11 reasons you should be eating snail
Once considered pests in farmlands and subjected to extensive hunting by farmers due to their leaf-eating habits, snails have now emerged as a culinary delicacy known for numerous health and beauty benefits. Snails are a highly nutritious meat with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, as well as potential anti-cancer effects, bolstering the immune system.
Comprising 80% water, 15% protein, and 2.4% fat, snails are rich in essential vitamins E, A, K, and B12, along with vital fatty acids, calcium, iron, selenium, and magnesium.
Here are 11 health and beauty advantages associated with snails:
1. Rich in Protein: Snails possess a protein content akin to that of pork and beef but with significantly lower fat. Protein is crucial for body construction and repair, essential for various bodily functions, including tissue and muscle formation, metabolic processes, and immune responses. It plays a vital role in healing, muscle maintenance, and lean muscle development.
2. Anemia Improvement: Snails are an excellent source of iron, which can help alleviate symptoms of iron-deficient anemia, such as fatigue, weakness, pale skin, chest pain, headache, dizziness, and shortness of breath. A single serving of snails provides 22% of the recommended daily iron intake.
3. Enhances Heart Health: While fish are renowned for their Omega-3 fatty acid content, snails also contain these heart-healthy compounds. Omega-3s contribute to improved heart health, reduced risk of heart disease, lower blood pressure, decreased blood clotting, and steady heartbeats.
In addition to their nutritional value, snail extract and slime have been utilized for treating various conditions, including eye irritation, menstrual discomfort, itching, toothaches, and more.
4. Rich in Selenium: Selenium is a vital component of selenoproteins, enzymes, and proteins crucial for DNA synthesis and protection against cell damage and infections. It plays a pivotal role in safeguarding the body against various diseases and chronic conditions while also regulating thyroid hormones. Selenium acts synergistically with vitamin E, functioning as a potent antioxidant that combats oxidative stress, thereby aiding in the prevention of tissue aging. The body primarily stores selenium in cells, particularly in organs such as the kidneys, liver, and male testes.
5. Abundant in Vitamins and Minerals: Snail meat boasts a wealth of vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A, E, B1, B3, B6, and B12. Vitamins B1, B3, B6, and B12 play pivotal roles in diabetes treatment and prevention. Vitamin A, a fat-soluble antioxidant, supports vision maintenance, brain function, skin health, and inflammation reduction. Vitamin E, essential for skincare and cell regeneration, stabilizes cell membranes and protects organs like the eyes, skin, breast, liver, and testicular tissues from oxidative harm. Iron, present in snail meat, aids in blood production, connective tissue formation, and neurotransmitter production in the brain, while also supporting the immune system. Zinc is another mineral provided by snail meat, contributing to various bodily functions.
6. Stroke Prevention and Treatment: Consuming snail meat or snail water can both prevent and treat strokes by calming the brain. Snail water additionally lowers blood pressure, reducing the risk of stroke, as high blood pressure is a known stroke risk factor. The active substances found in snail meat and water have a calming effect on the brain and facilitate the healing of damaged cells resulting from a stroke.
7. Low in Fat: Snail meat is exceptionally low in fat, making it an ideal choice for individuals looking to manage their weight. High levels of body fat carry several health risks, including an increased susceptibility to diabetes. Opting for low-fat foods is essential to maintain a healthy body fat level, and snail meat, along with the water it releases, aligns well with this goal. Incorporating snail meat into one’s diet can be a favorable option for those aiming to avoid weight gain while savoring a nutritious meat source.
8. Low-Calorie and Cholesterol-Free: Another advantage of consuming snail meat is its remarkably low calorie content. It is devoid of carbohydrates, sugar, and fats, making it an ideal choice for those seeking to maintain a healthy lifestyle and manage their weight. Low-calorie diets, such as those involving snail consumption, have been associated with delaying the aging process, improved blood sugar control, and a reduced risk of Type 2 diabetes. Additionally, snail meat, with its low fat and cholesterol levels, serves as an excellent remedy for vascular conditions like heart attacks, cardiac arrests, hypertension, and strokes. It is also beneficial for individuals dealing with health concerns such as high blood pressure and diabetes.
9. Utilization in Beauty Products: Snails not only offer health benefits but also contribute to skin attractiveness. The use of snail slime in skincare products is a well-established practice in various countries. When applied to scars, snail slime has a fading effect. It contains multiple skin-enhancing properties, including the promotion of skin repair, healing, and preservation. Furthermore, it possesses anti-aging attributes that enhance skin suppleness, moisture retention, and radiance. Snail slime proves effective in preventing, alleviating, and eliminating various skin issues and conditions naturally, including acne scars, stretch marks, psoriasis, eczema, wrinkles, dark spots, blackheads, and rosacea.
10. Skin Tissue Repair and Regeneration: Snail slime contains a key active ingredient called allantoin, known for its healing, regenerative, and soothing properties. This naturally derived substance is responsible for repairing snail shells when damaged. Allantoin plays a crucial role in regenerating skin tissue, aiding in the reduction of acne scars, which can significantly impact individuals’ lives. It is also effective on burns, areas prone to blackheads, and dark spots caused by aging or sun exposure.
11. Effective Against Acne-Causing Bacteria and Skin Hydration: Snail slime possesses the capability to combat acne-causing bacteria and maintain skin clarity with consistent use. Its natural antimicrobial properties help eliminate bacteria responsible for acne. Additionally, glycolic acid found in snail slime prevents breakouts by exfoliating the skin, removing dead skin cells, and unclogging pores. The presence of hyaluronic acid, a component of snail slime, attracts water molecules to the outer layers of the skin, ensuring adequate hydration. With snail slime containing 98% water, it proves highly beneficial for individuals with dry skin, who often contend with wrinkles and fine lines.