The seafood industry. Not too good for our environment, right? Well, when considering the impact of oysters, you may have to think again. Oysters are one of the most eco-friendly kinds of seafood on the market, meaning that you might want to check them out in more detail. Read on to discover everything you need to know about eating oysters, why they’re good for you, and how they are kind to our planet!
Oysters 101: How to Eat Them, Why They’re Good for You, How They’re Sustainable, What to Look for When Eating Oysters
The seafood industry. Not too good for our environment, right? Well, when considering the impact of oysters, you may have to think again. Oysters are one of the most eco-friendly kinds of seafood on the market, meaning that you might want to check them out in more detail. Read on to discover everything you need to know about eating oysters, why they’re good for you, and how they are kind to our planet!
How To Eat Oysters, And What Should You Look For?
Oysters are typically eaten fresh, raw, and straight from the shell with your hands. Forget about silverware and plates – you simply must place your lips directly up to the shell and slurp the oyster down! Tiny forks sometimes come with oysters in bars and restaurants. This is often helpful for loosening the oyster from the shell if you’re struggling to get it free.
The taste of oysters can vary – what you experience can be down to the restaurant you go to and where they source their oysters from. Some oysters taste very salty, while others have metallic or gritty flavors.
In terms of what you should be looking for when eating oysters, it’s worth noting here that the best oysters appear opaque and never taste or smell fishy. Poor oysters may look dry and withered inside the shell and possess this unwanted fishy smell. Also, if there isn’t any seawater inside the oyster’s shell, it is likely dead.
Oysters Are Good For You
Although they aren’t your standard fruit and vegetables, oysters can be considered beneficial for human health. Let’s explore this in some more detail!
Osteoporosis
Oysters can give humans a rich source of copper, zinc, vitamin D, and manganese. These sources, in a blend with calcium, are thought to be critical in slowing down or possibly preventing bone loss altogether in older women due to osteoporosis. Furthermore, dietary sources of these micronutrients are considered more impactful than supplements.
Brain Health
The extensive amount of vitamin B12 found in oysters makes them a fantastic choice for preserving your brain health. Vitamin B12 deficiency has been connected to dementia and mental health symptoms, such as depression or even suicidal thoughts.
Selenium Deficiency
You can find a naturally rich source of selenium in oysters – this is a mineral that we need in small amounts to operate correctly. Taking in too much selenium can be toxic, although a deficiency has been connected to infertility, cardiovascular disease, and cognitive decline.
How Oysters Link To Sustainability
There are many reasons why oysters can be considered sustainable. Take a look at the reasons below to find out more.
Oysters Build Natural Reefs When Growing In The Wild
Oysters can actually form their own natural reefs when growing in the wild. These reefs are known for protecting coastlines from things like sea erosion and storm damage. Moreover, the reefs offer hundreds of species the chance to thrive in protective habitats.
Oyster Shells Hold Carbon Dioxide
Oyster shells are carbon sinks because they can capture carbon dioxide in the water and hold it in their shells. Having too much harmful carbon dioxide in our oceans can make them too acidic for shellfish to grow shells. Thankfully, oysters are not affected by carbon dioxide rises and can utilize it as a component in their shells. Capturing carbon dioxide through widespread oyster farming has the potential to have a substantial positive impact on our environment.
Oysters Extract Nitrogen From Our Waterways
Oysters have the ability to extract nitrogen from waterways, incorporating it into their own shells. While water requires some nitrogen, there is frequently too much caused by fertilizer runoff. This can reduce oxygen levels in our waters, making it more challenging for species to survive.
Key Takeaways
- Firstly, it is evident that oysters could positively impact our environment more than you first thought.
- Secondly, education appears necessary to take a step towards sustainability. With the knowledge that oyster harvesting is relatively kind to our environment, more consumers can purchase these products with peace of mind that they are not impacting the planet negatively.
- Finally, companies may be able to benefit from selling oysters. With the knowledge of how sustainably sourced oysters are produced, they could profit from consumers becoming more conscious of their environmental effects.
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The seafood industry. Not too good for our environment, right? Well, when considering the impact of oysters, you may have to think again. Oysters are one of the most eco-friendly kinds of seafood on the market, meaning that you might want to check them out in more detail. Read on to discover everything you need to know about eating oysters, why they’re good for you, and how they are kind to our planet!
What is considered the correct way to eat oysters, and what should you look for?
Oysters are typically eaten fresh, raw, and straight from the shell with your hands. Forget about silverware and plates – you simply must place your lips directly up to the shell and slurp the oyster down! Tiny forks sometimes come with oysters in bars and restaurants. This is often helpful for loosening the oyster from the shell if you’re struggling to get it free.
The taste of oysters can vary – what you experience can be down to the restaurant you go to and where they source their oysters from. Some oysters taste very salty, while others have metallic or gritty flavors.
In terms of what you should be looking for when eating oysters, it’s worth noting here that the best oysters appear opaque and never taste or smell fishy. Poor oysters may look dry and withered inside the shell and possess this unwanted fishy smell. Also, if there isn’t any seawater inside the oyster’s shell, it is likely dead.
Why are oysters good for you?
Although they aren’t your standard fruit and vegetables, oysters can be considered beneficial for human health. Let’s explore this in some more detail!
Osteoporosis
Oysters can give humans a rich source of copper, zinc, vitamin D, and manganese. These sources, in a blend with calcium, are thought to be critical in slowing down or possibly preventing bone loss altogether in older women due to osteoporosis. Furthermore, dietary sources of these micronutrients are considered more impactful than supplements.
Brain health
The extensive amount of vitamin B12 found in oysters makes them a fantastic choice for preserving your brain health. Vitamin B12 deficiency has been connected to dementia and mental health symptoms, such as depression or even suicidal thoughts.
Selenium deficiency
You can find a naturally rich source of selenium in oysters – this is a mineral that we need in small amounts to operate correctly. Taking in too much selenium can be toxic, although a deficiency has been connected to infertility, cardiovascular disease, and cognitive decline.
How oysters link to sustainability
There are many reasons why oysters can be considered sustainable. Take a look at the reasons below to find out more.
Oysters build natural reefs when growing in the wild
Oysters can actually form their own natural reefs when growing in the wild. These reefs are known for protecting coastlines from things like sea erosion and storm damage. Moreover, the reefs offer hundreds of species the chance to thrive in protective habitats.
Oyster shells hold carbon dioxide
Oyster shells are carbon sinks because they can capture carbon dioxide in the water and hold it in their shells. Having too much harmful carbon dioxide in our oceans can make them too acidic for shellfish to grow shells. Thankfully, oysters are not affected by carbon dioxide rises and can utilize it as a component in their shells. Capturing carbon dioxide through widespread oyster farming has the potential to have a substantial positive impact on our environment.
Oysters extract nitrogen from our waterways
Oysters have the ability to extract nitrogen from waterways, incorporating it into their own shells. While water requires some nitrogen, there is frequently too much caused by fertilizer runoff. This can reduce oxygen levels in our waters, making it more challenging for species to survive.
Key Takeaways
- Firstly, it is evident that oysters could positively impact our environment more than you first thought.
- Secondly, education appears necessary to take a step towards sustainability. With the knowledge that oyster harvesting is relatively kind to our environment, more consumers can purchase these products with peace of mind that they are not impacting the planet negatively.
- Finally, companies may be able to benefit from selling oysters. With the knowledge of how sustainably sourced oysters are produced, they could profit from consumers becoming more conscious of their environmental effects.
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