Getting Acquainted with The Octopus
The octopus is a cephalopod mollusc, a cousin to the squid and the cuttlefish. It may be one of the most intelligent and behaviorally flexible invertebrates in the seas. Large or small, the octopi have the striking ability to defend themselves from predators. They can shoot ink at their enemies before swimming away, jet through the water with ease and speed, change their camouflage to hide, and squeeze into tight spaces.
However, they also make up many cuisines, becoming delicious ingredients in many dishes around the globe. In particular, the Japanese, Polynesians and Mediterraneans make them part of their diet. Do you know that they are also nutritious and healthy?
As with all seafoods, the octopus is lean and low in calories. However naturally low-fat, its cholesterol content is high. One 3-ounce serving of octopus provides less than 2 grams of total fat, including less than .5 gram from saturated fat. So it is important to employ low-fat cooking so as not add to the fat content.
What important nutrients in octopus makes it a healthy dish? It is rich in essential minerals such as calcium, potassium, phosphorus and selenium which help the body in performing vital functions. It has vitamin A, useful for healthy vision, and vitamin C for boosting the immune system. Taurine is also present and as an antioxidant, prevent macular degeneration and other serious eye diseases. Taurine also decreases blood pressure and cholesterol levels, preventing arteriosclerosis.
Octopus is a great source of essential omega-3 fatty acids, very effective in reducing the risk of heart disease, cancer and depression. They enhance brain development in children. The essential fatty acids found in octopi are beneficial in preventing diseases like chronic bronchitis and Alzheimer’s disease. Even studies state that they have a useful fat that lowers the risk of developing asthma or improve its symptoms.
Regular consumption of octopus aids in reducing the risk of certain types of cancers including mouth, stomach, rectum, breast, colon, prostate, pancreas and lung cancer.
See that octopi are great additions to diet, and especially if dieting, but mind the cholesterol.
Enjoying Octopus at Sushi Hana in Bothell
Have lean yet nutritious delicacies at your Japanese restaurant in Bothell. If you want to live healthy, eat healthy and try octopus at Sushi Hana.