Lobster is a type of shellfish with the scientific name Homarus nephrops. This undersea creature is quite famous worldwide, particularly in North America. [1]
Although lobster was considered as a sign of poverty in the 17th century, it is now consumed as a delicacy due to the high price it commands.
Apart from being a delicious food, lobster also offers numerous health benefits. Its nutrient-filled flesh can provide vitamins and minerals that are essential for your body.
Continue reading to learn more about the health benefits of lobster and the potential side effects you may get.
Lobster: Nutrition Facts
Lobster is high in protein and contains zero carbohydrates, meaning that it’s safe to eat if you’re trying to lose some weight.
A cup (145 grams) of cooked lobsters contains the following nutrients: [2]
- 129 calories
- 1.25 g of fat
- 27.55 g of protein
- 0 g of carbohydrate
- 3% of daily vitamin A needs
- 3% of daily iron needs
- 9% of daily calcium needs
Lobster is an excellent source of copper and selenium, and also contains a significant amount of vitamin B12, E, zinc, phosphorus, magnesium, and omega-3 fatty acids.
Health Benefits of Lobster
1. Lobster May Treat Thyroid Disease.
Lobster is rich in selenium, an essential component for maintaining a healthy thyroid function. Its antioxidant properties help your thyroid to absorb and metabolize hormones.
A 2010 meta-analysis shows that increasing selenium intake could improve the symptoms of those with thyroid disease. [3]
The study also concludes that selenium may help improve your mood and overall wellbeing that usually get hampered due to thyroid problems.
2. It Can Improve Your Mental Health.
It is crucial to consume foods that are rich in selenium and omega-3 fatty acids to improve your mental health and reduce depression, impulsivity, and aggression.
A 2015 research states the importance of omega-3 fatty acids in the treatment of depression. [4]
Besides, a diet consists of selenium-rich food has shown its potential in treating ADHD in children. To reduce the risk of ADHD, make sure your children get enough selenium.
As lobster contain both of these essential nutrients, consuming it regularly may help improve your mental health.
3. Lobster May Reduce The Symptoms of Anemia.
Anemia occurs when your body lacks enough red blood cells, or they don’t function properly. It may also occur if you have a copper deficiency as iron and copper work together to form red blood cells. [5]
Consuming lobster may help you to reduce the symptoms of anemia as it has one of the highest copper contents of any food.
4. It is Beneficial for Your Heart Health.
While the high amount of sodium in lobster may negatively impact your heart health, its other beneficial fats can help prevent atherosclerosis and inflammation.
Besides, lobster contains a high amount of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids that can help balance your cholesterol level. [6]
However, if you already have heart diseases, it would be better for you to avoid lobster.
5. Lobster May Improve Cognition.
Choline, a water-soluble nutrient found in lobster, may help improve your cognitive performance by increasing the production of neurotransmitter. [7]
Besides, this shellfish contains vitamin B12, which is vital for keeping your nervous system functional and maintaining nerve integrity. [8]
Regular consumption of lobster may enhance your brain function and protect you from any neurodegenerative disease.
6. It Can Strengthen Bones.
Your bone may lose its durability as you age, making it important to eat foods that are rich in calcium and phosphorus. [9]
Apart from being one of the tastiest meal around the world, lobster is also one of the best sources of calcium and phosphorus.
These minerals can help increase your bone mineral density and prevent any age-related issues you may face due to weak or fragile bones.
Lobster: Risk Factors
While the health benefits of lobster are quite impressive, you may also have some side effects due to overconsumption of it, including:
- You may have allergic reactions after consuming lobster if you’re allergic to shellfish.
- Lobster has a high content of cholesterol and sodium, meaning that you need to avoid it if you have high blood pressure and heart diseases.
- Lobster has a moderate level of mercury that can be harmful to your health if you don’t eat them in moderation. It’s recommended not to eat this shellfish more than six times per month.
- Pregnant women should restrict their intake of lobster due to the presence of mercury.
- Buy properly refrigerated lobster to avoid food-borne illness.
Bottom Line
Lobster is a famous seafood and eaten as a delicacy worldwide. It’s rich in lean protein, vitamins, and minerals that may improve your heart health, brain function, mental health, etc.
However, shellfish are common food allergen and may contain heavy metals and contaminants. Hence, you need to be aware of these facts and eat them moderately.
The way you get benefitted from any particular food depends on your overall eating pattern, as well as your lifestyle. Cooking and storing them in a correct way can help you get the most benefits from it.
