Here's Why Scallops Are Not Only Good, But Also Healthy (2024)

10.12.2022

Among the many culinary treasures that seafood presents, one of the most delightful offerings is scallops. Best described as sweet and buttery, scallops also have a distinct but subtle briny flavor – reflecting the scent of ocean water. In fact, the brininess is a prime indicator of freshly caught and cooked scallops.

There’s no doubt that scallops are simply delicious, but that’s not the only good reason to enjoy fresh scallops. Did you know that they are also packed with amazing nutrients? There are a lot of health benefits to eating scallops, and we’re here to highlight a few.

What Makes Scallop a Healthy Delicacy?

The main health benefits of scallops lie in their nutritional value. As per theU.S Department of Agriculture,100 grams of scallops, when steamed or boiled, contains the following nutrients:

Calories: 137 kcal

Scallops have a moderate calorie count. In addition, due to their rich flavor, scallops are best enjoyed in small portions. So you can include a little salmon in your diet now and then without worrying about your calorie intake.

Protein: 24g

Like most shellfish, scallops are also rich in protein, making them the perfect option for people seeking to gain a healthy weight and increase muscle mass. The protein in scallops also includes trace amounts of taurine, and the fact that they are low in calories but high in protein means that they can be a great addition to your weight-loss diet.

Here's Why Scallops Are Not Only Good, But Also Healthy (2)

Omega-3 fatty acids: 205 mg

Scallops are a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids. They improve cardiac health, preventing strokes and heart attacks, maintaining blood pressure, and lowering cholesterol levels. Overall, they can help to reduce the possibility of cardiac problems.

Vitamin B12: 2.53 µg

Vitamin B12 is essential for brain development, nerve cells, and the regular production of RBCs. Thedaily requirement of vitamin B12for adults is 1.5 µg daily, and 100g of scallops alone provides way more than that amount. So if you want to increase your vitamin B12 intake, it’s about time you include scallops into your diet.

Minerals

Scallops contain substantial minerals such as calcium, magnesium, iron, potassium, phosphorus, selenium, copper, and zinc. They are all important minerals that play key roles in our bodily functions.

Calciumpromotes healthy bones and joints.

Magnesiumis a multipurpose nutrient that improves muscular as well as cardiac health.

Ironis needed for the formation of RBCs.

Here's Why Scallops Are Not Only Good, But Also Healthy (4)

Potassiumis crucial to maintaining nerve functions and muscular contractions, especially the cardiac muscles regulating heartbeat.

Phosphorushelps in the proper growth of bones and teeth.

Seleniumis an important part of different proteins and enzymes used in DNA formation, and some protect the cells and prevent infections.

Copperalso has multiple functions, such as energy production, iron metabolism, brain, and nervous system development, and boosting the body’s immune system.

Zincis also important for the immune system and improves healing and cellular regeneration.

Among all these minerals, phosphorus and potassium are found in larger quantities in scallops. All in all, scallops are packed with all these precious minerals, offering multiple health benefits.

Low fat

Scallops are not just low in calories and cholesterol, but also low in most unhealthy saturated fats, so they’re great for weight management. Whether you’re looking to gain or lose weight, scallops can be an excellent part of your regular diet.

Having said that, you should also factor in the cooking method for salmon. For example, searing salmons in butter will increase the fat percentage of the dish. It’s much healthier to prepare boiled or steamed salmon. Even if fried or seared, it should be done in low quantities of oil or butter.

Here's Why Scallops Are Not Only Good, But Also Healthy (5)

Here's Why Scallops Are Not Only Good, But Also Healthy (6)

Considering all these benefits, it’s amazing to realize that scallops are not just a treat for the taste buds but also a super healthy, nutrient-packed meal.

On the one hand, you get to enjoy the smooth, creamy, briny flavor of scallops which is an absolute delight. And on the other hand, even your body benefits from all the nutrition. It’s truly a remarkable combination of taste and health.

At PRIME Steak & Seafood, you can experience the delicacy of fresh salmon, prepared to perfection by our expert chefs. We ensure that the salmon retains its natural flavor while being complemented by additional elements so that you can enjoy the best seafood dining. Whether it’s scallops that you’re craving or some of thebest premium steaks in McAllen, PRIME is the place where you can find it all to your heart’s desire. Drop by our restaurant for a fine dining experience, or contact us for more information.

Here's Why Scallops Are Not Only Good, But Also Healthy (2024)

FAQs

Here's Why Scallops Are Not Only Good, But Also Healthy? ›

Scallops are a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids. They improve cardiac health, preventing strokes and heart attacks, maintaining blood pressure, and lowering cholesterol levels. Overall, they can help to reduce the possibility of cardiac problems.

Are scallops healthy or unhealthy? ›

Scallops are widely considered one of the healthiest seafoods. Made up of 80% protein and sporting a low fat content, they can help you feel fuller longer and are rich in vitamins and minerals. They are also a great source of antioxidants.

Why do I feel better after eating scallops? ›

Scallops are rich in vitamin B12, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids. Getting enough of these nutrients is essential for brain development and is associated with a reduced risk of mental decline and mood issues.

What is the issue with scallops? ›

Scallops harvested from prohibited waters may be contaminated with human pathogens, toxic elements or poisonous or deleterious substances and can cause illness if consumed. Scallops are filter feeders that remove and bioaccumulate bacteria and other pathogens from the water.

Which is healthier, scallops or shrimp? ›

Although shrimp is relatively high in cholesterol, it can still be a part of a heart-healthy diet. This is because it contains a high amount of 'good' cholesterol. Scallops are low in cholesterol and therefore do not pose a risk of raising your cholesterol levels. They are also low in saturated fats.

Is scallops high in mercury? ›

Scallops are one of the species with the lowest amount of mercury, with average amounts of 0.003 ppm and higher amounts at 0.033 ppm.

Are scallops bottom feeders? ›

Shrimp and Scallops are bottom feeders. keep the ocean clean.

How to know if scallops are bad? ›

If you inspect your scallops and notice grayish spots or yellow discoloration, this can be a sign your scallops have begun to go bad. One of the easiest ways to tell if your scallops have spoiled is by doing the smell test. Fresh seafood should not have an offensively strong fishy or sour odor to it.

Do scallops cause inflammation? ›

Scallops are rich in potassium and magnesium, both of which help manage blood pressure and protect the heart from disease (7). They also contain omega 3 fatty acids which helps to keep cholesterol under control and reduce inflammation of the arteries and tissue damage to arterial walls (11).

What bacteria is in scallops? ›

Vibrio infections often begin when people eat raw or undercooked seafood: oysters, mussels, clams and scallops, or seafood that was harvested from contaminated water. It usually takes one day to three days to get sick after Vibrio enters the body. Another way Vibrio enters is through an open cut or scrape.

Can I eat scallops every day? ›

Low fat. Scallops are not just low in calories and cholesterol, but also low in most unhealthy saturated fats, so they're great for weight management. Whether you're looking to gain or lose weight, scallops can be an excellent part of your regular diet.

What is the cleanest seafood to eat? ›

While there are a number of healthy seafood options available, sardines, salmon, oysters, mackerel, trout, and clams are among the most nutritious and sustainable choices. Try preparing these seafood options using cooking methods like baking and sautéing for an easy and delicious way to support your health.

Are scallops bad for cholesterol? ›

Scallops are low in cholesterol and saturated fat, and people can eat them as part of a nutritious diet. However, adding extra ingredients, such as butter, to scallops can increase the dish's saturated fat content, so people should bear this in mind when ordering in a restaurant or cooking scallops at home.

Is scallops high in bad cholesterol? ›

Scallops are low in cholesterol and saturated fat, and people can eat them as part of a nutritious diet. However, adding extra ingredients, such as butter, to scallops can increase the dish's saturated fat content, so people should bear this in mind when ordering in a restaurant or cooking scallops at home.

Are scallops or oysters healthier? ›

Scallops are rich in magnesium, B12, zinc, selenium and loads of protein. Oysters: They're the most nutrient dense, most expensive and taste pretty dang good with lemon juice and hot sauce.

Are bay scallops or sea scallops healthier? ›

Bay scallops and sea scallops practically tie in the nutrition department, giving you a low-calorie, low-fact food that's high in protein and omega-3 fatty acids. For a 4-ounce serving of either type of scallop, you can get between 15 and 20 grams of protein for only about 100 calories.

What's the healthiest way to eat scallops? ›

Cook them at high heat, moisten them and don't cook them for too long. Making sure they are healthy is the easiest part. Simply don't add anything that contains large amounts of fat, sugar or salt. A 450 F oven, a sprinkle of lemon juice and pepper and 10 minutes is all you need for scrumptious baked scallops.

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