Squid and Calamari
Like meat, fish and poultry, squid and octopus provide high-quality proteins with sufficient amounts of all the essential amino acids. Both have less saturated fat than meat and small amounts of omega-3 fatty acids, a group that includes the essential fatty acid linolenic acid, plus ecosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and dicosahexanoic acid (DHA), the primary unsaturated fatty acids in oils from fish.
However, like shellfish, squid and octopus may be a significant source of cholesterol. The cholesterol content of squid and octopus can vary from animal to animal. There is no reliable guide to choosing the one that is lower in cholesterol. As a general rule, the mantle (body) generally has less cholesterol than the tentacles.
Four ounces raw squid has 1.58 g fat (0.38 g saturated fat), 266 mg cholesterol, and 17.8 g protein. Four ounces of raw octopus has 1 g fat (0.3 g saturated fat) and 54 mg cholesterol, and 17 g protein. The most nutritious way to serve this food is to prepare with little or no added fat, so as to preserve the seafood's status as a low-fat food. People who are on low-cholesterol, low-protein and low-sodium diet should avoid this food.
When buying, look for fresh whole squid with clear and smooth skin. The squid should smell absolutely fresh. Squid larger than 8 inches may be tough. Choose fresh, whole baby octopus or octopus meat that looks and smells absolutely fresh. Octopus larger than 2 to 2.5 pounds may be tough.
Always refrigerate fresh, cleaned octopus or squid immediately and use it within a day or two. Frozen squid or octopus will keep for one month in a 0 degrees F freezer.
Cindy is the host of http://www.asianonlinerecipes.com, a Free Asian Recipes website dedicated to all things on Asian Cooking and Culinary Guide with thousands of Cooking Tips.
Besides, she is also the co-host for http://www.vietnamese-recipes.com and http://www.asianhomerecipe.com.
Comment on "Squid and Calamari"
Related Articles:
The Effects Of Fish Oil On Pregnancy
If you are pregnant, you need to be careful about consuming fish oil and be aware of the facts and effects that fish oil can have on your baby. Don't put yourself and your baby at risk by remaining ignorant of facts and important information. You also need to understand that many of the foods and vitamins you take as an adult can have a negative impact on your unborn baby.
DHA an Essential Fatty Acid For Better Health
DHA is a fatty acid that is essential for many body processes and structures Fatty acids are the building blocks that create lipids, which are important nutrients that make up 25 to 45 percent of total body energy for most of those who are living in industrialized countries
Fish Oil Pills And Possible Side Effects
It's important to be aware of the potential side effects of any substance you take, whether it is a prescription drug, an over the counter remedy or a natural product and even some foods. Anything at all can cause side effects in sensitive individuals and fish oil is no different, however on saying that fish oil is generally considered perfectly safe for anyone of any age.
Your Health is at Risk With Out DHA From Fish in Your Diet
DHA is the most abundant essential fatty acid (polyunsaturated fatty acids) found in the brain and retina DHA is essential for the proper functioning of our brains as adults, and for the development of our nervous system and visual abilities during the first 6 months of life