Benefits of snail meat

By Adebiyi Adeyanju…

Snails belong to a group of invertebrate animals known as molluscs. They have thousands of microscopic tooth-like structure called a radula. The radula works like a file ripping food into pieces.

A snail consists of two parts, the body and the shell. The body is divided into 3 parts: the head, the foot (edible part) and the visceral mass. Snails are classified as molluscs because of the hard shell that protects their bodies. They are found in many locations and have a diverse type of habitat where they can be found.

Snails are small animals that are only a few inches long and often weigh few ounces. They rely on their sense of touch to interact with each other, and their sense of smell to help them find food. Snails feed on a wide variety of food items like pawpaw leaves, fruit and fruit peels, which are good sources of crude protein. Snails are hermaphrodites, and have the ability to produce sperm and egg.

Snail meat is high in protein (12-16%), iron (45-50mg/kg), low in fat, and contains almost all the amino acids needed by human beings. The high iron content of snail meat is considered important in treating anaemia, and it reduces the deficiency of iron in the body.

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Its low fat cholesterol content and good amino acid profile accounts for its high demand in both local and international market. Snail meat tastes good and is of high nutritive value. It also serves as special delicacies in many homes and restaurants. Musicians also consume snail meat as a means of good voice management.

Research has also shown that the glandular substances in edible snail meat cause agglutination of certain bacteria which could be of value in fighting a variety of ailments including whooping cough. The meat is also used in treating poor eye sight.

Snail meat is used in curing hypertension and cancer, and it also restores vitality in men apart from its richness in nutritional value. Snail meat is rich in mineral salt e.g. calcium, phosphorus, iron and copper which are useful for the body. In the past, it was recommended for combating ulcer and asthma. During the ancient times at the imperial court in Rome, snail meat was thought to contain aphrodisiac properties, and was often served to visiting dignitaries.

 

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