Health Facts/ benefits of Snails

Snails are one of the many things which  people have contradictory opinions about. while some find it sumptious, others can not stand it's sight.  It's scientific name is gastropoda with over 1000 species. It is consumed in Cameroon mostly by the Bayangi people from the south west region especially as supplement in their native dish Eru. They mostly refer it to in local parlance as ‘Nyamangoro. Regardless of the fact that snails are very tasty, most people find it disgusting usually because of the areas where they are mostly found. According to (Livingsta 2017) , snails can be found in parks and gardens at night under rotten pieces of wood, wet boards that lie on the floor. It could also be as a result of the slimy substance it contains

landsnails on a tree.

 

Aside from being very delicious, snails are very nutritious and provide a lot of health benefits to the human body. Below are some of the health benefits of eating snails:

Meat from snails contains a high quality of protein as well as iron. It is good for people who need a low fat diet with with good amounts of proteins since it contains 15% protein, 80% of water and 24% fats. The low calorie protein is essential for building and repairing muscles. The iron content is essential for building red blood cells.

Also, snails contain omega 3 fatty acids which assist in the development of the brain and memory of children. This acid also helps in the prevention of heart diseases because it makes the arterial organ more elastic and reduces the risk of high blood pressure as well.

 Another very important benefit of eating snails has to do with its vitamin A, E, B1, B3 and B12 contents. Vitamin A is very important for the eyes as it keeps them strong and healthy the other vitamins are significant in the prevention and control of diabetes.  

Thoroughly washed snails

A very interesting fact about Snail slime which is usually considered to be very filthy can actually be processed into material for skin care products. It can be used to treat pimples and clear facial wrinkles as well as regenerate the skin.

Snails also contain high levels of magnesium which is vital for muscle contraction and relaxation. It is also vital for cardiac activity and bone metabolism.

It is however very important to thoroughly cook our snails preferably at 165 degree F for several minutes before eating because some contain a dangerous parasite called rat lungworm which might cause severe damages to our health if not properly cooked.