Tag: Mollusks

Known for their high omega-3 fatty acid content, mussels are often touted as a superfood, but how do they stack up against clams? Determining whether a clam or mussel is healthier depends on the specific nutrients you prioritize and what you're trying to achieve with your diet.

Evidence suggests humans have been eating shellfish for over 164,000 years. Are oysters considered seafood? Yes, and they have been a staple of coastal diets for millennia, but understanding their classification reveals more about their place in marine life.

Millions of people consume snails annually, prized as a delicacy in many cultures worldwide. However, beyond their culinary appeal, many wonder: are sea snails good for you from a nutritional and safety perspective? The answer is nuanced, depending heavily on the species, harvesting location, and preparation method.

As of the most recent scientific classifications, scallops are definitively not fish; they are classified as bivalve mollusks, which are invertebrates with two hinged shells. The common misconception stems from their classification under the broader culinary category of 'seafood,' which includes both fish and shellfish.

According to the NIH, the recommended daily amount of Vitamin B12 for adults is 2.4 micrograms, a nutrient essential for nerve and blood cell health. While often associated with animal products, many types of fish and shellfish are exceptionally rich in this vital nutrient, making them an excellent dietary source.

According to the Shellfish Association of Great Britain, a 100-gram serving of shellfish can provide about 10–25 grams of high-quality, digestible protein. So, do shellfish contain protein? The answer is a resounding yes, and they are also a rich source of other vital nutrients for a healthy diet.

According to one recent study, nearly 99% of all seafood samples tested contained detectable microplastic particles. This alarming statistic highlights a significant environmental and health concern, prompting a deeper look into the issue: what seafood is widely contaminated with microplastics and what drives this infiltration?

By definition, the oldest recorded living animal is a type of shellfish known as the ocean quahog, which can live for over 500 years. This highlights a fascinating distinction, but what's the core difference between a fish and a shellfish? The answer lies in their fundamental biological structure, which dictates everything from their anatomy to their classification and even their culinary uses.

According to the Food and Allergy Anaphylaxis Connection Team (FAACT), a shellfish allergy is different from a fish allergy, meaning that those with one type of allergy do not necessarily have to avoid the other. Knowing what fish are not considered shellfish is critical for anyone managing a food allergy, cooking a diverse range of seafood, or simply understanding the key distinctions in aquatic life. All finfish, which are aquatic vertebrates with backbones and fins, fall into this category and are distinct from invertebrates like crustaceans and mollusks.

Globally, millions of people are at risk of iodine deficiency, which can have significant health consequences, including thyroid issues and impaired cognitive function. This makes the question of "Does shellfish contain iodine?" particularly relevant for those seeking to enrich their diet with this essential mineral.