5 Reasons Snails Are About To Become Your New Favorite Health Food

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Given the choice of either pizza or snails (AKA escargot in the world of French cuisine), your pick might be obvious. But when you remove any kind of cultural bias or hesitation, you gotta admit — snails are pretty damn great. If you can look past the shell and slightly slimy texture, you’ll benefit from a serious nutritional boost as well. It’s time to figure out your favorite way to prepare them so you can cash in on these five major health benefits.

1. Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Show your heart some love with the good fats. Snails provide your body with a solid dose of omega-3 fatty acids. Each 100-gram serving contains 119 milligrams of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), which is a long-chain fatty acid in seafood that may lower your risk of heart disease.

2. Lean Protein

Snails contain more protein than most seafood with 16.5 grams of protein per 100-gram serving. It may not be on the same level, protein-wise, as a piece of chicken or beef, but that’s a surprising amount for a tiny snail. So the next time you’re thinking about grilling a steak, maybe try escargot in a garlic and herb butter sauce instead.

3. Selenium

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An important mineral found in soil, selenium plays a key role in your metabolism. Selenium is also known for its antioxidant properties, which help to protect cells from damage and, in turn, may help to prevent certain cancers. Adult men and women need 55 micrograms of selenium each day, and a 3-ounce serving of snails contains about 23.3 micrograms. Studies also suggest that selenium plays an important role in the composition of thyroid hormones, which regulate your metabolism.

4. Minerals

Small but mighty, snails pack in minerals like iron, calcium, magnesium and phosphorus. Your body needs calcium for healthy teeth and bones. When it comes to the transportation of oxygen throughout the body, your body uses iron. Magnesium is a nutrient your body needs to regulate muscle and nerve function, blood sugar levels and blood pressure. And phosphorus helps your body filter waste, repair tissue and cells, manage how it stores and uses energy, and reduce muscle pain after exercise.

5. Vitamins

Hold the coffee — snails can give you an energy boost, too. Snail meat contains vitamins A, B6, B12, K and folate. Vitamin B12 helps keep the body’s nerve and blood cells healthy, and it’s been known to give people a boost of energy. If your body doesn’t get enough B12, you might experience tiredness, weakness and loss of appetite. So the next time you’re at a French restaurant, or any bistro serving escargot, watch and see if you feel an increase in your energy levels after eating a few snails.

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