How much do you know about the Clam?
Clams are the popular seafood you may love but they are also packed with some amazing nutrients [1].
Scientific names for clams are Mercenaria mercenaria (Hard Clam), Mya arenaria (Soft-shell Clam) and Arctica Islandica (Ocean Quahog).
There are many common names for clams depending on their sizes and regional namings. Littleneck, middleneck, geoduck, razor clam, manila, etc. are a few among them.
Clam meat tastes light, chewy and buttery. The real taste of clam is hard to describe. It mostly depends on the eater’s taste habits from different parts of the world.
Clam’s popularity is mostly found in American food lovers, especially in North America. Italy and Japan find pleasure in this as mixed seafood. In India, coastal inhabitants are mostly used to eat clams.
Food lovers love clams as stews, soups, salads, pasta, raw and fried.
Want to know more about its health benefits? Let’s read on.
How Eating Clams can Benefit You Health Wise:
Clams are not only tasty but also healthy in many aspects. The nutrients in clam can protect and treat a number of health conditions.
Below are some of the important health benefits:
1. Clams Contain Protective Vitamin B12
Clams are loaded with Vitamin B12.
Vitamin B12 protects brain function and the nervous system [2, 3]. It is also responsible for forming and maintaining DNA [4].
Eating clam may also prevent Alzheimer [5, 6]
2. Clams are Rich in Iron That Act as A Prevention from Anemia
Clams are rich in iron. It is yet to be confirmed by studies if clams contain more bioavailable iron than beef [7].
The presence of iron in clams improves the consumer’s metabolism, build and repair muscle.
Ironworks as a binder of oxygen which helps proper oxygen flow through the blood vessels. It also produces red blood cells which ultimately improve hemoglobin rate [8].
If you feel less energetic, eat clam- it may reduce fatigue and tiredness.
Remember, canned clams contain less iron than found in the raw clams from the local market or fishermen.
3. They Contain Vitamin C that Improves Immunity
As per popular belief, vitamin C only comes from fruits and vegetables. But some non-plant sources like shellfish and organ meats like clam also provide a substantial amount of vitamin C.
The vitamin C improves your immune system, blocks free radicals and heals any wound quicker [9, 10].
Vitamin C creates protein to make bones, teeth, ligaments, tendons, and skin. Further studies are necessary for more accurate results [11].
4. Clam’s Omega 3 Fatty Acid Looks after Your Heart
Clam contains EPA and DHA omega3 fatty acids.
These fatty acids lower blood triglyceride levels and bad LDL cholesterol levels in the heart. This way, you may be able to lower your heart disease risk [12].
Omega 3 fatty acid is also good for skin, hair, and eyes [13, 14, 15]
5. They Take Care of Men’s Sexual Health
Zinc and selenium are the two most vital minerals responsible for the male reproductive system. Both these minerals are present highly in clams.
These two are key elements in creating testosterone which helps improve sperm count and sperm quality [16].
6. Clams are Stock of Lean Protein
Clam will be a great choice as a protein substitute for chicken, fish or beef. Clams contain more protein and less fat than chicken.
It contains amino acid which is helpful in building and repairing muscles [17, 18].
Clams are the ideal diet for those who want to intake fewer calories but more protein.
7. Clams Maybe A Possible Treatment for Cancer
Studies show that clams’ nutrient elements can possibly prevent cancer [19].
Further reliable studies and results are necessary to determine this more accurately.
Side Effects and Some Health Risks
Sadly, your liking to clam’s delicious recipes may draw some unwanted side effects. Those unwanted side effects and health risks are:
- Like most shellfish, clams possess the threat of spreading allergic reactions among eaters.
- Consumers may experience food poisoning by eating clams. Since clams contain marine toxic and algae, it is risky to your digestive system if your clam is not clean and well-cooked.
- Clams may be loaded of metals that can be suffering to the human digestive system.
- Overeating of clams may threaten with an overdose of iron, vitamin B12 and C and other minerals in the body.
You should consult your doctor before eating clams if you have allergic conditions for seafood. If you buy processed clams from stores, make sure by checking their labels that they are free of bacteria.
Tips to Cook Properly
Thoroughly cooked clams have a much lesser risk of containing bacteria or other poisonous elements.
- Wash clams properly since all seafood contains oceanic toxic and algae.
- Cook live clams in a small pot for heating and boiling all of them equally.
- When shells open up during heating, boil them for another 3-5 minutes.
Endnote
Clams possess more health benefits than risks if consumed wisely. This can be considered a daily nutritious diet for all ages.
Clams can be eaten for breakfast or snacks with pasta, soup, spaghetti, etc. instead of chicken or beef.
You must be careful while eating this raw as it contains bacteria which is risky to liver and kidneys.
And surely, never miss the chance to see your doctor before making clams your regular eating habit.
