Women’s health is important not only in terms of weight but your overall fitness and health. That’s why I stress eating healthy meals that are rich in vitamins and nutrients. That’s why today’s discussion is about one of my favorite healthy seafood delicacies, scallops.
The next time you have a chance to eat fresh seafood, try ordering scallops if they are available. Scallops are marine bivalves that live in shells. A white fleshy meat with a mild sweet flavor scallops are found in all the oceans and bay waters. However, the bay scallop is smaller in size than the scallops found in the sea, which can be as large as two inches in diameter. Scallops have a very high nutrient content, with rich quantities of potassium, selenium and magnesium.
Depending on where you live, you can purchase fresh scallops from a fishery or grocery store. Your fishmonger can tell you about the availability in your area, and suggest the best time to purchase scallops.
Not only do scallops taste good, they provide many health benefits too.
• If you have hypertension, scallops can provide relief. The magnesium found in this tasty treat helps to relax blood vessels and lower the risk of hypertension.
• A good source of vitamin B12, eating scallops is a great way to promote cardiovascular health. A woman’s body needs vitamin B12 to convert homocysteine (a chemical that can be hazardous to blood vessel walls) into other benign chemicals.
• Omega-3 fatty polyunsaturated fatty acids present in scallops help to control high blood pressure. These essential fatty acids keep blood pressure levels low and prevent other health problems that are commonly associated with high blood pressure.
• Including scallops in your diet can also protect you from abnormal heart rhythms that could be fatal. This benefit goes for all fish that are rich in omega-3 because they improve the electrical functions of the heart’s cells.
• Eating scallops at least twice a month may protect against ischemic stroke. Ischemic stroke is caused by the lack of blood supply to the brain, as with a clot.
• Provides significant protection against the risks of coronary heart disease. Nutrients present in this fish reduce platelet accumulation and decrease the production of pro-inflammatory compounds called leukotrienes.
• High levels of the nutrient selenium boost the immune system by neutralizing the effect of free radicals.
Before cooking scallops, you’ll want to remove the connective tissue, which is tough and chewy. Pay special attention to your scallops as you cook them. You want them to be tender. Never overcook scallops or any other seafood; this will ruin the texture and the taste.
For delicious recipes that include scallops, seafood, meat, chicken or pork, see the Healthy Cooking section of Fitness4Her.com. I’ve included recipes and meal plans the whole family will enjoy. Best of all, each meal is healthy with low levels of saturated fat, cholesterol, sodium and sugar. Easy to prepare selections for all five meals of the day. There are even party snacks and smoothie treats to choose from. A Members Only privilege, all you have to do is sign up to join. It’s free, fun and informative, so join us now.
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