The health benefits of mussels

At EP Seafoods, we know that when you prise open a mussel shell you won’t just find a tasty sweet morsel… you’ll also discover one of nature’s ultimate superfoods.

Packed with vitamins and minerals that your body needs, introducing mussels into your diet can bring a whole host of unexpected health benefits. And being quick to cook, cheap to buy and sustainably harvested means eating mussels is a no brainer.

Here, we highlight the incredible benefits of mussels, as well as their abundance of health benefits and completely natural contribution to sustainability.

Flex your mussels to boost your health

Mussels naturally contain an impressive amount of vitamins and minerals. So it’s no surprise when a Deakin University study found that mussels can improve your health.

A lecturer in Deakin’s Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition says mussels are brimming with omega-3, an essential fatty acid needed for proper brain development, heart health and reducing inflammatory conditions, such as arthritis.

It’s recommended that if you’re not meeting your omega-3 requirements, mussels are a perfect protein to introduce to your diet a few times a week.

Other incredible health benefits of mussels include:

• More protein and iron per calorie than a fillet of steak! Mussels are a great way to get a protein fix for muscle development, and you’ll feel fuller for longer.

• Rich in vitamins A and B12, which your skin, eyes and immune system will thank you for.

• Full of zinc to aid in building a strong immune system.

• Natural source of iodine, which is needed to regulate your thyroid hormones. These hormones control the body’s metabolism.

• Selenium for healthy, glowing skin.

On top of all of this, mussels are low in fat… but high in flavour. Add a few herbs and you can dig into a healthy meal that packs a flavour punch.

Healthy and easy to cook

Mussels are a super quick food you can feel good about. They don’t need to be reserved for a fancy entree or a special occasion.

And for Richard Longden, Sales and Marketing Manager at EP Seafoods, he’s passionate about seeing more Australians fall in love with mussels and enjoying them from the comfort of their own homes.

“We’re putting a lot of work into our marketing and videos to showcase and explain just how easy it is to cook mussels. People don’t need to wait until they visit a restaurant to get their mussel fix. You can enjoy mussels in your family meals,” says Richard.

“Mussels are quick and easy, and best of all… packed full of delicious flavour.”

So whether you’re looking for a super-satisfying snack or a protein-rich meal you can whip up for the family, mussels are overflowing with nutrients and ocean fresh flavour.

Simply steam your fresh mussels, toss them in your favourite sauce… and dinner is on the table. Simple, healthy and delicious.

The perfect sustainable superfood

The lecturer at Deakin’s Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition also says that mussels play an important role in keeping our waters clean and in balance.

Did you know that farmed Australian blue mussels are one of the most sustainable seafood choices? In fact, if we didn’t have mussels in the oceans… mother nature would pay the price!

Every day, one mussel filters up to 20 litres of seawater. As they feed off the natural upwellings of nutrients, they filter out phytoplankton and sediments.

Because of this, you don’t need to add any artificial food to feed the mussels, that can add unnecessary waste to the environment. Mussels essentially clean the water as they go. This can help prevent algae blooms from occurring and harming the marine ecosystem.

“Not only do mussels do their hard work in the water, but the amount of greenhouse gas emissions required to produce mussels are incredibly low. Mussel shells also capture carbon in the atmosphere, making them extremely eco-friendly superfoods,” says Richard.

There’s simply more to these little morsels than a tasty meal.

Ready to introduce mussels into your diet?

It’s never been easier – grab a packet from our range of premium mussels from your local supermarket or specialty seafood retailer and you’ll be on your way to a healthy feast. Mussels are good for you and the ocean – discover how mussels are the most sustainable seafood on offer.