Calamari: Although “calamari” can refer to any type of edible squid, it usually refers to small fried squid. It is a member of the mollusk family, related to octopus. Calamari should be firm and chewy with a slightly sweet taste.
Uses
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For healthy nutrition. Mostly used in the Mediterranean cuisine.
Benefits
- Calories and Fat: Plain, uncooked calamari is exceptionally low in calories and fat. Sushi squid, without any additives, has a mere 26 calories per ounce, and less than half a gram of fat. However, if you don’t fancy raw calamari, be careful about cooking methods. Calamari is often served fried, which makes it significantly less healthy. A 1 cup serving of breaded, deep-fried squid has 205 calories and 15 percent of the daily value for fat.
- Protein: Calamari is a good source of protien. An ounce of plain squid offers 4.4 grams of protein, or about 9 percent of the daily value. Protein is well known for its role in building healthy muscles, but is also important to dieters because it helps keep your appetite under control. The body processes protein slowly, helping you stay full, according to the book “The End of Overeating: Taking Control of the Insatiable American Appetite.”
- Vitamins and Minerals: Calamari provides essential vitamins and minerals. A mere 1 ounce provides 9 percent of the daily value for calcium, 6.1 percent of the daily value for vitamin B12, 2.8 percent of the daily value for zinc, and 2 percent of the daily value for vitamin C. The Epicurious Food Dictionary also reports squid is a good source of phosphorus.
- Low Mercury Content: In recent years, government agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency have expressed concern over the rising mercury content in fish and seafood. Mercury gets into the oceans as the result of pollution. However, not all fish and seafood are the same when it comes to mercury. The EPA reports that squid is one of the best fish to eat, since it tends to contain very low amounts of mercury.
Cautions
n/a
Interactions
Please consult with your doctor.
Other names
squid
References
Source: LiveStrong, http://www.livestrong.com/article/338837-the-health-benefits-of-calamari/
Healthyeating, http://healthyeating.sfgate.com/calamari-healthy-4149.html