What octopus is good for health — 6 proven facts

Octopuses are an extremely popular product in Mediterranean cuisine. They differ not only in their taste properties, but also contain a lot of vitamins and minerals, as well as valuable proteins and omega-3 fatty acids.

Studies confirm many beneficial properties of octopuses for our body. Their regular use can reduce the risk of developing the most common and deadly diseases, normalize body weight and even slow down aging.

6 useful properties

Below are the 6 main facts about the benefits of octopuses (based on evidence).

1. The presence of valuable substances in the composition

Cooked octopus meat has an average calorie content (about 164 calories per 100 grams) and contains the following groups of nutrients:

Each of the presented substances is unique in its biological effects, for example:

• Omega-3 polyunsaturated acids improve Heart health , blood vessels and brain, and also prevent the appearance of cancerous tumors;
• Selenium regulates the thyroid gland;
• Nicotinic acid and potassium are involved in maintaining blood pressure;
• Phosphorus Strengthens bone tissue etc.

2. Suppression of chronic inflammation

Chronic inflammation is a physiological and extremely dangerous process. It is associated with the development of most known chronic diseases, as well as malignant neoplasms.

There is also a direct relationship between the rate of aging and the activity of chronic inflammation.

According to the data Iranian researchers, vitamin B12, which is extremely rich in octopus meat, has the ability to inhibit chronic inflammation. In the experiment, a decrease in the concentration of all key markers of inflammation in the blood was observed.

A similar effect is observed in omega-3 polyunsaturated acids, which also exhibit an antioxidant effect.

3. Preventing anemia

Anemia is one of the common diseases caused by a decrease in hemoglobin levels and (or) red blood cells in the blood due to a lack, as a rule, of iron or vitamin B12.

The problem is especially relevant for the elderly, as well as for people with chronic bleeding, diseases of the digestive system and bone marrow, inadequate eating behavior, metabolic disorders.

As part of octopuses available huge amounts of vitamin B12 and iron. Their regular inclusion in the diet can contribute to the prevention, as well as therapy (together with medications) of anemia.

4. Weight Loss Aid

Octopus meat is a valuable source of high–quality protein (up to 16 grams per 100 grams).

According to the data American scientists, the use of such seafood causes rapid mechanical overflow of the stomach and promotes the production of "satiety" hormones (peptide YY and cholecystokinin).

Hormonal substances depress the hunger centers in the brain and reduce appetite for several hours. As a result, a person consumes significantly less food.

Any diet with a high protein content (even with the same calorie content of the daily diet) is significantly are superior effective diets that limit fats and/or carbohydrates, as well as reduce energy value.

5. Prevention of cardiovascular diseases

Heart and vascular pathologies occupy leading positions in all developed countries due to disability and death.

Abnormalities associated with increased blood pressure (stroke, heart failure) or atherosclerotic lesions of the arterial bed (coronary heart disease, myocardial infarction, chronic cerebral ischemia) are more often recorded.

Octopus meat contains omega-3 fatty acids.

Omega-3 fats, according to the data American scientists normalize cholesterol levels in the blood (decrease in total cholesterol, TAG and LDL; increase in HDL). As a result, there are no prerequisites for the formation of atherosclerotic plaques and restriction of blood flow through important arteries.

Also seafood, due to availability potassium in the composition, causes vasodilation and lowering blood pressure, which allows it to be used for the prevention and therapy of hypertension.

Is celebrated the ability of octopus meat to prevent the occurrence of fatal cardiac arrhythmias.

6. Slowing down aging

Life is a constant division of the body's cells. With age, the ability to increase the number of cells decreases, as telomeres – special sections of chromosomes - shorten.

Their length decreases until the cell completely loses its ability to divide and dies completely (leaving no "followers").

Scientists claim that vitamin B12 (100 grams of octopus contains as much as 6.5 daily norms of this nutrient) is able to slow down the process of gradual shortening of telomeres and, consequently, prolong life.

Safety and harm

The only officially registered side effect of eating octopus meat is allergic reactions.

They can be both local (spotty papular rash, itching) and systemic (anaphylactic shock, angioedema).

Possible, from a scientific point of view, but not proven undesirable effects include:

1. Dyspeptic disorders. Are caused by an overload of the gastrointestinal apparatus with proteins (with irrational consumption of octopuses) and usually manifest themselves in the form of heartburn and belching, bloating and spastic pain in the lower abdomen, diarrhea or constipation.
2. Poisoning. Octopus meat can accumulate mercury and other toxic metals. Care should be taken to include them in the diet of children and pregnant women.

Rules of selection and preparation

There are a number of rules that allow you to choose really high-quality fresh octopuses on store shelves:

1. Eyes. The eyeballs should be transparent, clean and slightly convex.
2. Appearance. The presence of dark or white spots on the skin and tentacles is a sign of a bacterial or fungal lesion. It is also unacceptable to have tears and tears in the covers of marine life.
3. Size. The bigger the octopus, the juicier and tastier its meat, but the higher the likely concentration of mercury and other heavy metals.

When buying octopuses in frozen form, you need to pay special attention to the appearance of the ice. The presence of white inclusions or crushed pieces of ice indicates repeated freezing of the product.

An equally important role is given to the proper preparation of octopuses. The main culinary and nutritional value is represented by the tentacles of seafood. To give a soft consistency and juiciness, you should first beat them off. At the same time, small octopuses are eaten whole.

The most useful and easiest way is to boil octopus meat. Before cooking, the seafood is poured with cold water for 15-20 minutes, then placed on fire. After boiling, the meat simmers for another 20-25 minutes. The dish is ready.

Less useful options are: pickled, salted, fried octopus, as well as baked in the oven.

Conclusion

1. Thus, octopuses are rich in vitamins (especially B12), minerals (phosphorus, iron, selenium), proteins with essential amino acids and valuable omega-3 polyunsaturated acids.
2. With their regular use, there is an improvement in the health of the heart and blood vessels, chronic diseases and malignant tumors are less common, there is a tendency to decrease body weight and, most importantly, the overall life expectancy increases.
3. The basic rules of selection on the shelves and preparation of the product should be observed.