Nutritional and Health Benefits of Nigerian Periwinkle (Littorina littorea).

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Littorina littorea is the scientific name for the common periwinkle. They are a kind of tiny, edible sea snails with an operculum and gills. Periwinkles can be found all over the world. Nonetheless, the majority of Asian and African cuisines view them as delicacies. It is referred to as Nigerian periwinkle in that country. In Nigeria, it is a component of many cuisines, including Afang soup and Edikang Ikong. It's a lavish sight to see this succulent fish. Periwinkle meat has a low fat content, high protein content, and a wealth of omega-3 fatty acids.

The elements that Nigerian periwinkle contains underpin its health advantages.

1 . Omega-3 fatty acids are present.
There are a ton of Omega-3 nutrients in periwinkles. Our bodies do not generate omega-3 fatty acids, a type of polyunsaturated fat. Therefore, omega-3 is just as important as other necessary fatty acids. Even more than what an adult human needs each day, periwinkles contain Omega-3 fatty acids. Because it lowers the risk of excessive blood pressure, it also prevents cardiac problems. Omega-3 fatty acid levels in your blood will rise if you eat periwinkles. thus, reducing blood triglyceride and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels

2 . magnesium and selenium content is high in periwinkle.
One nutrient that helps prevent diseases including cancer, heart disease, and reproductive disorders is selenium. Vitamin E and selenium work together. Together, these two vitamins and nutrients create a potent antioxidant that guards against oxidative tissue damage and aging. Equally essential to the majority of bodily processes is selenium. Every cell in the body contains it, but the kidneys, the liver, the digestive tract and testes are the primary locations. Magnesium content in periwinkles is also high. Magnesium is an extremely useful mineral for the body. More than 300 enzymatic activities require it, including those involving the production of proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids as well as brain responses.

Magnesium is also necessary for our bodies to produce robust bones, regulate blood pressure, and maintain a healthy heart.

3 . Protein is abundant in periwinkles. Periwinkles are among the best places to get protein. 15% of them are composed of protein. The body uses protein for a variety of vital purposes. It guards against disorders brought on by a lack of protein, such as kwashiorkor and marasmus. Sufficient protein intake in the human body can also aid in wound healing and cell renewal, which in turn helps to control hormone and enzyme levels. The body's growth and development depend on protein as well.

4 . It contains every essential vitamin that the body needs.
Periwinkle snails also provide additional health benefits because they are a good source of essential vitamins, including vitamins A, E, B1, B3, B6, and B12. While vitamin E can function as a form of antioxidant or enhance reproductive health, vitamin A is beneficial to eye health.

Then, in order to prevent and manage diabetes, vitamins B1, B3, B6, and B12 are crucial. Periwinkle also contains other vitamins in the B complex, such as folate and niacin. Niacin aids in the digestion of carbohydrates to provide energy, and folate helps expectant mothers carry healthy fetuses.

Choline is also present in periwinkles. The maintenance of brain function depends on choline, a vitamin that is essential to the neurological system.

5 . It has been strengthened with phosphorous and iron: Snails with periwinkles are also an excellent source of iron. Red blood cell production and the body's ability to transport energy throughout need iron. Anemia and excessive exhaustion can result from an iron shortage. It has a lot of phosphorus as well. Phosphorus serves as a conduit for energy that is utilized in the metabolism of carbohydrates and lipids. Additionally, phosphorous promotes the development of strong teeth and gums.