Health Benefits Of Oysters

Oysters are one of those foods that few people ever think about eating, but that pack in a whole slew of health benefits that should not be overlooked.

While oysters are traditionally known as an aphrodisiac food, maintaining a better love life is not the only reason to consider eating them. They also pack in a number of key health benefits as well, many of which will serve you well as you move through your fitness journey.

Let’s look at some of the biggest reasons why adding oysters to your diet is a must.

 

Did You Know?

One interesting fact that’s often stated about the oyster is that if you want to eat oysters that taste best, eat them when they’re caught during the months that contain R. The reason for this being that oysters aren’t going to be kept as well during the warmer summer months; therefore, consuming them during the fall, winter, and spring will be your best bet for optimal taste.

 

Star Nutrients

The main nutrients that you’ll find in oysters include vitamin D, calcium, vitamin B12, iron, zinc, copper, manganese, and selenium.

They’re also a very good source of protein, containing 17 grams per 1 cup serving.  The healthy fats found in oysters are of the omega variety as well, so this will offer even further health benefits.

If you aren’t a fan of salmon or other fatty fish variations but do enjoy oysters, this is one easy way to get your omega fat intake up.

 

How They Help You Lose Weight

So how do oysters stack up as far as weight loss is concerned?  The first reason oysters can enhance your progress is because they provide omega fatty acids. This form of dietary fat is going to help to enhance insulin sensitivity, which can help keep you leaner as you consume carbohydrates in your diet plan.

Omega fats are also important for supporting a strong immune system and ensuring a fast recovery between workout sessions, so this can go a long way towards ensuring you bounce back after each intense workout you do.

Furthermore, oysters are a great source of iron, which will help to transport blood throughout the body, delaying fatigue during exercise so that you can workout longer and harder.

Finally, oysters are a fantastic source of protein, which will help to naturally speed up your metabolic rate after you consume them due to the higher thermic effect of food that protein rich foods provide.

Those who consume higher protein diets do tend to see faster rates of weight loss compared to those who consume lower protein diets, so oysters can be a terrific part of this.

So next time you’re looking for a different protein source to give you a break from the typical fish, chicken, or egg whites you’re eating, consider giving oysters a try. They have a unique taste that will definitely liven up your diet and pack in a quality nutritional punch.

I love oysters with garlic. How do you enjoy oysters? Please share in the comments below 🙂