What Are the Benefits of Mussels?

Mussels, a type of saltwater or freshwater mollusk, count as protein foods under the United States Department of Agriculture ChooseMyPlate nutritional guidelines. Consuming mussels helps you get the 5 to 6.5 ounces of protein foods recommended daily. Mussels also provide a range of essential nutrients that benefit your health.

Protein

One of the nutritional benefits of eating mussels is increased protein intake. Proteins help maintain the function of every cell in your body — some proteins provide structural support to maintain the shape of your cells, some drive metabolic reactions required to generate useable energy and others allow for cellular communication to ensure that each of your cells works together to maintain your overall health. Dietary protein provides a source of amino acids, the nutrients your body requires to make these proteins. Each 1-cup serving of mussels contains almost 18 grams of protein, about 30 percent of the daily protein requirements for an average 150-pound person, according to Iowa State University Extension.

Selenium

Mussels also offer health benefits due to their selenium content. Selenium, an essential mineral, helps support protein function. One class of enzymes, called selenoproteins, relies on the presence of selenium to regulate its activity. Consuming enough selenium allows these enzymes to carry out a range of functions — controlling thyroid hormone levels, supporting muscle function, and facilitating sperm production in men. Eating 1 cup of mussels boosts your selenium intake by 67.2 micrograms, more than the 55 micrograms required daily by adult men and women, according to the Linus Pauling Institute.

Vitamin A

Buy fresh mussels online to increase your intake of vitamin A. Adequate vitamin A intake nourishes your eyes, skin and immune system, and aids in the production of new red blood cells. Each 1-cup serving of mussels contains 240 international units of vitamin A, providing 10 percent of the recommended daily intake for women and 8 percent for men, according to the Linus Pauling Institute.

Eating More Mussels

Perhaps the simplest ways to prepare mussels is by steaming or boiling — these cooking methods allow you to easily monitor the cooking progress to avoid overcooking and also offer a reduced-fat cooking option since they do not call for the addition of oil. Season of buy mussels online with a splash of white wine and fresh herbs for consumption on their own or add cooked mussels to pasta dishes, casseroles, or salads.