Periwinkle, scientifically known as (Littorina littorea) (Faocha), is a species of snail found on rocky coasts or sandy or muddy habitats on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean. Collected all around our shores, slow moving and abundant Winkles have been gathered and consumed since pre-historical times.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Nigerian periwinkle has a good amount of Omega-3 fatty acids in it, interestingly, the amount of Omega-3 fatty acids in periwinkles is more than the daily requirement of an adult human. Omega-3 fatty acids are fats commonly present in plants and marine life. According to the National Centre for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) help lower a person’s triglyceride levels.
Triglycerides are fats, and if a person has an excess of these, they are more at risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Good Source of selenium
Selenium from periwinkles plays a critical role in metabolism and thyroid function and helps protect your body from damage caused by oxidative stress. What’s more, selenium may help boost your immune system, slow age-related mental decline, and even reduce your risk of heart disease. If you are looking for one of the ways to fight cancer, then you should consume periwinkles because it contains Selenium.
Good source of Calcium
Littorina littorea (Periwinkle) has high level of calcium, your body needs calcium to build and maintain strong bones. Your heart, muscles and nerves also need calcium to function properly. Some studies suggests that calcium, along with vitamin D, may have benefits beyond bone health: perhaps protecting against cancer, diabetes and high blood pressure.
Good source of Magnesium
Another nutrient available in Periwinkle is magnesium which plays important role in over 300 enzymatic reactions in the body including the synthesis of fats, proteins and nucleic acids, neural reactions.
Magnesium is a mineral that’s crucial to the body’s function. Magnesium helps keep blood pressure normal, bones strong, and the heart rhythm steady.
Periwinkles are rich in protein
Periwinkle is a very good source of protein. It contains about 15% protein which is vital because your body uses protein to build and repair body tissues, to make enzymes, hormones, and is used as important building blocks of bones, blood, skin, cartilage and muscles. Protein assists in energy metabolism and cellular processes, and also defends the body against disease via optimal immune function.
Periwinkle contains vital vitamins that the body requires
Periwinkles contains vitamin A, vitamin E, vitamin B1, B3, B6, and B12n which are very vital to body development, B vitamins for example play am vital role in maintaining good health and well-being. As the building blocks of a healthy body, B vitamins have a direct impact on your energy levels, brain function, and cell metabolism. Vitamin B complex helps prevent infections and helps support or promote: cell health.
It is fortified with Iron
The Nigerian Periwinkle snail is a good source of iron, an important component of hemoglobin, the substance in red blood cells that carries oxygen from your lungs to transport it throughout your body. Hemoglobin represents about two-thirds of the body’s iron. If you don’t have enough iron, your body can’t make enough healthy oxygen-carrying red blood cells.
Periwinkles are good source of Phosphorus
The Nigerian Periwinkle snail is a good source of Phosphorous, which plays an important role in how the body uses carbohydrates and fats. It is also needed for the body to make protein for the growth, maintenance, and repair of cells and tissues. Phosphorus also helps the body make
ATP, a molecule the body uses to store energy. Phosphorus works with the B vitamins.
Source: www.publichealth.com
