Top 10 Health Benefits of Mussels

You can find mussels on the bottom of boats or served with white wine at French bistros. These shellfish live in river streams and deep ocean trenches, filtering algae out of the water. While mussels munch on algae, we love to devour them. Cooks from the Bay of Biscay to Manilla serve them as a delicacy to happy diners. Here’s some good news: the health benefits of mussels are plentiful! So next time you are craving some seafood, pry open some mussels.

Here are the Top 10 from Health Fitness Revolution and author of the book ReSYNC Your Life Samir Becic:

Help Prevent Asthma: In a particular study, patients that consumed Green Lipped Mussels experienced a significant decrease in daytime wheezing. This is due to the anti-inflammatory properties these mollusks contain.

Reduce Arthritis: The same anti-inflammatory properties that help with asthma also help reduce the joint inflammation that causes arthritis, particularly in the treatment of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Research has shown that the residents of the Maori coast of New Zealand, whose diet is composed of green lipped mussels, had lower incidences of arthritis (a powdered extract of these mussels can be consumed for those that don’t live in New Zealand).

Promotes Healthy Cellular Function: Protein is responsible for many of your body’s cellular functions, including providing structural support to maintain their shape, cellular communication, and overall health. Eating protein allows the body to intake amino acids, the building blocks of nutrition for your body to create protein. A single cup serving of mussels contains almost 18 grams of protein. That’s about 30% of the daily requirement for the average person.

Improve Brain Health: Mussels are a fantastic source of Omega-3 fatty acids, which benefit the brain. Mussels are packed with DHA and vitamin B-12, two key nutrients that protect your brain health and preserve your memory as you age, along with some rare trace minerals on which a healthy brain depends. A 3-ounce serving of mussels contains the same amount of DHA as 3-5 fish oil supplement pills. Research has shown that DHA, which is the only omega-3 that is transported into the brain, significantly reduces the rate of brain shrinkage with age.

Aids in Circulation: Mussels facilitate healthy circulation to the vital organs and muscles by strengthening the arterial walls which improves blood flow. So eating mussels can help keep a healthy circulatory system.

Improve Mood and Concentration: A single 3-ounce serving of mussels contain 340% of the recommended daily value of vitamin B-12 , an astonishingly high concentration! This B vitamin is so vital to brain health that even the mildest deficiency can produce symptoms such as poor concentration, memory lapses, a down mood, and fuzzy thinking.

Promote Heart Health: According to research conducted by the American Heart Association, mussels possess cardio-protective benefits due to their high levels of omega-3 fatty acids. Due to these unsaturated fats, they possess qualities that lower the risk of developing abnormal heartbeats. But they also reduce cholesterol buildup, thereby reducing the risk of heart disease and heart attack.

Help Prevent Anemia: Mollusks are a fantastic source of iron. In fact, a 100 gram serving of cooked mussels contains over 100% of the recommended daily value for people above the age of 50. Iron plays a significant role in the production of red blood cells by aiding in the formation of the oxygen-carrying proteins hemoglobin and myoglobin.

Helps Strengthen Teeth, Ligaments, and Tendons: A 6-ounce serving of steamed mussels contains 30% of the daily recommended intake of vitamin C. This particular vitamin promotes the strengthening of tissues, including ligaments and tendons. Finally, vitamin C also keeps your teeth healthy!

Have Anti-Aging Properties:
Mussels, specifically green muscles, contain mucopolysaccharides that aid in maintaining a smooth complexion and skin elasticity which preserve the appearance of youth. These mucopolysaccharides are found in abundance in youth and make up our hair, skin, and nails.