Many who have briefly heard about the health benefits of snail in diets are wondering: why are Achatina useful? Before answering the question, it is worth delving into questions related to the structure of the animal. They are a subclass of pulmonate mollusks that produce mucus for locomotion, called mucin.
Why does the snail need these secretions? They protect the sole of Achatina from friction with the surface and allow you to move smoothly. But this is not the only function of mucin. It helps fight damage to the sole and aids in shell repair.
Read: Low Carb Diet – What Is It, How To Do It And What Are The Benefits
What is the use of Achatina snails for people? Its ability to produce mucin. Its medicinal properties are used for:
- Treatment of wounds and burns, other damage to the epithelium;
- Rejuvenation and restoration of skin cells;
- Post-acne whitening;
- Moisturizing the epidermis;
- Elimination of small wrinkles and deep furrows.
In addition, the snail can be used to treat broncho-pulmonary diseases and ailments related to the respiratory tract, and in some cases even anesthetizes.
Consumption of snails dates back to the Paleolithic period. There are countless records of shells found in prehistoric caves along the Mediterranean coast, particularly in the Iberian Peninsula.
There are many species of snails, for example the Helix Aspersa Maxima, which has a fleshy appearance, with light meat and is highly appreciated in cooking. Easily extracted from the shell and with an exquisite taste, it differs from the wild snail due to the homogeneity of its production characteristics: a controlled diet and traceability throughout its production process enables the indispensable sanitary control and guarantees the quality of the product. Consumption of snails is recommended for various types of illnesses.
The amino acids contained in snail meat proteins contribute to the reconstitution of gastric tissue integrity and, therefore, to ulcer healing.
Because it is a food rich in calcium and polyunsaturated fatty acids, it is also recommended in cases of rickets and in the fight against cholesterol.
The high content of mineral salts and iron prove to be useful during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Low in lipids, they are indicated for those who suffer from liver and obesity.
Composition Of Snails
The average snail is made up of 80% water, 15% protein and 2.4% fat. They contain essential fatty acids, calcium, iron, selenium, magnesium and are a rich source of vitamins E, A, K and B12. However, despite these benefits, many people forego them.
If you plan to harvest and cook your own snails, be aware that some species should be avoided due to the plants they eat (such as daisies). This is explained by the fact that snails have a very bitter taste. They can take up to 10 days to peel before using them in a recipe with lots of oregano and garlic.
The latest trend is Aphrodite’s Pearl snail eggs, known as white caviar, which are sold at retail. Most “farmed” eggs are laid twice a year, collected with tweezers, washed, cleaned and sterilized before being lightly salted and canned – this explains their high cost.
Health Benefits of snails in our Diets
Not many people know that slimy animals like snails can apparently provide various health benefits. Here are some of the advantages that can be obtained from these mollusks.
1. Snails are a good source of protein
Snails can be used as an alternative source of good protein. The type of protein present in these animals is similar to that found in beef and pork, but the fat content is much lower.
2. Increase endurance
Consuming snails can increase endurance because of the content of vitamin A it has. In addition, this vitamin can also nourish the eyes and help the growth of new cells in the body.
3. Good for bones
Snail contains calcium which is very useful for maintaining bone health. By consuming enough calcium, your risk of developing various bone disorders such as osteoporosis can be reduced.
4. Prevent anemia
One of the most common types of anemia is iron deficiency anemia . People who experience this disease will usually feel symptoms such as weakness, paleness, chest pain, headaches, and difficulty breathing.
To prevent this, you need to meet your daily iron needs and snails can be a natural source. One serving of snails is considered to be able to meet about 20% of daily iron needs.
5. Healthy heart
Snails can be a good source of Omega-3 fatty acids for the heart. In addition, this component can also help lower blood pressure, reduce the risk of blood clots forming in the vessels, and keep the heart rate stable.
However, the benefits of this one snail can be lost if you process it in an unhealthy way, such as using a lot of butter or butter and oil.
6. Healing wounds
Currently there are many beauty products that use snail or snail mucus as a basic ingredient. This is because these ingredients are believed to help fade scars on the skin, including acne scars.
This is done not without reason. This is because a journal that discusses the effectiveness of snail mucus and chitosan in the wound healing process, mentions a similar statement.
Snail slime is suitable as an ingredient for wound care on the skin, because it spreads well on the surface of the skin. In addition, snail mucus does not clog pores and is antibacterial.
The amino acid content in this material can also support the regeneration and growth of new cells. Meanwhile, the animal protein content in it also plays a role in the wound healing process and inhibits inflammation in the skin.
7. As an alternative to healthy food
In a study conducted in Nigeria, a nutritionist suggested that snails are a healthy food alternative to meet the nutritional needs of children and adults, especially in areas where it is difficult to get other food sources such as beef.
The cheaper price of snails is one of the main considerations. This animal should be considered as an alternative source of nutrition.
In addition to protein, vitamin A, calcium and iron, snails also contain magnesium, phosphorus, copper minerals, vitamins B6, B12, K and folate. Not only that, snails also have the amino acids arginine and lysine which are higher than eggs.
Its high protein, low fat, and rich in vitamins and minerals make snails healthy for consumption.
8. Snails for weight loss
Snail meat is an ideal option for a dietary product due to its high content of amino acids and the absence of cholesterol.
Losing weight on snails is a pleasure, because the pleasure of its light taste is added to the correctness of such food.
Snail meat is quickly and completely absorbed, not allowing fats to be deposited – this effect is provided, in particular, by calcium ions in combination with organic radicals.
In Russian conditions, of course, not everyone who wants to lose weight can afford a snail diet. In our country, snails are considered a delicacy and are quite expensive. But in the southern regions of the country, if desired, it is quite possible to engage in the extraction of mollusks yourself. Such an exotic diet on snail meat can last up to a week. It is advisable to cook the product only with olive oil, herbs and garlic, without abusing butter and sauces.
9. Prevent cancer
Cancer as a result of free radicals and damage to cells in certain organs in the body. A healthy body requires normal cell regeneration, the faster the regeneration, the better for health. The existence of a variety of vitamins and nutrients that are complete both to help regenerate and maintain immunity as a cancer prevention.
10. Strengthens Immunity
The health benefits of snail in our diets are the high content of vitamins A, C and folic acid. Plus various other nutrients, this is good for maintaining the body’s immune system.
11. Overcome Acne and Maintain Skin Health
You can get the next benefits of snails from their mucus. The mucus has been processed by several major countries as a cosmetic and beauty care product.
It turns out that snail mucus is good for dealing with inflamed acne, helps reduce wrinkles, and skin regeneration processes. The mucus has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties so it is good at cleaning acne areas from bacteria.
12. Maintain Hair Health
Snail contains omega 3, a type of essential acid that must be provided to the body, because it cannot produce it on its own.
Omega 3 from the snail will be an anti-inflammatory agent that can treat various hair problems, such as helping growth, nourishing follicles, increasing elasticity and strength, making thick, and increasing blood circulation in the scalp.
13. Treating Hemorrhoids
Another health benefits snail in our diets is that it serves as a hemorrhoid remedy. This have long been known by people in Asia. Eating snails as a snack, satay, stir-fried, or fried as an alternative natural treatment for hemorrhoids.
14. Coping with Diabetes
If your family has a history of blood sugar or diabetes, you should start eating snails at certain times. The content of omega 3, omega 6, and omega 9 fatty acids can increase the ability to insulin sensitivity.
Several studies have shown that the consumption of unsaturated fats will reduce the level of inflammation, a trigger for diabetes.
15. Lowers cholesterol
Are you annoyed with excess cholesterol? One of the natural ingredients that can help reduce bad cholesterol or LDL is the consumption of snails or water snails. The content of omega 9 fatty acids from rice field snails helps reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, reduce LDL, maintain mood, reduce Alzheimer’s, and increase energy.
16. Develop Brain Performance
So far, people know fish oil as intake of omega 3 and omega 6 as brain nutrition. However, do you know what other foods besides fish oil?
It turns out that snails or water snails contain omega 6 which plays a role in brain development. In addition, these two fatty acids are also good for maintaining hormones, skin, nails, hair, preventing damaged cells, and alleviating symptoms of shortness of breath.
Other Health Benefits of Snails
Snails are also an excellent source of:
- Magnesium
- Omega 3
- Calcium
- Vitamins C
Conclusion
Apart from it’s disgusting appearance for many people, the benefits of snails for health are varied. In France, for example, consumption of snails is commonplace. In most part of Asia, there are several areas that make this animal a daily intake.
Aside from being a food ingredient, certain types of snail mucus are also used as cosmetic raw materials.
In fact, adding snails to our diets is very important for our health. But before consuming it, make sure you don’t have an allergy to this animal. If after eating snails allergy symptoms appear such as itching, redness, and bumps on the skin, get treatment immediately.
FAQS
What Is The Nutritional Value Of Snails
The caloric value per 100g of snail meat varies between 60 and 80 Kcal. Snails are mostly composed of water (70-85%), being low in fat (0.3-0.8%) and with a protein content between 13 and 15%. They are relatively rich in minerals, especially in Calcium, also containing Iron, Magnesium, Copper and Zinc. Here’s a more detailed explanation for you.
How are Achatina used in cosmetology at home
There is no need to visit beauty salons to perform skin restoration procedures with mucin. It is much cheaper and easier to keep Achatina snails at home. The above is possible due to the unique combination of components in mucin:
- Vitamins A, C, E;
- Collagen;
- Amino acids;
- Allantoin and other substances and trace elements.
In a word, the use of molluscs in the beauty industry solves a wide range of skin problems. The benefits of snails are invaluable. And the beneficial properties of the mollusk when used at home will not go anywhere.
We hope this article helped you learn 15 Health Benefits of Snail in Our Diets. You may also want to learn Health Benefits Of Oysters, or check out our Diet & Nutrition Category.
If you liked this article, then please share on your social networks and stay tuned for upcoming articles. You can also find us on Telegram and Facebook.
