Today is a wonderful day to discover more about the health benefits of clams.
What are clams?
Clams are a type of shellfish that live in both fresh and saltwater.
There are many different species of clams, ranging in size from the tiny quahog to the giant geoduck.
Clams are filter feeders, using their gills to strain microscopic algae and other small organisms from the water.
Clams are a popular food in many places, and people have been gathering them for a long time.
Fresh clams can be steamed, baked, or fried, while canned and dried clams are also common.
Clams can also be used to make clam chowder, a thick soup traditionally made with milk or cream.
Here’s a list of the health benefits of clams.
- Clams might be good for your heart.
- Clams could help prevent neurodegenerative diseases.
- Clams might keep you from getting anemia.
- Clams may help the body make more collagen.
- Clams might keep you from getting rheumatoid arthritis.
- Clams may help keep blood pressure in check.
- Clams could make the immune system stronger.
- Clams may make men more fertile.
- Clams might help heal wounds.
- Clams may support your muscles.
- Clams provide antioxidants.
- Clams are good for your nervous system.
- Clams might be good for lowering cholesterol.
- Clams may be good for the health of your thyroid.
Please continue reading if you want to discover more!
1. Clams May Promote Heart Health
Clams contain omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to be beneficial to heart health.
A study found that eating clams may help reduce the risk of heart disease.
The study looked at data from over 24,000 people from eight different countries.
The participants who ate the most clams had a significantly lower risk of developing heart disease than those who ate the least amount of clams.
Researchers think that the omega-3 fatty acids in clams may help protect against heart disease by reducing inflammation and improving blood lipid levels.
2. Could Aid In The Prevention Of Neurodegenerative Disorders
Clams could potentially aid in the prevention of neurodegenerative disorders.
Neurons break down in these conditions, which can lead to Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease.
Clams contain a high amount of a substance called choline, which is essential for the health of neurons.
Choline helps maintain the structure of cell membranes and keeps harmful toxins from building up in cells, which can damage them.
In addition, choline is involved in the production of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that plays a role in memory and learning.
Even though more research needs to be done to find out if clams really can help prevent neurodegenerative diseases, there are signs that this simple shellfish could one day be used to treat these painful diseases.
3. This Shellfish May Aid In The Prevention Of Anemia
Clams are a good source of iron, and iron is essential for the body to make hemoglobin.
Hemoglobin is what carries oxygen in the blood. So, eating clams may help to prevent anemia, which is a condition where there is not enough oxygen in the blood.
Clams are also a good source of other nutrients, like zinc and vitamin B12.
These nutrients are important for the body to make new red blood cells.
Red blood cells carry oxygen throughout the body, so having enough of them is important for good health.
Eating clams regularly may help to keep your iron levels up and prevent anemia.
4. May Be Beneficial To Collagen Production
Clams may help promote collagen production.
Collagen is a protein that is found in the skin, bones, and connective tissues.
It is responsible for providing structure and support to these areas of the body.
As we get older, our bodies tend to make less collagen, which can cause wrinkles and other signs of aging skin.
Eating clams may help the body make more collagen, which can help reduce the look of wrinkles and improve the health of the skin as a whole.
Clams are a good source of protein, and they also have other nutrients like vitamin C, zinc, and copper that are needed to make collagen.
5. May Aid In The Prevention Of Rheumatoid Arthritis (My Favorite Health Benefit Of Clams)
A study found that people who ate more than two servings of clams per week had a lower risk of developing the disease.
Clams are a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, which have anti-inflammatory properties.
They also have a lot of vitamin D, which has been shown to help prevent autoimmune diseases.
The study’s lead author said that while the findings need to be confirmed in larger studies, they suggest that dietary interventions like eating more clams could help prevent rheumatoid arthritis.
White wine may also aid in the treatment of arthritis. You may find out more about its health benefits by going here.
6. May Aid With Blood Pressure Regulation
Clams may also help with blood pressure regulation.
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a major risk factor for heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease.
There are many different factors that can contribute to hypertension, including diet.
A high-salt diet can make the body hold on to water and raise blood pressure.
Clams are a low-sodium food that can help reduce blood pressure.
They are also a good source of magnesium, which is another nutrient that helps with blood pressure regulation.
Also, clams have an amino acid called L-arginine in them that has been shown to lower blood pressure.
7. Clams Could Strengthen The Immune System
Clams are high in a variety of nutrients, including iron, magnesium, phosphorus, and zinc.
Clams also contain a type of protein called lectin, which has been shown to have immune-boosting properties.
Studies in both animals and humans have shown that consuming clams can increase levels of immunoglobulin A (IgA), an antibody that helps protect the body against infection.
IgA is found in mucous membranes, such as the respiratory tract and gut, where it provides a first line of defense against pathogens.
If you eat clams often, it may help strengthen your immune system and make you less likely to get sick.
8. May Aid Male Fertility
Researchers found that a compound found in clams can help improve sperm motility.
The compound, known as N-acetylglucosamine (NAG), is thought to help improve the quality of sperm by increasing its motility.
The study’s lead author said that the findings could lead to the development of new treatments for male infertility.
Even though more research needs to be done to confirm these results, they point to a possible new way to help couples who are having trouble getting pregnant.
9. Clams May Help With Wound Healing
Clams are not only delicious seafood, but they may also have wound-healing properties.
A study has found that a compound found in clams can help repair damaged tissue.
The study was conducted on rats, and it was found that the compound helped to reduce inflammation and promote healing.
The compound is called N-acetylglucosamine, and it is thought to work by stimulating the production of collagen.
This is exciting news for those who suffer from chronic wounds, as N-acetylglucosamine may help speed up the healing process.
More research is needed to confirm these findings, but there is potential that clams could be used to treat wounds in humans.
(Freshwater Clam Extract Supplementation Improves Wound Healing)
10. May Support Your Muscles
Clams may support your muscles by providing a good source of protein.
Clams are also a good source of iron, which is important for carrying oxygen to your muscles.
Additionally, clams are a good source of magnesium, which is important for energy production in your muscles.
Lemon verbena may also be beneficial to your muscles. You may learn more about its health advantages by clicking here.
11. Clams Contain Antioxidants
Clams are a type of shellfish that contains antioxidants.
Antioxidants are beneficial because they help protect cells from damage.
Clams are a good source of antioxidants because they contain high levels of vitamins C and E.
Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps to protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.
Vitamin E is an antioxidant that helps to protect cells from damage caused by ultraviolet light.
Clams also contain selenium, which is an antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage caused by toxins.
(The Antioxidant Potential Of The New Zealand Surf Clams)
12. Support Nervous System Health (Good Source Of Vitamin B12)
Clams are not only delicious seafood, but they also offer a range of health benefits.
One of these benefits is supporting the health of the nervous system.
Clams are full of omega-3 fatty acids, which are very important for the health of the brain and nervous system.
These fatty acids can help reduce inflammation in the body and protect against cognitive decline.
In addition to omega-3 fatty acids, clams also contain high levels of iron.
Iron is essential for the proper function of the nervous system.
It helps carry oxygen to the brain and is necessary for the production of neurotransmitters.
Clams are also high in vitamin B12, which is essential for nervous system health.
If you’re looking for a delicious way to support your nervous system health, add some clams to your next meal!
13. Clams May Help Reduce Cholesterol
Clams are also a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to reduce cholesterol levels.
A study found that people who ate three ounces of clams daily for eight weeks had lower levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol and higher levels of HDL (good) cholesterol.
Clams are a healthy option for people who are looking to reduce their cholesterol levels.
14. May Be Beneficial To Thyroid Health
Clams are an excellent source of iodine, and iodine is essential for thyroid health.
In fact, iodine deficiency is the leading cause of hypothyroidism.
Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough hormones.
This can lead to weight gain, fatigue, and depression.
Iodine isn’t the only nutrient that clams offer.
They’re also a good source of selenium, zinc, and copper.
All of these nutrients are important for thyroid health.
Selenium helps convert thyroxine (a hormone produced by the thyroid) into its active form.
Zinc is involved in many aspects of thyroid function.
In the meantime, copper helps regulate zinc levels in the body.
Conclusion
Clams are not only a delicious seafood option, but they also offer many health benefits.
They are a good source of protein, iron, and omega-3 fatty acids, and they also contain high levels of vitamins and minerals.
Clams are low in calories and fat, and they are a good choice for people who are looking to improve their overall health.
Clams may aid with rheumatoid arthritis, which is my favorite health advantage.
Although it is not the same as my gouty arthritis, the fact that it is called “arthritis” is a benefit for me. Lol.
I don’t think I’m planning to eat clams very soon, though.
Which of these do you believe you’ll require to maintain or improve your health?
Before eating clams, consult with your doctor to ensure that it is safe for you to do so.
This is especially important if you can’t eat clams because of a medical condition.
I’ve written a few blog posts about different seafoods that might be good for your health. You can learn more about them by clicking here.
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Thank you!