83 Canned Oysters Nutrition Facts: Find Out If They Are Safe To Eat

Oysters are briny bivalve mollusks that reside in marine habitats like the oceans.

There are a few types of oysters, such as the ones that can be eaten and others from which pearls are extracted. But the increasing popularity of canned oysters might have gotten you wondering if they are indeed as nutritious as they are advertised to be.

You might have thought that everything canned is harmful to us and our health until now. Contrary to all our beliefs, canned oysters are just as healthy as raw oysters, with significant levels of minerals and vitamins present.

The term 'oyster' first came to light in the English language during the 14th century and originated from the old French word ‘oistre.’ There are a variety of oysters, including true oysters, pearl oysters, thorny oysters, saddle oysters, and many more. They are also mystical to the extent that they can change their gender. We humans have been consuming this delicious seafood or oysters in our meals for a long time, even in the times of the Roman Empire. The taste of oysters also differs because of the different quantities of salt in the water and the environment in general. To add to that, oysters are pretty good for the natural habitat and consist of essential nutrients and minerals, good for our overall health. Read on!

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Fun Facts About Canned Oysters

To the disbelief of many, canned oysters are higher in nutrients than raw ones. Canned oysters have a higher level of sodium. Additionally, sipping on the canned liquid will do the trick to get the ultimate amount of nutrients out of oysters.

Thus, it would not be wrong to say that canned oysters are good for you and possibly better than raw oysters. Usually, canned foods require cooking at home, but this does not imply canned oysters because they can be eaten right away, and of course, you can cook them further. You can boil them, bake them or eat fried oysters at your convenience.

How are oysters eaten? They consume food through gills, which also help them filter water, and simultaneously swallow edibles such as plankton.

Further, if you thought you would be lucky to find any oyster and take their pearls, you are wrong. While all oysters do generate pearls, they are of no value. There is a specific type of oyster that gives valuable pearls. These are not edible.

Nutritional Facts About Canned Oysters

The hype surrounding canned oysters is owing to their nutritional value. Though higher in calories than raw oysters, canned ones have more protein, calcium, zinc, magnesium, selenium, and Vitamin A.

They are a good source of minerals and vitamins like Vitamin D, E, and B12.  As regards healthy fats, oysters carry monounsaturated fat, an invigorating fat.

Extortionate in quality protein, a 3.5 oz (100 g) pack to be served consists of 0.24 oz (7 g) of protein and contains the ultimate protein package, meaning all nine essential amino acids that your body requires. They are also higher in calories. One cup (128 g) of oysters that have not been drained yet contains 169 calories, and the same quantity serves 0.61 oz (17.5 g) of protein and 0.21 oz (6 g) of total fat. In contrast, raw oysters provide 126 calories from a 1-cup (128 g) serving, 0.49 oz (14 g) or more protein, and 0.15 oz (4.3 g) of total fat.

As for other minerals, canned oysters are lower in calcium with 0.003 oz (112 mg) per serving, and iron is comparatively over and above that with 0.0005 oz (16.6 mg) per serving. In contrast, raw oysters are rich in calcium and give 0.005 oz (146 mg) of calcium with 0.0004 oz (11.43 mg) of iron per serving. Canning oysters are higher in phosphorus, potassium, and magnesium than their raw counterparts. They have 0.008 oz (244.62 mg) of magnesium with daily values of 35%, 0.014 oz (403.38 mg) of potassium with 9% DV, and 0.003 oz (95.58 mg) of magnesium with 24% DV. Additionally, they contain 0.04 oz (1.1 g) of saturated fat and 0.003 oz (97 mg) of cholesterol per serving. Their DV for Selenium is 115% for the amount 63.02 mcg. 0.28 oz (7.86 g) of copper in canned oysters covers 873% of the DV. Canned oysters are significantly rich in zinc, with 12 oz (340 g) containing 0.009 oz (269 mg) of zinc, covering 2445% of DV.

Because of the ascorbic acid added during their canning process, canned oysters also contain more vitamin C than raw oysters. They have 8.7% of vitamin C, or 10% of  DV. Canned oysters are also relatively high in vitamin A, with 158.76 mcg, or 18% of DV, Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) = 1.49 mg, which is 7% of DV, Vitamin K is 0.22 mg, and Vitamin E in both raw and canned oysters is of the same level. They can be part of your daily diet as per general nutrition advice. Although they are higher in calories due to saturated fat, they have powerful antioxidant properties.

Facts About Canned Oysters' Preparation Process

Oysters are customarily packed in the USA and Japan. Oysters are first steamed open, removing their meat and chucking the offscourings and debris. Once the draining, inspection, and grading processes are completed, oysters are stuffed into cans and submerged in oil or water. Afterward, oysters are heated for around 20–40 minutes at 240.8 °F (116 °C), depending on their size.

The heat-sensitive vitamins in canned oysters include Vitamin C, Vitamin B like thiamine, Vitamin A, and iron or folic acid. Due to the draining process in the making of canned oysters, all these nutrients are relatively scarcer than the ones you would get in undrained oysters. Therefore, it is suggested to consume the liquid present in canned oysters for the best intake of nutrients. The vitamin, iron, and mineral-rich liquid can be used or cooked with other foods.

Facts About Canned Smoked Oysters

Canned smoked oysters are low in calories. Besides being a delicacy, serving smoked oysters in food has several health benefits as well. They are abundant in antioxidants and vitamins, especially Vitamin B12. They also contain all nine imperative amino acids and omega-3 fatty acids.

Canned smoked oysters have proven to be crucial for your immune system as well as your muscle build-up. Also rich in sodium due to their canning process, canned smoked oysters are not to be consumed daily. Furthermore, if you are on a weight loss journey, you might want to choose oysters smudged in water rather than in oil. Also, they are affordable and easy to find. Indeed, they make a great addition to a meal, whether they are cooked or eaten as raw food.

If you take care of your health and diet, you can indulge in this food regularly as you may not be prone to heart disease or any other ailments. As we all know, heart disease and related issues are on the rise, and you must pay extra attention to your diet and overall health. Heart disease is a significant cause of concern for people from all walks of life, and health and diet play an important role in curing it.

Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly facts for everyone to enjoy! If you liked our suggestions for 83 canned oysters nutrition facts: find out if they are safe to eat, then why not take a look at canned tuna nutrition facts, or canned salmon nutrition facts.