To live a healthier life we often join gyms, purchase high-fiber and protein shakes, and gamble on extreme diets. You might be surprised to learn that there’s an easy way to make delicious powerhouse foods that won’t break the bank.
“Fresh mussels are packed with important health benefits. They are rich in nutrients without adding calories or fat to meals. This makes them perfect for people who aim to live a life of fitness and health,”Lois Ferguson is a registered dietitian.
Fresh mussels are rich in vitamins and minerals, including phosphorus, folate and manganese. Mussels actually have more iron and vitaminB12 than beef and more vitamin C that some fruits. Blue cultured mussels, unlike pork or beef, are low in saturated fat and high in protein.
“This makes mussels a great choice for entrées as there’s an abundance of delicious ingredients to combine with them to make healthy meals for family and friends,”Ferguson. “Mussels are every bit as versatile as shrimp, for instance, but mussels have only one-third the amount of cholesterol.”
Common expression: Seafood is “brain food,”Studies have shown that long-chain omega-3 fatty acids in our diets can benefit the eyes, brain, and nerves. Ferguson points out that mussels have a similar nutritional value to other meaty fish like halibut.
Mussels also contain a good amount of selenium. This is a mineral that can be used to create antioxidants and vitamins. Dietary antioxidants help to form proteins that protect against oxidative damage.
Enjoy this Thai Mussel Recipe for a nutritious meal.
SWEET THAI MUSSELS
4 pounds fresh PEI mussels
4 oz white wine
2 teaspoons finely chopped red onions
6 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
4 tablespoons fresh chopped cilantro
Half of the lime is squeezed
Use cold water to rinse fresh PEI mussels. All mussels still open should be tapped. Any mussels that are still open should be thrown out.
Place mussels in a sauté pan, adding wine, red onions, sweet chili sauce, cilantro and lime. Allow mussels to steam for about 15 minutes.
Sauté the pan occasionally to ensure the chili sauce coats all the mussels. All mussels that don’t open should be thrown away.
For dipping, serve mussels in a large oval bowl.
Discovermussels.com has more information about mussels
