How useful are oysters for men and women? How to open and eat properly

Oysters have been known since ancient times. Since ancient times, everyone could afford this dish, mainly it was popular among the poor, who could not buy expensive meat of animal origin. Soon mankind liked the new delicacy so much that clam populations began to decline at an unprecedented rate.

What are oysters and what do they look like?

Nowadays, oysters are an exquisite delicacy that not everyone can afford.

Oysters belong to the family of bivalve mollusks. The most comfortable habitat for these seafood is the warm waters. There are not only huge oyster colonies, but also solitary settlements. Clams have an asymmetrical bivalve shell, the size, color and shape of which can vary greatly depending on the type of mollusk, lives at depths of up to 40-70 m.

Types

There are about 50 varieties of oysters, among which are distinguished deep and flat species.

Deep oysters are common in the waters of the Pacific and have a size of 5-50 cm. They are bred under special conditions that improve their quality. In turn, deep varieties of clams are subdivided into the following types:

• De Clair (contain the greatest amount of fat in their composition);
• Special (the largest);
• White pearl (nacreous shell of unusual shape);
• Creuse (characteristically fleshy);
• Blue clam (the shell has an unusual blue hue).

Flat oysters have a small size - up to 5 cm. Among them, varieties are distinguished:

• Morin Oleron (unusual aftertaste);
• Bouzygue (natural spice and salt flavor);
• Gravette (yellow shell with a greenish hue);
• Belon (gray shade of shell).

What is the difference between mussels and oysters

Many people mistakenly equate oysters with mussels, but both seafood are similar only in that they have shells that consist of two shells. Mussels, unlike oysters, have muscles and are able to change their location. A mussel's shell is smoother with smooth edges, while an oyster has a shell with rough edges and is larger in size.

These seafood have different flavor characteristics. Also they are cooked differently: mussels are eaten cooked, oysters are eaten alive. The latter are an exquisite expensive delicacy, the taste of which will delight a real gourmet, while mussels are sold inexpensively in any supermarket.

Composition and calories

Oysters are not only a delicacy, but also a dietary product consisting mainly of protein. The caloric value is only 70 calories per 100 grams, which means that eating the clam will not only not harm the figure, but on the contrary - will bring benefits, contributing to strengthening muscle mass.

The fleshy part contains magnesium, calcium, potassium, iron, phosphorus and other trace elements useful for the body, as well as vitamins A, B, C and E. Oysters contain 2.5 g of fat, 8.7 g of protein, 4 g of carbohydrates, 83 g of water and 1.1 g of dietary fiber.

How are oysters useful?

General benefits

To get the most out of eating clams, they are eaten raw. When cooked, the delicacy loses not only its exquisite taste, but also its useful properties. Regular consumption of oysters promotes the following changes in the body:

• the condition of bone tissues improves;
• normalize the function of the thyroid gland;
• there is a decrease in blood pressure;
• the emotional state improves;
• restores visual acuity;
• the skin looks fresh and healthy;
• iron levels rise;
• Cholesterol levels decrease;
• The risk of cancer is reduced.

For women

Every woman sooner or later faces the question of preserving her own youth and beauty. To help in this situation can help eat valuable shellfish.

The fleshy part of the seafood contains a substance called arginine. This amino acid can have a beneficial effect on the skin, improving its color and condition. In addition to rejuvenating the skin and getting rid of fine wrinkles, there is a noticeable positive effect on the hair, it grows faster and looks healthier.

For men

Regular consumption of clams can improve male health. Thanks to this, the man's attraction to the woman increases, which allows you to maintain a healthy emotional environment in the family, which is not only a guarantee of happiness, but also prolongs life.

During intercourse, the male body loses a lot of zinc, which can be easily replenished by eating oysters.

Hair loss is an important problem for many men. It is believed that consuming the delicacy reduces premature hair loss in the stronger half of humanity.

Pregnancy

Pregnancy is the most exciting and important stage in the life of every woman. Moms-to-be during this period are ready to do anything in order to bear and give birth to a healthy child. During pregnancy, it is necessary to introduce a variety of restrictions in life, including a careful review of diet. However doctors do not recommend to avoid eating oysters while pregnant. This product has a large list of properties that are useful for women in the pregnant state:

• low nutritional value with high protein content;
• no effect on weight gain;
• a positive effect on the cardiovascular system.

As in any issues related to nutrition, doctors recommend, first of all, to observe a measure, such an approach will save from any negative consequences.

When breastfeeding

Breastfeeding is a period during which you should not experiment with nutrition. It is necessary to use products that are familiar to the region of residence. If a young mother regularly included seafood in her diet during pregnancy, she should not give up the delicacy during breastfeeding. Otherwise the baby may have an allergic reaction.

As during pregnancy, foods should be thoroughly cooked, because pathogenic microbes through the milk can enter the baby's body and cause gastrointestinal problems, in addition to allergies.

For kids

A child's body is actively growing and developing, requiring many nutrients. Protein is the basis of strong muscles, so oysters rich in it are scientifically useful for a child. You should not forget that the digestive system of children is not as strong as that of an adult. For this reason, you should not experiment. Introduce the seafood in small portions after 5-7 years, checking the overall condition of the child and avoid allergic reactions. At the same time, oysters must be processed, the raw product is inadmissible to give children, the consequences can be the most unpredictable.

When losing weight

Protein keeps muscles toned and does not promote fatty growth. Oysters consist of more than half of protein. The amount of fat and carbohydrates in the seafood is minimal, so you can eat oysters while dieting.

Oysters in medicine

Due to the useful properties and rich chemical composition, which includes a variety of elements, clams have found use in medicine. For example, Japanese pharmaceutical companies produce a concentrated extract of oyster. Biologically active supplement, according to the manufacturer's instructions, helps to improve skin and hair, has a positive effect on potency, removes toxins, increases the protective function of the body.

Harm and contraindications

Lovers of consuming oysters in raw form, it is important to understand that all thermally unprocessed products contain a large number of microbes that can have a negative effect. The oyster must be alive, a dead product loses its useful properties.

Limit the consumption of shellfish:

• If you are prone to allergic reactions;
• Thyroid gland hyperfunction due to high iodine content;
• Protein intolerance.

Clams grown in overheated water can contain harmful bacteria that contribute to the development of adverse effects on the digestive organs.

The shell should be opened carefully; rough particles caught in the flesh of the seafood can cause damage to the stomach and esophagus.

Eating unprocessed heat-treated oysters is contraindicated in pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Can you be poisoned by oysters

Unfortunately, as practice shows, the cases of poisoning with seafood are not uncommon. For this reason, you should visit proven restaurants and cafes that value their reputation and provide their guests with only quality service, especially related to food. It is desirable that the preparation of food takes place in the presence of the visitor.

It is worth paying attention to the weight of the closed shell, it should be heavy because of the water contained inside. Seafood should have a pleasant smell of the sea and respond to the touch of table objects, that is, be alive.

The shellfish grown in unfavorable conditions can become a source of severe poisoning, which is caused by poisonous bacteria. Within a day, a severe stomach upset develops, accompanied by incessant diarrhea and vomiting. Dehydration occurs, which can be fatal. In this case, urgent medical assistance is needed.

How to choose and store oysters

When buying oysters in a store, you should follow the same general guidelines as in a restaurant:

1. The store should provide information about the location of the clams and the conditions under which they were raised, if the customer wishes.
2. The shell flaps should be tightly closed and the shell should be moist.
3. The weight of the shell should be felt.
4. It is not recommended to buy open oysters.
5. When you open the shells you will hear a characteristic clicking sound.
6. Live oysters have a pleasant smell and a clear color.
7. It is believed that the seafood of small size has the best gustatory abilities.

It is recommended to eat clams fresh, that is, immediately after purchase. If it is planned to postpone the meal, it is important to know the peculiarities of seafood storage.

Although oysters live in warm bodies of water, in the open air they are stored at lower temperatures, so the seafood should be placed in the refrigerator and put ordinary ice under them. If there is no ice in the household, you can use any frozen food, a bag of vegetables or a piece of meat will do. In this way you can store clams for no more than 6 hours. With timely replacement of ice or frozen packs, the seafood can retain its freshness and flavor for one week. Do not forget that this method of storage is suitable for closed shells.

It is not recommended to store oysters in a closed container: without access to fresh air the shellfish will die.

Cleaned oysters should be stored together with their liquid in a clean container on an ice cushion for no more than three days. Do not eat shellfish whose body has acquired a white hue.

Cooked oysters should not be stored for a long time. Cooked clams poured vegetable oil and kept in a glass or ceramic dishes for no more than 7 days. Dishes with the addition of these oysters kept no more than 5 hours.

Can I freeze

If necessary, you can extend the shelf life of the seafood by freezing, but this method of storing oysters loses their flavor. It is recommended to clean the shells from the shells and store them in the freezer for not more than one month. After the defrosting, the color of the oyster should remain clear.

How to open an oyster at home

Not everyone can afford to eat oysters in expensive restaurants. Nowadays you can find this overseas delicacy on the shelves of almost any hypermarket. The product, rich in nutrients, is always of interest to consumers, but many buyers pass by the department with the delicacy because of the many questions related, mainly, to the process of opening the shell of the mollusk. Simplify a seemingly difficult task by purchasing a special knife, which can be found in a nearby department, but if the necessary item is not found, it is not worth postponing acquaintance with the new useful delicacy in any case. In any case it is not necessary to stop your choice on open oysters. The well-known lemon and an ordinary kitchen knife can help in this matter.

To begin with, you should rinse the shells with running water and thoroughly clean their surface from sand with a hard sponge or kitchen brush, otherwise grains of sand can get inside when opening the flaps.

Properly selected sinks contain a living clam that is able to respond to external influences. Such an effect can be achieved by using lemon juice. You need to cut the lemon into halves and carefully squeeze the juice onto the place where the shells are attached. The aggressive acidic environment promotes shrinkage of the oyster and will lead to the opening of the shell.

If you do not have a lemon at home, you can use an ordinary knife. It is advisable to wrap the handle of the knife with a towel or use rag gloves - this is necessary to reduce slipping. It is important to squeeze the product firmly in the palm of your hand so as not to spill the juice. The knife should be carefully cut the muscle of the mollusk, thanks to which the shell flaps are tightly compressed. The manipulation should be carried out closer to the flat shell, which is then removed and the rest of the fleshy part is separated. Before eating the delicacy it is important to make sure there are no pieces of shell, they often have sharp edges and can cause mechanical damage to the esophagus and the walls of the stomach.

If you often want to indulge yourself with a delicious seafood it is worth buying a special knife. It has a curved strong blade of small size and is the safest alternative to the usual kitchen helper. A special knife for opening oyster shells will avoid cuts and wounds.

How to eat oysters properly

It is customary to serve oysters to the table on an ice cushion, this method will preserve the freshness of the product and exquisite taste. In this form the meal should not last more than 30 minutes. Be sure to bring slices of lemon. Some places serve slices of bread and sweet and sour sauce to the dish, which emphasizes the unusual flavor of the seafood.

They take the shell in their hand, drop a few drops of lemon to test the quality of the oyster (you should never disregard this procedure), then they pick up the flesh with a special fork and put it in their mouth drinking the liquid that was left in the shell. There is no need to add salt, because the oyster already contains this spice. The true gourmands suck the oyster right out of the shell together with the juice. There is no need to chew the seafood. The table is served with sparkling champagne or white dry wine.

How much you can eat a day

This question is very individual. Some people only need one oyster, while others are willing to eat a dozen at once.

Usually in cultural establishments women are offered a portion consisting of 8 pieces, men - up to 12.

Protein seafood promotes rapid satiety, so you should not overload the body with additional dishes with high calorie content. It is better to choose a light dish, such as a vegetable salad.

Is it possible to eat during Lent?

Lent is a period of physical and spiritual purification. You should not confuse this interval with a strict diet.

Representatives of the clergy believe that during Lent one should eat simple foods that are usual for a person in everyday life. If oysters are always on the menu, you should not completely exclude them from the diet, but if the product is a rare delicacy, it is better to temporarily refuse to eat it. If there is an urgent need to eat your favorite dish, then you should not rush to refuse. It is important to observe the measure, and eating an oyster won't have any effect on the spiritual purification and repentance.

Can you eat river oysters?

Often during a vacation at the river you can find shells that are called river oysters. The very phrase "river oyster" brings to mind an overseas delicacy and is associated with a product suitable for food.

The main difference between the river oysters and the sea delicacies is that the first ones should never be eaten raw. The reason for this prohibition lies in the purpose of river shellfish. They pass tons of river water through themselves, acting as a kind of natural filters necessary for water purification. Salt deposits of heavy metals, harmful microorganisms and bacteria are retained in the body of the river mollusk. The use of such a product without heat treatment can cause irreparable harm to the human body in the form of poisoning and parasite infection.

If there is still a desire to try the river oyster to taste, it is necessary to prepare it correctly. Recommendations include the following points:

1. Only tightly closed shells are suitable for cooking.
2. Before cooking, the river product is thoroughly washed and cleaned with a hard sponge.
3. To open the shell, it is enough to hold it near the fire for a few minutes.

Connoisseurs of river oysters advise to fry them in a cream-garlic sauce with salt and spices or stew with potatoes and onions.

River oysters have a simpler taste and modest health benefits than seafood.

Interesting facts about oysters

1. There are about 50 different species of clams, the shell size of some of them can reach 40 cm.
2. Oysters do not need a partner to reproduce. A female clam can lay 0.5 billion eggs in a year.
3. Due to the decline of some clam species, their production is seasonal.
4. Man has learned to raise oysters in an artificial environment.
5. Clams live well in warm bodies of water, but on land they need to be kept at low temperatures to live.
6. In fresh water, the clam dies.
7. Some species have the ability to grow pearls, which in ancient times were considered a real treasure. Now it has lost its value due to the fact that man has learned how to grow it artificially.
8. It is owing to such an invention as the refrigerator car. In the times of tsarist Russia it was used to deliver the delicacy to the emperor's table.
9. Frequent consumption of the delicacy helps to maintain the necessary amount of protein in the body, improves the mood, perfectly combats insomnia and depression.
10. Oysters saturate their bodies with oxygen by letting water flow through them.
11. If necessary, the clam can spontaneously change its sex.
12. The seafood contains a huge number of useful components and has incredible properties.
13. The product is eaten alive, clams do not need to be chewed. Live specimens have a moist shell. Open shells are a sign of unfit product. Depending on personal preference, the seafood is marinated, boiled, used in many dishes.
14. Oysters are attached to a certain place and spend the rest of their lives unmoved. Until the moment of attachment, they can move with the help of a special process, which atrophies with time.
15. No two oyster shells are exactly alike; they have a wide variety of colors, shapes and even patterns.
16. In ancient times, oysters were considered the food of the poor, only after the reduction of oyster populations the product became a valuable and expensive delicacy.
17. A character in one novel ate two dozen oysters for breakfast to maintain his libido.
18. Chekhov, in one of his short stories, wrote about the fictional funny ability of oysters to squeak in fear before being sent into his mouth.

Photo of oysters