Pearls on your Plate
August 5th is the perfect holiday for all you seafood lovers because it is National Oyster Day!
These slimy salty blobs pack a distinctive flavor and are an abundant source of many vitamins and minerals. Read on to learn more about the health benefits of oysters and to discover some delicious oyster recipes!
Let’s clear something up:
Are you hoping to find a beautiful pearl inside your oyster? Unfortunately, this is unlikely! While all oysters can produce pearls, the beautiful, shiny pearls used in jewelry typically come from an inedible type of oyster or freshwater mussels.
Health Benefits:
Oysters are extremely low in calories, high in protein, and pack a healthy punch of vitamins and minerals. Oysters are a good source of vitamin B12 which plays a big role in keeping your brain healthy. Additionally, oysters contain micronutrients such as: vitamin D, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, copper, manganese, and selenium. Vitamin D, copper, zinc, and manganese in combination with calcium have been thought to be the key to slowing down or preventing bone loss in older women due to osteoporosis.
Six medium-sized oysters contain about:
- Calories: 50
- Protein: 6 grams
- Fat: 1 gram
- Carbohydrates: 5 grams
Fun Oyster Facts!
Flavor
Oysters get their flavors from their environment.
History
Humans have been eating and cultivating oysters for thousands of years.
Gender
Oysters change their gender. Usually starting as a male and then changing to female!
Shape
Oysters are shaped by their beds.
Delicious Oyster Recipes!
Enjoy oysters raw with a variety of toppings like lemon juice, hot sauce, horseradish, etc.
When eating raw oysters and clams, take precautions to avoid foodborne illnesses.
– Abi Loose, Wellness Supervisor, MS, CHES
Want more?
Check out our previous edition of Food for Thought!
National Mango Day is July 22nd! Primarily a summer fruit, mangos come in several shapes, sizes and varieties. Learn about mangos and their incredible health benefits with our previous edition of Food for Thought!
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