Oysters either you like them or you don't! In any case, they are always synonymous with celebration, fun and sharing. Accompanied by white wine, buttered farmhouse bread, a drizzle of lemon or simply plain, they are always enjoyed with relish by connoisseurs... Discover the benefits of oysters and why you should eat them more often!

The oyster is a bivalve mollusc that was already consumed in ancient times. Many varieties exist, the most common of which are hollow and elongated. Oyster farming is demanding and requires patience. Indeed, it takes between 2 and 5 years for an oyster to reach maturity and be consumable. In France, in the Arcachon Basin, in Brittany, Normandy, Vendée and on the island of Ré, "full sea" oysters are bred, whereas "fine oysters" are bred in the old salt marshes of the Marenne-Oléron region. 

Oysters, a concentrate of nutrients for few calories

Low in calories (only 42 kcal/100g or about 8 oysters), it is nevertheless rich in vitamins and minerals. Indeed, it contains in its flesh vitamins B1, B2, B3, B9, B12, A, E, C and D as well as sodium, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, iron (8 oysters meet the daily needs of a non-menopausal woman) and of course, iodine whose flavor is so characteristic. 

Since the oyster is a living organism, its nutritional quality depends on its farming conditions and the location of the oyster beds. 

In addition, we find a significant amount of essential fatty acids omega 3 which are very interesting in the context of the protection of the cardiovascular system. 

Finally, the proteins present in the flesh are about 10g/100g. Not bad for a mollusk!

Thanks to all this potential concentrated in a minimum of calories, oysters have their place in a slimming diet without the risk of deficiency. In this case, be sure to eat them plain!

Oysters as cardiovascular protectors

As mentioned above, oysters are rich in omega 3 as are oily fish and seafood. More specifically, it is the eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic (DHA) acids that give it its cardio and vasprotecting properties by participating in the reduction of bad cholesterol, by regulating arrhythmia. The risks of'heart attack, ofatherosclerosis and complications of heart failure are reduced with EPA/DHA 

The anti-inflammatory benefits of oysters

The essential fatty acids EPA and DHA are also known to be anti-inflammatory. Thus, people suffering from inflammatory pathologies, whether it is at the oste-articular, respiratory or digestive level, will have all interest to consume regularly a plate of oysters provided that they do not decorate it with buttered toast...

A brain at its best with oysters!

Oysters feed your brain ! Rich in essential fatty acids, your brain needs docosahexaenoic acid to stimulate your cognitive functions. Thus the "fat" of oysters is excellent to maintain your capacities of memorization, reflection, concentration, learning, etc...

Moreover, the EPA/DHA intake participates in the reduction of psychotic disorders (schizophrenia), bi-polar and improves depressive states and dementia including Alzheimer's disease.

Oysters in the recovery suite

Some people have difficulty regaining their appetite after an illness. The same is true in elderly people who have difficulty feeding, swallowing, and enjoying food. Oysters have in the popular mind this meaning of "Sunday meal" with a festive connotation which, in a way, plunges them in their warmest memories. 

In addition, because of its nutritional richness, this mollusc fills the deficienciesvitamins and minerals making it a healthy ally in the recovery process.

Contraindication to the tasting of oysters

The consumption of oysters is not recommended for people suffering from:

• severe kidney disease
• Hyperthyroidism because of iodine.
• Heart failure due to high salt intake.
• weakening of the immune system 

And with caution to :

• those who need a low-salt diet
• pregnant women, young children because the oyster is alive.
• Those prone to gout attacks because oysters are rich in purine, which promotes uric acid levels in the blood

Oyster, attention living organism !

The oyster is alive. Its delicate flesh can at any time be contaminated by bacteria and thus become extremely dangerous. The risk of food poisoning is very high when the conditions of breeding, conservation and hygiene are not respected. Be careful and in the best case, open your oysters yourself. At the slightest doubt, throw it away!

 To take full advantage of their multiple benefits, take care to chew them well. This will also have the merit of increasing their flavour tenfold... Enjoy your meal!