Medical Training for Health

The so-called “fruits of the sea” are rich in protein and minerals, so they are excellent substitutes for meat during Lent, in addition to that may be part of the daily diet. However, its consumption should be careful to avoid allergic reactions and intoxications.

The sea contains huge diversity of animals that may be surprised by their abilities, migratory behavior, adaptation to different climates or because of their bright colors and shapes. However, there is another reason, much closer to us, which leads us to admire the wealth of the oceans: the nutritional value of these species to the human diet.

In addition to mammals (including whales and seals), reptiles (turtles) and fish (shark, tuna, sardines, herring, snapper, hake and cod among many others), the capture of marine animals for food has a special preference for large group known species such as shellfish, which are creatures without a backbone (invertebrates) living in different ocean depths and are used in many dishes.

Seafood, whose name means “sea”, can be divided into two classes:

Crustaceans. They are animals with jointed legs (arthropods) whose body is covered with a highly resistant layer formed by a protein called chitin. They live in the deep sea, and among the most common members are: lobster, shrimp, crab and shrimp.

Molluscs. They have very soft body, so most are protected by a shell made of calcium carbonate and other minerals. This group also includes a wide range: oysters, mussels, clams, squid, octopus and sea snails.

Nutrition

In general, seafood provide the body with important elements for maintaining health, such as vitamins A and D, but are highlighted by three minerals:

Phosphorus. It helps assimilate protein, fats and carbohydrates, also is present in blood and nerve cells, helping to function properly.

Calcium. Element to which the bone health and should be consumed to prevent or stop the adverse effects of osteoporosis (loss of minerals in the skeleton).

Iodine. Basic to the proper functioning of the thyroid gland that is responsible for creating hormones involved in virtually all body functions.

The same must be true of zinc, a mineral that is particularly abundant in oysters and is essential for sexual activity in men, as it helps maintain prostate health and increase the libido (sexual energy), hence the property aphrodisiac popularly attributed to this food and medical science in recent years has been confirmed by some research.

Special mention must be high quality proteins that provide these foods, which are used by the body to repair and maintain body tissues, and are also useful in the production of breast milk and to ensure the growth of nails and hair, are also important components of the immune system (which protects us from disease) and help transport nutrients into the blood.

Although there are many vitamin B, marine products are generally more desirable than meat in the level of calories. However, it must be clarified that while the crustaceans have low fat, molluscs include considerable amount of cholesterol, so that people with circulatory problems should avoid eating them.

Also people with high blood pressure (hypertension) should be cautious in seafood consumption, especially if they smoked, because the salt content can affect the control and treatment of your condition.

credit to: Sofía Montoya