Key Points on Mussel Consumption

Mussels hold an important place among street food favourites. They are highly appreciated with many options ranging from stuffed mussels to mussel pan-fry. According to experts who point out that attention should be paid to mussels being cultivated in healthy waters, mussels are in the food group with high omega-3 content such as zinc, phosphorus, selenium, iodine, EPA and DHA, alongside their low calorie count. Experts drawing attention to the fact that a 90-gram stuffed mussel prepared with rice corresponds to approximately 75-80 calories recommend consuming 3-4 stuffed mussels per week. Özden Örkçü, Nutrition and Dietetics Specialist at Üsküdar University NPİSTANBUL Brain Hospital, shared important information regarding the healthy consumption of mussels, which rank among the top when it comes to street food favourites. Stating that mussel consumption has become increasingly common in recent years, Özden Örkçü said that mussels are a nutrient-rich food in terms of low calorie and Omega 3 content, but may contain heavy metals due to their cultivation environment.

Food safety certified companies' products should be preferred

Stating that products from companies holding quality certificates with food safety assurance should be preferred, Özden Örkçü said, "To evaluate mussels as a healthy seafood product, you need to know where they were cultivated. Like some other seafood, mussels are in the food group with high omega-3 content such as zinc, phosphorus, selenium, iodine, EPA and DHA, alongside their low calorie count.

How to tell if mussels are fresh?

You can tell if mussels are fresh by looking at their shells. If the shell is closed, the colour is vibrant, and it has a clean outer shell, you can understand that the mussels you bought are fresh. Stale mussels typically have a pale-coloured shell, an open shell and a dirty outer shell.

Stuffed mussels and mussel pan-fry can cause weight gain

When high-calorie mussels such as stuffed mussels with rice pilaf or mussel pan-fry are consumed as a meal or snack, you consume far more than your calorie needs. For this reason, stuffed mussels and mussel pan-fry can become one of the reasons for weight gain.

Mussels should be limited to 3-4 per week

Due to the irresistible taste of stuffed mussels, no one can restrict themselves to just one. Questions from vendors or service staff about how many you want can go up to 5-10 or even 15-20. If it is a question of healthy eating and if we also consider people with weight problems, let us reduce the number of mussels and limit ourselves to 3-4 as a weekly reward.

Can lead to food poisoning

Mussels that love to live in areas where oxide-forming elements like iron exist can lead to food poisoning. In fact, mussels that live with toxic plants can even cause paralysis and even death.

Pregnant and breastfeeding women should not consume

It is beneficial for women, especially during pregnancy and breastfeeding periods, not to consume mussels. Since the pregnancy and breastfeeding period also affects the baby's health, it should not be forgotten that harmful or harmless nutrients such as vitamins and minerals will also pass from the mother to the baby through the placenta.