Oysters are known as a representative health food during the winter season. After spawning in the summer, oysters reach their peak in fall and winter. Oysters, which allow you to enjoy the salty scent of the sea, are also rich in beneficial nutrients for the body. Let's explore the benefits of oysters.

 

Among the nutrients in oysters, excluding moisture, the largest component is protein. Among proteins, it is rich in essential amino acids and calcium, earning it the nickname "sea milk." In particular, oysters contain a high amount of taurine, which is beneficial for brain development, making them good for pregnant women and children. Additionally, the sugar contained in about 5 grams per 100 grams of oysters is mostly glycogen, which is absorbed into the body immediately upon intake and used as an energy source. Furthermore, oysters contain minerals such as iron, which is good for preventing anemia, as well as vitamins A, B, and C.

Oysters have long been recognized as an aphrodisiac food. This is because they are rich in zinc, a component that produces the male hormone testosterone, with 13mg per 100g. Consuming 2 to 3 oysters can sufficiently meet the daily recommended zinc intake (15mg), which affects sperm production.

 

Eating oysters can also be expected to have beauty benefits. The Dongui Bogam records that "Oysters thin the skin and make the complexion beautiful, making them the most precious item in the sea."

 

Various vitamins and mineral components in oysters help make the skin firm and clear. The zinc in oysters regenerates skin tissue and boosts immunity, which also helps prevent acne.

 

To select fresh oysters, you need to carefully examine their appearance. Oysters with shells should be tightly closed and kept in a clean tank. Shelled oysters should have a milky white color with a clear black edge, and the roe should be thick, plump, and firm. Shelled and cleaned oysters should be soaked in 3% saltwater for 10 minutes before rinsing, or mixed with water and radish juice and left for about 5 minutes to help remove impurities. Soaking in water mixed with lemon juice or vinegar can also reduce the fishy smell of oysters.

Meanwhile, there are cases of contracting norovirus food poisoning from eating improperly prepared oysters.

 

In particular, for peeled oysters, products labeled with "for heating" or "cooked before eating" on the packaging must be thoroughly heated before consumption to avoid norovirus. If infected with norovirus, symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, chills, and fever appear after an incubation period of 12 to 48 hours. Norovirus is sensitive to heat, so it is safer to cook oysters by boiling, steaming, or frying rather than consuming them raw.

 

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I can't eat raw oysters very well.

So, things like steamed dishes, rice, and soup.

I like it very much.

I can't eat raw oysters because of their peculiar smell.

 

Oysters must be carefully handled to avoid norovirus.

It's safer to eat after learning how to prepare it.