We all must have probably come across these little creatures crawling slowly in our backyards or in our gardens or bushes especially after it rains. These creatures known as snails are often found in areas that are a bit moist.
Snails, also known as ‘congo meat’ or ‘les escargot’ are also known for their disgusting look but the nutrients they possess is what makes its incorporation in our diet unique and nutritional. They add flavors to certain delicacies.
Nutritional Value
Like any other animal meat, these garden pests possess a hefty amount of protein, little carbohydrate, some fat and other essential nutrients. Iron and other essential minerals, such as potassium and phosphorous are other possessions of this animal.
Snails can be added to stews and soups or could either be fried or roasted as barbecue.
Health Benefits
Snails are a great source of lectin, possessing anti-cancer properties and thus helps in boosting the immune system and fighting cancerous cells.
Also, due to its amount of protein, snail helps in boosting the immune system, thus fighting against certain diseases and illnesses.
Snails contain a good amount of protein which is essential for building and repairing muscles and worn out tissues.
The slime found in snail is extremely rich in allantonin, collagen and elastin, which is beneficial for treatment of skin diseases.
Vitamin B12 gotten from consuming snails helps in making red blood cells and keeping the nervous system healthy.
The toxins excreted by snails are valuable in stimulating dopamine, and this is beneficial for people with neurological disease.
They are rich sources of vitamins too and highly incredibly packed with vitamins A, E and K.
Snails are also good sources of magnesium. Magnesium is needed by our body to maintain a normal blood pressure and heart beat and also strengthen bones.
They serve as ideal weight watchers considering the fact that they are good sources of protein and low in calories and fat.
The mucous exuded by snails contain a copper compound which aids in healing an injury.
Considering these health benefits, and its availability, I hope you get to incorporate snails into your diets.
