Snails are a type of gastropod mollusk. Gastropods are a type of mollusk that have an internal shell. Snails have two shells, one on top of the other. They can be found all over the world and eat algae and other plants.
Are Snails High In Cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a fatty substance that is found in the body. It is used to build cells, produce hormones, and helps to digest food. Too much cholesterol in the blood can cause health problems like heart disease. Cholesterol is found in many different foods, including snails.
Snails are high in cholesterol. Snails contain high milligrams of cholesterol, more than 10% of the daily recommended amount for people who are healthy. Snails also have a lot of fat and salt.
So, should you avoid eating snails? Probably not. Snails are a good source of protein and other nutrients. But, if you are watching your cholesterol levels, you may want to limit your snail intake.
Nutritional Content Of Snails
Snails are a low calorie, high protein food that is also a good source of essential vitamins and minerals. A three ounce serving of snails provides about 100 calories, 20 grams of protein, and significant amounts of B vitamins and minerals like zinc, copper, selenium, and magnesium.
Snails also contain high levels of antioxidants that may help protect against disease.
Health Risks Of Eating Snails
Snails may be an interesting food option to some, but they also come with a few health risks.
Heart Problem
Eating snails can potentially increase your risk of developing a heart problem. This is because snails are high in cholesterol, which can clog your arteries and lead to a heart attack or stroke.
Rat Lungworm Disease
Rat lungworm disease is a rare parasitic infection that can be contracted from eating raw or undercooked snails or slugs. The disease is caused by a worm called Angiostrongylus cantonensis, which lives in the lungs of rats. Snails and slugs can become infected with the worm by eating rat droppings. Humans can become infected by eating raw snails or slugs that are contaminated with the worm’s eggs.
The symptoms of rat lungworm disease include headache, fever, nausea, and vomiting. In some cases, the disease can cause serious neurological problems, including paralysis and meningitis.
Health Benefits Of Snails
It Contains Selenium
One of the best sources of selenium is snails. Snails are a good source of protein and other nutrients, and they are especially high in selenium.
Selenium is an essential mineral that is found in trace amounts in the body. It is important for optimal health and has a number of health benefits.
Selenium is a powerful antioxidant that can help protect the body from damage caused by free radicals. It is also important for thyroid health and can help regulate the metabolism. Selenium is also beneficial for the immune system and can help protect against infection. Selenium is important for overall health, and it is especially important for people who are pregnant or who are trying to conceive. Selenium plays an important role in fetal development, and it can help protect against birth defects.
It Contains Vitamins And Minerals
What if we told you that the next time you’re at the grocery store, you should purchase a bag of snails? You might be wondering “why.”
However, believe it or not, snails are a great source of vitamins and minerals. In fact, snail meat is beneficial to health at any age. Snail meat is high in vitamins A, E, B1, B3, B6, and B12.
Snails are also a good source of calcium and phosphorus. Phosphorus is important for strong bones and teeth while calcium helps to keep bones healthy.
High In Tryptophan
Tryptophan is an amino acid that is essential to the human diet. It is best known for its ability to promote relaxation and improve sleep quality. Tryptophan is found in high quantities in foods like poultry, pork, eggs, and dairy products.
Some people may be unaware that snails also contain tryptophan. In fact, snails are a good source of this important nutrient.
Beautifies The Skin
People think of snails as slimy creatures that are only beneficial for their health. While it is true that snails can help improve your health, they also have other benefits. Some species of snail can be good for your skin’s attractiveness.
Serves Medicinal Purpose
The use of snail slime for medicinal purposes can be traced back centuries. Snail slime has been used to treat skin problems such as acne, wounds, and burns.
There is evidence that the ancient Egyptians were among the first to utilize snail slime for healing. In fact, there are hieroglyphics depicting snails that have been slit open so that their slime could be collected. The ancient Greeks also recognized the benefits of snail slime and used it to treat a variety of medical conditions.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is evident that snails are high in cholesterol. This means that they should not be consumed on a regular basis. However, if you are looking to indulge in this type of delicacy every once in a while, there are ways to make it healthier. For example, you can bake or roast snails instead of frying them. Additionally, you can enjoy them with a healthy dipping sauce.
