Oyster Nutrition: Protein
What is protein?
“Prime importance” is the Greek meaning of protein. We would not exist without hydration, muscle, hair, and nails - this is why protein is necessary. I guess we would be like a sea anemone without protein…ah, bad sea joke! Shellfish and other animal products are the best source of complete proteins. Beans actually have the highest value as a protein source yet they are considered incomplete. They are incomplete because they lack some amino acids which there are 22 total. We require 9 amino acids daily in our diet.
Oyster Protein
Unlike that delicious rib-eye steak you love to grill, oysters are a fantastic protein rich food without the saturated fats. You know, the bad fats, the ones we have to diet from when we get older because of that high cholesterol and heart disease risk.
One medium raw oyster, around 3 ounces provides 5 grams of protein; so an average Gulf oyster provides around 7 grams of protein. It is recommended for an adult woman to have 46 grams of protein a day and 56 grams for men on average. That means a dozen oysters meets your daily requirements without artery clogging fats AND also provide so many more nutritious vitamins and minerals!
Protein load with these bad boys for your pre/post-workout to build your bodies’ beautiful muscles, grow gorgeous hair, and maintain that brain in the cave. Eat smart. #EatMoreOysters
Post 3 of 6 in the Oyster Nutrition Series
Sources: Understanding Food: Principles and Preparation, Amy Brown 2nd Edition; Macrobiotic Diet by Michio and Aveline Kushi; The Geography of Oysters: The Connoisseur’s Guide to Oyster Eating in North America by Rowen Jacobson