references
Encyclopedia Britannica: “Oysters”
My Food Data: “Raw Oysters”
NIH: “Fact Sheet for Health Professionals: Vitamin B12”
NIH: “Fact Sheet for Health Professionals: Omega-3 Fatty Acids”
Journal of Affective Disorders: “Dietary n-3 PUFA, fish consumption and depression: A systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies”
NIH: “Fact Sheet for Health Professionals: Zinc”
NIH: "Fact Sheet for Health Professionals: Iron”
The Cleveland Clinic: “Allergies: Shellfish”
CDC: “Oysters and Vibriosis”
Seafood Source: "American seafood consumption up in 2015, landing volumes even"
FARE: "The Food Allergy Epidemic"
Journal of Reproduction and Infertility: "Zinc is an Essential Element for Male Fertility: A Review of Zn Roles in Men’s Health, Germination, Sperm Quality, and Fertilization"
Oysters are a lean source of protein, zinc and vitamin B12.
Image Credit: LIVESTRONG.com Creative
Image Credit: LIVESTRONG.com Creative
- Nutrition Facts
- Health Benefits
- Health Risks
- How to Shuck and Steam Oysters
Wondering about how many calories raw oysters contain during happy hour? Since people often order a dozen oysters, you may be interested to know that there are about 414 calories in 12 raw oysters.You can count on oysters for protein. One dozen small oysters contain about 48 grams of protein.
Canned oysters, despite their spot on the shelf, contain a lot of zinc. So if you need a quick zinc fix, canned oysters can get the job done. One 12-ounce can of oysters contains 269 milligrams, or 2445 percent DV of zinc.
One 12-ounce can of oysters contains 269 milligrams, or 2445 percent DV of zinc.
If you’re eating raw oysters in a restaurant, handling procedures may also lead to GI distress, such as cramps, nausea or diarrhea. These issues pose significant risks to those who are very young or old as well as immune-compromised groups, such as people with diabetes, cancer or autoimmune diseases. Opting for oysters from a reputable food-service establishment is a good way to avoid this.
These issues pose significant risks to those who are very young or old as well as immune-compromised groups, such as people with diabetes, cancer or autoimmune diseases. Opting for oysters from a reputable food-service establishment is a good way to avoid this.
Zinc has more medication interactions, so speak to your doctor about eating zinc-rich oysters if you’re on medications.
To shuck an oyster, place your knife in the shell's opening until it releases.
Image Credit: Cook Shoots Food/iStock/GettyImages
Image Credit: Cook Shoots Food/iStock/GettyImages
Try this easy and delicious recipe for Grilled Oysters.
Other shellfish like clams, mussels and scallops are good swap-outs. Depending on the dish, other seafood like fish, shrimp or lobster can be used as well.
Encyclopedia Britannica: “Oysters”
My Food Data: “Raw Oysters”
NIH: “Fact Sheet for Health Professionals: Vitamin B12”
NIH: “Fact Sheet for Health Professionals: Omega-3 Fatty Acids”
Journal of Affective Disorders: “Dietary n-3 PUFA, fish consumption and depression: A systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies”
NIH: “Fact Sheet for Health Professionals: Zinc”
NIH: "Fact Sheet for Health Professionals: Iron”
The Cleveland Clinic: “Allergies: Shellfish”
CDC: “Oysters and Vibriosis”
Seafood Source: "American seafood consumption up in 2015, landing volumes even"
FARE: "The Food Allergy Epidemic"
Journal of Reproduction and Infertility: "Zinc is an Essential Element for Male Fertility: A Review of Zn Roles in Men’s Health, Germination, Sperm Quality, and Fertilization"
