is a nutrient-dense food that contains essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A.
Vitamin A is important for maintaining healthy skin, vision, and immune function. Vitamin A is also a powerful antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.
In addition, snail meat contains other immune-boosting nutrients, such as vitamin E, vitamin K, and selenium, which can help strengthen the body’s defenses against infections and diseases.
Note
It is important that you are sure of your snail meat source. Most restaurants might be particular about where they source their snails from and how they cook it, but some would not care.
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Collins Nwokolo is a human physiologist, writer and health enthusiast. He loves writing helpful articles on health and fitness, which he enjoys sharing with everyone.
