Mussels

Today, the gastronomic value and useful properties of mussels are appreciated not only by true seafood lovers, but also by people leading a healthy lifestyle, since with increased nutritional qualities, the calorie content of mussels is low. These molluscs belong to the marine bivalve family and live throughout the oceans. Currently, mussels are artificially grown by colonies on the sea floor, on ropes or special platforms, where they grow in the form of clusters. After 18 months, these molluscs reach the required sizes and are ready for collection.

In cooking, only tightly closed mussels are used, without damage to the shell. If the shellfish flaps have not opened after heat treatment, this seafood is not suitable for food and it is better to throw it away. It is also worth paying attention to the smell of mussels: if a mollusk smells like the sea, then it is fresh, and if a specific smell is felt, then it is better to abandon it. In our country, you can most often buy frozen mussels that have been pre-boiled. Before use, they should be thawed to room temperature and also smelled. If there is even a light spare, rest assured - you have a spoiled product in front of you.

The meat part of mussels (the so-called muscle), the mantle and the liquid in the shell are used for food. The meat of these shellfish is light, soft, tender and has a sweet taste. There are a lot of ways to prepare mussels: they are boiled, stewed in sauce, as well as fried, marinated, smoked and salted. This seafood is perfectly combined with cereals, potatoes, vegetables, pasta and mayonnaise. You can make soup, salad, stew, pasta, pilaf, soufflé using mussels. When preparing these marine mollusks, you need to remember an important rule: a dish that includes mussels must be eaten immediately. You cannot store it, especially warm it up, otherwise you can get poisoned as a result.

Benefits of mussels

These shellfish have been proven to outperform even fish and beef in terms of protein. In addition, the benefits of mussels also lie in the presence of a large amount of mineral salts and vitamins. Regular consumption of mussel meat can not only improve metabolism, but also strengthen immunity.

The benefits of mussels are indicated by the fact that this is a good preventive remedy for arthritis. Substances included in their composition stimulate blood circulation and activate the process of removing slags and toxins from the body. Like all seafood, mussels have a beneficial effect on the thyroid gland, and therefore prevent the occurrence of nervous disorders.

The harms of mussels

It is not recommended to eat mussels in two situations: with individual intolerance to this seafood, as well as if a blood clotting disorder has been detected. In any case, even if your health is in order, you should not abuse such food so as not to face the harm of mussels and the adverse consequences of their use.