Abalone shells are one of the foodstuffs that have been known in the culinary world for thousands of years. Abalone mussel meat is believed to provide many health benefits because it contains various nutrients that are good for the body.
In Indonesia, abalone clams (Haliotis discus hannai) may still be rarely consumed and not as popular as other types of shellfish. However, animals that are often consumed as seafood have a myriad of nutrients that are good for the health of the body. What are the nutrients contained in abalone shellfish?
Various Nutrients in Abalone Shells and Their Benefits
The following are various types of nutrients contained in 100 grams of abalone shells and their benefits for the body:
1. Protein
In a serving of abalone shells, contained about 34 grams of protein. This nutrient is one of the important nutrients that the body needs to meet every day. This is because protein has the following various benefits:
- Become a source of energy
- Build body cells and tissues, including damaged body cells
- Produce antibodies to fight disease-causing germs
- Supports child development
- Increase muscle and bone mass and strength
- Increase metabolism and fat burning
- Lowering blood pressure
- Control your weight
2. Potassium
Abalone scallops in a 100-gram serving contains about 450 milligrams of potassium. This makes abalone a good source of potassium for health. The amount of potassium in abalone is sufficient 10% of your daily potassium needs.
Potassium intake is important to meet every day because it can provide several benefits, such as:
- Maintain nerve function and health
- Support body movement
- Regulate the rhythm of the heartbeat
- Maintain body fluid balance
- Lowers blood pressure and keeps it stable
- Reduce the risk of certain diseases, such as hypertension, stroke, osteoporosis, and kidney stones
3. Phosphorus
Phosphorus plays an important role in the formation of bones and teeth. This mineral also plays a role in the process of metabolizing fats, carbohydrates, and proteins into energy. All of these benefits can be felt by consuming abalone shells which contain about 280 milligrams of phosphorus.
The amount of phosphorus in a serving of abalone shellfish is sufficient for the daily phosphorus requirement of 40%.
4. Magnesium
Abalone shells contain about 90–95 milligrams of magnesium which functions to support bone growth and formation, control blood pressure, reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes, and prevent migraines.
Not only that, the magnesium contained in abalone is also useful for maintaining a good mood, and reducing the risk of depression.
5. Calcium
Calcium is an important mineral that functions to form strong tissues and teeth, regulates muscle contractions and heart rate, and supports the process of blood clotting when an injury occurs.
Calcium is contained in milk and its products, such as cheese and yogurt. However, this nutrient intake is also widely found in abalone shells. In about 100 grams of abalone shellfish, contained at least 60 milligrams of calcium.
6. Choline
Abalone shells are also known as a source of choline intake. The intake of choline required by adult men is about 550 milligrams per day, while adult women need about 450 milligrams of choline per day. While in a serving of abalone, contained about 130 milligrams of choline.
Choline is a nutrient that plays many important roles in the body, such as helping the process of repairing cells and body tissues, supporting nerve and heart performance, improving memory and concentration power, and reducing the risk of certain diseases, such as stroke and heart disease.
Choline also plays an important role in supporting the growth and development of the fetal brain.
7. Vitamin E
Abalone also contains about 8 milligrams of vitamin E. This vitamin is good for maintaining healthy skin and eyes, as well as strengthening the immune system in fighting disease and infection.
Not only the various nutrients above, abalone shellfish also contains various other nutrients that are no less important for body health, such as:
- Carbohydrate
- Vitamin A
- B vitamins
- Vitamin K
- Zinc
- Selenium
- Iron
Although high in nutrition, you are not advised to consume too much abalone shellfish. This is because abalone contains high cholesterol and salt (sodium).
A serving of abalone contains about 170 milligrams of cholesterol and 900 milligrams of sodium. If both of these intakes are consumed in excess, it is also not good for your body's health.
Therefore, you also need to meet your daily nutritional needs by eating other nutritious foods, such as vegetables and fruits.
In addition, you may also need to limit the consumption of abalone if you have certain diseases, such as hypertension and high cholesterol. If you still have questions about the benefits of abalone shells and the nutritional content in them, you can consult a doctor.
