As Sri Lankans, we have a great love for seafood, don't we? Prawns, squid, crabs, and various types of fish are indispensable to our table. But have you ever heard of a type of shellfish called 'Whelks'? You probably have. This is also a very tasty and nutritious seafood. Today, we will talk about these strangely named 'Whelks' and how good they are for our health.
What exactly are these 'Whelks'?
Simply put, whelks are a type of sea creature with a shell that belongs to the family of sea snails. Scientifically, they are known as `(Buccinum undatum)`. They are mostly found in the Atlantic Ocean, especially along the northeastern coast of America and along the coasts of countries in Europe such as the United Kingdom, France, and Norway. However, different varieties of this species can be found in other parts of the world as well.
Imagine, a creature with a spiky, spiny shell, buried in the sand at the bottom of the sea. That's how you see them. They are carnivores, which means they eat other creatures. Their main food is small animals like clams and worms that live on the bottom of the sea.
How do you cook these? How do they taste?
Let's say you brought whelks from a supermarket or fish market. Now how do you prepare them?
1. Cleaning: The most important thing to do first is to clean them well. Scrub the shells well with cold water and rinse. If there is any sand or mud, it should all be gone.
2. Boiling: Next, put water in a pot, add a little salt to it and bring it to a boil. When the water boils, add the cleaned whelks. The most important thing is, don't overcook them! Boiling for a few minutes is enough. If you overcook them, the meat will become rubbery.
3. Serving: These are usually served in the shell. They are delicious when eaten with a little vinegar. Or you can remove the meat from the shell and add it to a pasta, noodle, or seafood salad. Like all seafood, whelks are best eaten fresh in the shell.
Speaking of taste, it has not only a salty taste like the regular oysters we eat, but also a slightly sweet taste. When boiled properly, the meat is very soft and has a chewy texture.
Health benefits of whelks for our body
This little sea creature is a nutritionally rich superfood. It is packed with protein, iron, potassium, vitamin B12, and vitamin E. It is also rich in essential minerals like zinc, copper, magnesium, phosphorus, and selenium. The best part is that it is very low in fat. Therefore , it does not increase bad cholesterol levels.
Let's see what the main benefits of this nutritional value are.
| Nutrients | The main health benefit |
|---|---|
| Omega-3 Fatty Acids | Protects heart health and reduces the risk of heart disease. |
| Protein `(Protein)` | Repairs body cells and is essential for growth. |
| Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) | Helps brain function and the nervous system. Beneficial for conditions like Alzheimer's. |
| Iron | It helps carry oxygen throughout the body, prevents anemia, and is important for brain development. |
| Zinc, Copper | Helps produce red and white blood cells and strengthen the immune system. |
| Antioxidants | It controls free radicals that damage the body's cells and reduces the risk of cancer. |
| Magnesium, Selenium `(Magnesium, Selenium)` | It makes hair healthy, reduces problems like hair loss and dandruff. |
| Vitamin A | Improves vision, especially preventing conditions like night blindness. |
Great for heart health
The omega-3 fatty acids in whelks are a heart's best friend. These fatty acids reduce inflammation in blood vessels, help control blood pressure, and help reduce the levels of harmful fats in the blood. Therefore, regularly including whelks in your diet can reduce the risk of heart attacks and other heart diseases .
For brain function and memory
Vitamin B12 is essential for our brain and nervous system. Whelks are a food rich in vitamin B12. Research has found that vitamin B12 helps control the symptoms of age-related memory loss, especially Alzheimer's disease. Iron also improves the supply of oxygen to the brain, which improves memory and learning ability .
Helps to lose weight
If you are trying to lose weight, Whelks are a must-have in your diet. The reason is that they are high in protein, but very low in fat and calories. Protein makes you feel full quickly, which helps control overeating. Protein also helps build muscle.
For healthy skin and hair
One of the reasons for hair loss and baldness is a deficiency of minerals like magnesium and selenium in the body. Fortunately, whelks are a good source of both of these minerals. They also contain protein and vitamin B12, which are essential nutrients for healthy, strong hair growth. Therefore, eating whelks can improve the health of your hair and skin .
Things to be careful about
Although whelks are a very healthy food, there are a few things we need to be careful of.
- Allergies: Some people can be allergic to seafood, especially shellfish. If you have had an allergic reaction (itching, difficulty breathing) to other shellfish, be very careful before eating whelks. If you are unsure, it is best to consult your doctor .
- Cook thoroughly: As with any seafood, whelks must be cooked thoroughly. Eating them raw or undercooked can cause food poisoning.
- Freshness: Always buy fresh whelks. Stale seafood is unhealthy.
In general, like anything else, whelks should be eaten in moderation. Adding them to your diet once or twice a week can provide these health benefits.
Take-Home Message
- Whelks are a very nutritious and delicious type of shellfish.
- They are rich in essential nutrients such as protein, vitamin B12, iron, zinc, and omega-3.
- Eating whelks is very beneficial for heart health, brain function, boosting immunity, and weight control.
- These are low in fat, so they do not raise bad cholesterol levels.
- When eating whelks, always choose fresh ones, clean them thoroughly, and make sure to cook them completely.
- If you have seafood allergies, talk to your doctor before trying whelks.
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