Tag: Clams

While both are nutrient-dense mollusks, the nutritional profile of clams and oysters differs in significant ways. Clams boast an exceptionally high level of iron and vitamin B12, while oysters are unparalleled as a source of zinc. Understanding these distinctions is key to deciding which is healthier, clams or oysters, depending on your specific dietary needs.

Clams are a powerhouse of essential nutrients, with a single 3-ounce serving providing a significant portion of the daily recommended intake for protein, vitamins, and minerals. This makes the question of "are clams good or bad for you" an important one for those seeking to enhance their diet with a healthy protein source.

According to the National Institutes of Health, adults require 2.4 micrograms of vitamin B12 daily, a nutrient vital for nerve function and red blood cell production. Some fish and shellfish are packed with this essential vitamin, making them an excellent dietary source. So, what fish is high in B12 and can help?

According to the National Institutes of Health, iron is a vital mineral that helps transport oxygen throughout the body. Seafood, particularly certain types of shellfish, is an excellent dietary source of this essential nutrient, providing highly absorbable heme iron.

According to a study cited in *Food & Nutrition Research*, scallops and clams contain the lowest concentrations of cholesterol among commonly consumed shellfish. This is great news for seafood lovers managing their cholesterol, as they can enjoy these delicious mollusks as part of a healthy diet.

According to USDA data, a three-ounce serving of cooked clams contains zero grams of sugar. This fact makes clams an excellent food choice for individuals monitoring their sugar intake or following low-carb diets, directly addressing the question of whether clams are high in sugar.

A single 3-ounce serving of cooked clams provides over 20 grams of lean, high-quality protein, confirming that clams are indeed high in protein. This makes them an excellent and often overlooked seafood choice for those looking to boost their protein intake.

According to the National Kidney Foundation, certain fish varieties contain significantly less potassium than others, making them a better choice for those on restricted diets. Selecting the fish which is lowest in potassium is crucial for individuals monitoring their mineral intake, particularly for kidney health.

Just a small 3-ounce serving of cooked clams provides a substantial amount of protein and over 100% of the daily recommended intake for vitamin B12. Understanding how much clams should I eat is key to balancing these nutritional benefits with safe consumption practices.

According to the University of Florida, a single littleneck clam can remove 0.09 grams of nitrogen from coastal waters. But this is just one of many surprising ways clams provide essential benefits to humans, ranging from environmental improvements to nutritional advantages.