Health Benefits of Squid

Squid as food are prepared in different ways in different countries. It can be grilled, added to various cooking preparations including pasta, or fried in cooking oil either plain or battered and served with a choice of dips including lemon, ketchup, mayonnaise, olive oil, and soy sauce.

 For every 3 oz (85 g) of cooked squid, these are some of the nutrients and health giving goodness it does to the body

1.       Helps the body  absorb and utilize iron (copper)

Squid can provide the body with 90% of copper, a trace mineral which plays a role in the absorption, storage and metabolism of iron and the formation of red blood cells (RBC). Copper deficiency may show in the form of anemia.

2.        Lowers inflammation (selenium)

rheumatoid arthritis have low selenium levels in their blood. In addition, selenium is also an antioxidant which may help relieve symptoms of arthritis by controlling free radicals. Squid contains 63% of selenium.

3.       Helps maintain healthy skin, muscles, hair and nails (protein)

Protein is one of the essential nutrients that the human body needs to keep it healthy. It has many health benefits, one of the most important is keeping the skin, muscles, hair and nails in top shape. Good sources of complete protein come from animals and that includes the squid.

4.       Helps ease migraine headaches (vitamin B2)

Squid are rich in vitamin B2 (riboflavin), a nutrient which several studies have shown lowers the frequency and duration of migraines. Although findings were preliminary, research data suggest that riboflavin supplementation may be a good addition to migraine prevention treatment.

5.        Builds bones and teeth (phosphorous)

Just like fish and shrimps, squid is also packed with the mineral phosphorus. Phosphorus aids calcium in building bones and teeth.

6.       Helps lower risk of heart disease (vitamin B12)

Squid are good sources of vitamin B12, one of the nutrients which have shown to lower homocystein levels in the body. Individuals with elevated homocystein levels have shown to have higher rates of stroke, heart attack and death from heart disease compared to those with normal levels.

7.       Helps stabilize blood sugar levels (vitamin B3)

Eating these marine cephalopods may helps stabilize sugar levels with the help of their supply of vitamin B3.

8.       Boost immune system (zinc)

Squid are good sources of zinc. Individuals who are deficient in zinc have shown to be susceptible to a range of infectious organisms.

9.       Relaxes nerves and muscles  (magnesium)

Squid is a good source of magnesium called the “smoothie mineral” because of its ability to relax nerves and muscles.

10.   Helps lower blood pressure level.

Being a good source of potassium, squid helps regulate blood pressure levels.

In addition to the 10 nutrients mentioned above, squid also contains vitamin C, folate, calcium, iron and manganese.

Cholesterol alert

If you’re watching your cholesterol intake, you should consider moderating your squid consumption as this cephalopod contains one of the highest cholesterol content among seafoods at 221 mg or 74% for every 3 oz serving size.