Oyster Nutrition

Are you fascinated with the beautiful pearls obtained from oysters? While pearly oysters are unique in their own way, the sea creature as a food has a distinctive taste and nutritional properties too. Oysters are a rich shellfish that are favourites on the palates of seafood lovers. With a rough and fluted shell, oysters have a soft and fleshy texture, which forms a part of the gourmet. Offering both sweet and salty flavours with a hint of duskiness, oysters can be consumed in several forms such as boiled, smoked, canned, raw, roasted, baked, shelled, fried, stewed, steamed, pickled or grilled. For best results, it is paired with a refreshing cocktail or wine. Highly rich in vitamins and minerals, oysters are one of those tasty foods which appeal to people of all ages. It is not just the rich taste and the succulent essence that makes oysters highly edible but it is also the positivel healthy benefits too. Read further for an idea on the nutritional value and advantages of consuming oysters.

There are evidences of oyster being served as drinks to the ancient Greeks. It is believed that the Romans imported from England, who later placed them in saltwater pools and fed wine and pastries to fatten them. Oyster was a staple food of the Native Americans living on the coasts of North America. Abraham Lincoln was also believed to throw parties in Illinois, where oysters formed the prime delicacy in the menu. The ‘Oyster Line’ was responsible for bringing oysters westward through settlers, who ventured into the wild frontier in search of a new land. During the Gold Rush Days in 1849 at Cary House, Hangtown Fry, an expensive dish of oysters and eggs was created. These days, the standard serving size for an oyster course in Europe is a dozen, while in the US, half-dozen is the benchmark. Americans are the most voracious consumers of oysters, with over 100 million pounds consumed annually.

• Recent studies prove that oysters contain two amino acids that have the ability to raise the level of sex hormones i.e. testosterone and estrogen. Increased rates of these have an effect on sexual response.

• Oysters are a good source of protein, with its low fat content. The protein obtained is of fine quality and can be easily digested, as compared to that present in chicken and beef.

• Vitamin A, present in oysters, helps in maintaining the health of the bones, improving eyesight and blood flow in the body.

• Regular consumption of oysters assists in maintaining collagen levels in the skin. This further maintains the elasticity and firmness of the epidermal layers, thereby reducing any chances of wrinkles.

• Oysters are regarded as the most concentrated natural source of zinc, which is essential for maintaining a strong immune system, healing wounds and preserving senses of taste and smell. Inadequate supply of this mineral leads to health problems such as slow growth, poor appetite, decreased wound healing, loss of hair, impaired senses and chronic infections.

• Rich in proteins, oysters contain the amino acid, tyrosine, which contributes towards boosting the brain and reducing stress and tension.

How many calories in oysters (per 100 gm)

Oysters have about 81 calories per 100 gm of weight.

• Buying fresh live and closed oysters are ideal. In case the shell is slightly opened, gently tap it to check whether it closes. If it does, then the oyster is alive.

• Avoid buying oysters that have cracked shells. Make sure that the shell is moist and not slimy. Note hat oysters are found one side of the shell, leaving the other side empty.  

• Always bear in mind that the meat be covered in its own liquid when you crack open the oyster. Furthermore, the colour should be slightly milky, light gray or clear.

• The flesh of the oyster must be plump in appearance and free from any grit or shell bits in it.

• After you have bought fresh and clean oysters, it must be stored correctly. Generally, freshly shucked oysters can be kept for 5-7 days.

• Always store oysters in a plastic container, a leak-proof bag or a covered jar. A shallow dish covered with towels is perfect for storing oysters in their shell. Avoid storing live ones in water or airtight containers as this will kill them.