Did you know that Clams, along with most shellfish, are on the approved foods list for the fast metabolism diet Phase 3?

This should come as no surprise, as clams are a great source of protein, as well as a number of purported health advantages. Separating fact from fiction is essential in understanding the benefits offered by the popular seafood staple, however – so let’s talk about that.

GETTING TO KNOW CLAMS

Clams aren’t just one kind of shellfish. They fall under mollusks, which are a type of seafood that are enclosed in a shell. There are several types of mollusks, like abalone, mussels, oysters, and scallops – and, of course, clams.

Clams come in different sizes, weighing as little as a few ounces to up to 400 lbs. They have a distinct texture and flavor that are difficult to describe, as their living conditions affect their flavor in particular, but they typically have a subtle sea salt taste.

Popular ways of eating clams are as chowder, as a grilled dish, as a steamed and buttered dish, or as an ingredient in soups, stews, and other savory dishes all over the world, like the Japanese tsukudani and the Indian elambakka. They can also be used to create broth or stock for soups (commonly known as clam juice), which is used in many dishes.

Of course, it’s an unavoidable fact that clams are not for everyone; people who have shellfish allergies are most likely allergic to clams. Shellfish allergy is a serious condition, and can be fatal in some cases if not given immediate medical attention.

HOW HEALTHY ARE CLAMS?

Clams are among some of the most nutrient-packed foods available today. Here’s a breakdown of the nutrients found in clams.

In terms of basic nutrients, a single 100g Serving of clams contains 74 calories, 1g fat, 2.6g carbohydrates, and 12.8g protein.  Clams are also great sources of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, containing 198 mg and 16.0 mg of each acid respectively per 100g serving size.

Meanwhile, for the same serving size, clams contain a multitude of vitamins, namely: vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B12, C, D, E, and folate. Clams have among the highest concentration per 100g serving of vitamin B12, sitting at an amazing 49.4 micrograms – equivalent to 824% of the RDI for a healthy adult. The vitamin is essential to keeping our DNA healthy by providing the necessary nutrients for DNA repair; it’s also critical in preventing and addressing megaloblastic anemia, a type of anemia that leaves people feeling weak and constantly tired.

By comparison, a 100g serving of raw lean beef contains only 2.1 micrograms, meeting only 36% of the RDI for iron.

If you think the clam is done, you’re wrong: it’s also heavy with minerals. A 100g serving of clams contains calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, sodium, and zinc. The same serving size meets 78% of the RDI for iron, containing 14g of the mineral.

SUMMING IT UP

So there you have it – the health benefits of eating clam. They may be scarce during COVID-19 quarantine, and freshness is definitely a concern, but if you can get them and can have them, we strongly suggest you do. They’re healthy, they’re tasty, and they’re packed to the shell seams with nutrients. You can’t go wrong with that.

Do you have a favorite clam recipe? Share them with us in the comments!

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