Nutrition
Why Are Mussels Healthy?
- Mussels are an excellent source of selenium, zinc, iron and other minerals.
- Mussels are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin B12, folate and other important health nutrients. Mussels are an exceptional source of essential fatty acids that are very important for brain function, especially for children. See the work of Dr. Alex Richardson and the importance of fish in the Mediterranean diet.
- Mussels have been used as a food source for more than 2000 years. Native Indians in North America often lived near sources of mussels.
- Mussels have been cultured about 800 years in Europe. Suspended culture began in Canada in this mid-century, with PEI and NL being leaders.
- Our Newfoundland farms are among the first group of Canadian and North American mussel farms to receive organic certification against the Canadian Organic Aquaculture Standard.
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Why Include Organic Mussels In Your Diet?
|
(Amount Per 100g of Raw Mussel Meat) |
Calories |
Low calorie seafood source (146 calories) Good for weight loss, less calories than beef and chicken |
Protein |
22-27% of RDA* for adults |
Total Fats |
3-6%, less than beef or chicken |
Omega-3 Fatty Acids |
23% of your recommended weekly intake More omega-3 than other shellfish and meats EPA and DHA important for mental well-being (depression), arthritis, heart disease, brain and nervous system, learning and development of children |
Saturated Fat |
4% |
Trans Fat |
Less than 1% |
Cholesterol |
8-16%, less than beef or chicken |
Total Carbohydrates |
2% |
Dietary Fiber |
0% |
Sugars |
0% |
Vitamins |
|
Vitamin A |
5% |
Vitamin C |
13-20%, rich source |
Vitamin B1 (Thiamin) |
Mussels are rich source |
Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) |
3x more than salmon, 2x amount in chicken |
Vitamin B3 (Niacin) |
Circulation, sex and stress hormones |
Vitamin B9 |
18.5% of RDA* for adults Helps prevent birth defects, metabolism, cellular growth |
Vitamin B12 |
400-1267% of RDA* for adults Brain and nervous system function, formation of red blood cells 9x amount in beef, 5x amount in salmon |
Minerals |
|
Iron |
22-39% (women), 67% (men) of RDA* for adults Helps red blood cells carry oxygen around body, avoid anemia 8x amount in chicken, 3-4x amount in beef |
Selenium |
68% of RDA* for adults Antioxidant function, prevents cell and tissue damage B12 and Selenium reduce risks of fatigue and depression |
Zinc |
36% (women), 26% (men) of RDA* for adults Healing wounds and processing carbohydrates, fats, protein |
Iodine |
100% of RDA* for adults, thyroid hormones |
Calcium |
2-3%, more than in beef or chicken |
Sodium |
10-13%, high content but other nutrient values important |
Copper |
7%, facilitates iron absorption |
Magnesium |
9%, more in mussels than in beef or chicken |
Manganese |
340%, antioxidant qualities |
Potassium |
10%, protein synthesis and glucose conversion for muscle energy |
*RDA = Recommended Dietary Allowance (daily intake to meet nutrient demands of most adults)
