Eat Oysters: A Delicious Way to Avoid Zinc Deficiency

Are you getting enough zinc? Zinc is a trace mineral that is mostly found in foods. Many people are not aware that they are not getting enough zinc, and are at risk of zinc deficiency. This is because zinc deficiency symptoms are either rarely felt or usually misdiagnosed as another illness.

A lot of people would usually combat zinc deficiency by taking a zinc supplement, but not all zinc supplements in the market today are as reliable as they seem. It is still more advisable to go for a dietary approach to combat zinc deficiency.

Oysters are an example of a food that's rich in zinc. Its zinc content can be compared to other protein-rich products like beef, lamb, and fish. In fact, six medium-sized oysters can give you as much as 513 percent of the recommended daily amount of zinc. That's a lot, considering that a three-ounce slab of beef only gives you 59 percent!

Oysters are a good addition to your diet because they can be included in various recipes and cooked in different ways. One popular example is the Oysters Rockefeller, created by Jules Alciatore, the grandson of the founder of the famous Antoine Restaurant in New Orleans. The name was coined because the oysters were cooked with a lot of butter, making it "as rich as the Rockefeller family."

While many people enjoy their oysters cooked and aptly seasoned, many food connoisseurs sneer at this habit, believing that oysters are best enjoyed raw: fresh from the ocean, swimming in their natural salty juice, and with a squeeze of lemon. But health experts warn about the risks of eating raw oysters, believing it may harbor unwanted and potentially dangerous toxins.

When cooking and eating oysters, here are some tips you should remember.

• Buy fresh oysters from a reliable source. Oysters should usually be eaten as soon as possible after buying them, but they can also be stored in the fridge for up to two days. When serving oysters raw, makes sure to eat them immediately after shucking (opening).
• If serving oysters raw and in their shells, make sure you clean the oysters well. Scrub them thoroughly with a brush to remove dirt and debris.
• Before serving, place the oysters in a large tray and cover with a damp towel.
• Steaming and baking are the two most popular ways of cooking oysters. You can also add them to your favorite dishes, such as in soups and stews.
• Cook oysters with care. Be careful not to overcook them, as they will become extremely chewy and rubbery. The best way to gauge if they're cooked aptly is to check out if the thin edges are curling. If they are, then you should remove the oysters from heat.
• Refrain from adding salt to your oysters, as they are naturally salty. Try pepper and other herbs instead, like paprika, thyme, parsley, and fennel seed.
• Try not to overindulge in oysters, as they may give you indigestion. Six to 12 oysters per person is enough.

Eating oysters is a good option for people with zinc deficiency. Just remember these simple tips when cooking this wonderful seafood.

Candelaria Borders was diagnosed with zinc deficiency two years ago. Ever since then, she decided to change her diet, hoping to improve her overall health. She now includes a variety of meats and seafood in her meals, including oysters. She also shares various cooking tips online, hoping to encourage other people to live a holistic life to avoid zinc deficiency and other nutritional deficiencies.

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Keywords: zinc deficiency

By: Candelaria Borders

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