Not an oyster fan? These surprising health benefits could change your mind about the ocean’s ultimate superfood

Humans have been devouring oysters for at least 164,000 years according to archaeological records. In the 1800s there was an explosion in oyster consumption in the Eastern United States and Western Europe. By the end of that century, Americans were consuming on average roughly 660 of the bivalves each year.

For those who have fallen in love with the taste of oysters like Anthony Bourdain, delighting in the chewy texture and distinctive, fresh seawater flavor, this particular mollusk becomes a lifelong passion. The famous chef called oysters the “perfect food,” because they require no cooking.

While Bourdain never talked about the health or nutritional benefits of oysters, his description of them as a perfect food isn’t that far off on that front either. Better yet, there are numerous ways that you can cook and prepare oysters, and those health benefits go largely unaffected in the process according to WebMD.

The health benefits of oysters

Oysters are a great source of lean protein packed full of minerals and nutrients that the human body needs. These include vitamin B12 and other B-vitamins, vitamin C, vitamin D, copper, iron, manganese, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, and zinc. As well they are a excellent source of good cholesterol like omega-3 fatty acids and powerful antioxidants like DHMBA, a unique natural phenolic compound.

Each of the above-mentioned nutrients oysters contain provides a health benefit, or benefits, on its own or in combination with others.

For example, omega-3 fatty acids are good for heart health by lowering blood pressure and fighting inflammation. Furthermore, magnesium and potassium help relax blood vessels and reduce strain on the whole cardiovascular system.

Oysters are good for our brains, thanks to B12, which this mollusk is among one of the highest sources of vitamin B12 we can eat. Vitamin B12 is vital for DNA construction, aids in the creation of healthy red blood cells, and protects the nerve fibers and supports memory. Oysters are also a wonderful source of selenium, which among other things a deficiency of this essential mineral has been linked to cognitive decline and cardiovascular disease

The plentiful amounts of vitamin D, copper, zinc, and manganese in oysters aid in slowing or even preventing bone loss from osteoporosis, something that especially affects postmenopausal women.

Additional health benefits from oysters include a boost to the immune system from the natural antioxidant zinc. And they can help people lose weight while getting plenty of nutrients and without starving themselves.

So the next time you turn your nose at an oyster, if you haven’t had one yet, or haven’t already fallen in love with them, you may want to given them a second chance in your culinary life.

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