Seafood is both healthy and delicious! Mussels, oysters and other shellfish, prawns of all sizes, tender crustacean meat and even echinoderms – this is just a partial list of the appetising representatives of this group. I won’t mention seaweed this time, as that is a separate and entirely different story. But it is also very, very healthy.

Prawns contain phosphorus, copper, selenium, iron, zinc, magnesium and sodium. And these are only the trace elements. As for vitamins, they contain vitamins A, B6, B12 and E. Prawns are also valued for their antioxidant properties, as they contain a wide range of antioxidants, the most significant of which are astaxanthin and selenium. As we know, antioxidants are among the most effective enemies of free radicals, especially powerful ones such as these.

When it comes to shellfish – octopus, oysters, squid, scallops and other delicacies – they provide a rich source of protein as well as essential fatty acids. This contributes to increased muscle mass and helps prevent heart attacks and strokes by strongly supporting the cardiovascular system.

Now let us move on to crustaceans – they are a real treasure trove of vitamins. Boiled crayfish, for example, contain vitamins B1, B2, B6 and B12, folic acid, as well as vitamins C, D, E and K. They also contain trace elements such as iron, magnesium, calcium and potassium, sulphur, phosphorus, cobalt and iodine, along with a high content of protein and Omega-3 fatty acids. Moreover, this unique product contains less than 1% fat, making crabs an indispensable food for people who wish to stay in excellent shape or are following a diet. Prawns, by the way, are also crustaceans, just like crabs, lobsters, krill and langoustines.

Echinoderms are, of course, a rarity – for the average Ukrainian, at least. They include sea urchins, starfish, sea lilies and sea cucumbers. Having listed them, I suspect that they are also something of a culinary rarity for the British. Some of these delicacies may be edible, but that is a matter for curious and affluent gourmets who enjoy eating holothurians, sea urchin roe and similar dishes. I have no doubt that this type of seafood also offers many health benefits.

In general, seafood is truly an inexhaustible topic. And, most pleasingly for its devoted connoisseurs – among whom I am happy to count myself – it is incredibly appetising and exceptionally healthy. So, bon appétit to us all! And long live these healthy delicacies – magnificent seafood!