Seafood such as mussels is often found in Mediterranean cuisine. These bivalve marine mollusks can be distinguished by a smooth, wedge-shaped oval shell of purple, brownish-golden or greenish-yellow color.
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A few centuries ago, mussels were consumed in large quantities by poor inhabitants of Mediterranean villages, to which almost all dishes replaced mussels. Now the product is considered a great delicacy and is in short supply, as the number of these marine inhabitants has greatly decreased.
Mussels play the role of filters in nature, they purify the water in which they are from various contaminants. But all these evil spirits can eventually accumulate in the mollusk itself, in which case its meat can even be dangerous. On the other hand, mussels are considered a very nutritious and incredibly useful product, nutritionists recommend including them in any diet or treatment menu.
The calorie content of mussels is quite small. They contain 75-80 kcal per 100 g of product. About 3% of calories are polysaturated fats, which have high biological value. About 4% of the composition of mussels is carbohydrates. By the amount of protein, mollusks are superior to marine fish and beef. Mussels and other useful substances are contained in meat: iron, calcium, vitamins E and D, selenium, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, a large amount of mineral salts, almost all B vitamins, zinc, amino acids.
Doctors recommend the meat of mussels to increase immunity, strengthen the body after intense mental and physical exertion. This useful product is included in the menu for certain blood diseases. In mussels, there are enzymes that improve digestion, as well as glycogen, which helps maintain optimal blood glucose levels.
Mussels have long been considered a full-fledged natural analogue of Viagra, therefore they are recommended to be used to increase male strength, as well as to increase libido, not only in men but also in women.
Gynecologists strongly recommend consuming mussels for couples who cannot have children, as the mollusks contain a substance that increases the viscosity of seminal fluid in men. The unique composition of mussels allows you to push menopause in women and alleviate severe premenopausal symptoms.
It has long been proven that mussels have a persistent anti-aging effect. Those women who regularly use this useful product are less likely to suffer from various skin diseases, they have fewer age wrinkles, the skin becomes elastic, and it becomes more toned. The condition of the hair also improves, they gain strength, a healthy shine. In some cases, the disappearance of gray hair is noted.
Use mussels for culinary purposes. However, it is important that the mollusks are completely undamaged, the wings should be tightly closed. You can eat mantle of mussels, tender, light meat and internal fluid.
If the mollusk leaf does not open after heat treatment, such a product is not recommended for use in food.
Mussels can be subjected to any heat treatment: fry, stew with tomato, garlic and cream sauces, cook. In addition, mussels are salted, pickled, smoked, and also included in pilaf, stew, salads or soups.