oysters true or false?

A love of Oysters or Oysters for love?

It probably all started with the Ancient Greeks. Aphrodite rose from the sea on an Oyster shell, gave birth not only to Eros, but also to words like Erotic and Aphrodisiac.

In the 1st century no Roman orgy was complete without huge platters of Oysters. Indeed Emperor Vitellus (said to have eaten Oysters continuously, day and night) ordered thousands of slaves to collect Oysters along the shores of Southern England. These were packed in seaweed and ice and carried back to Rome.

In countless stories and legends throughout history Oysters have been the base for 'love potions', and the infamous Casanova was a sixty-a-day man (Oysters that is!)

Historical Quotes

"A spur to the spirit and to love"

-Casanova

"Oyster dear to the gourmet, beneficent Oyster, exciting rather than sating, all stomachs digest you, all stomachs bless you!"

-Seneca

There must be something behind this! - And there is!

A common cause of impotence in men is Zinc deficiency and the richest animal source of Zinc of course Oysters. American health guidelines suggest that 15mg of Zinc be included in the male diet, the British average is ony 8mg.

Oysters are also a source of Dopamine - a vital neurotransmitter which helps govern brain activity. It provokes sexual interest and triggers responses, while improving performance in both males and females. It is also said to amplify the intensity of sensation.

In a more general health sense the potent cocktail of rare vitamins and minerals present in Oysters is essential for sexual maturity, an active brain and healthy skin.

Omega 3 a fatty acid present in Oysters, is thought to be fundamental to good health, maintaining clear arteries, lowering cholesterol levels and benefitting the nervous system. Also present is Taurine, an Amino Acid which can help lower blood pressure, ease Arthritis and cure liver complaints.

Oysters are among the few animals that people of the world still eat alive and raw. They have a long history of nourishing the human race, and have been a prized food since the pre-Christian era. Few foods can compare with oysters in terms of their nutritional value. The oyster is a well balanced, easily digestible, nutritious food, rich in minerals such as zinc and iron, as well as vitamins A, B1, B2 and C.
The following are some interesting true and not so true facts about the oyster;

True ...

The ancient Romans served large quantities of oysters at their banquets, learned to cultivate them, and even made a monetary unit, the denarius, equal in value to one oyster
Oyster shell is used in traditional Chinese medicine to help with hypertension, heart palpitations, insomnia, dizziness, blurry vision, cold sweats, and swollen lymph glands
An oyster's blood is colourless
There is no way of telling male oysters from females by examining their shells. While oysters have separate sexes, they may change sex one or more times during their life span

False ...

Oysters are not a fatty food. In fact, they are recommended as part of a low fat diet, and are rich in omega 3 oils which help reduce cholesterol levels.
The 'R' rule - many people think that oysters may only be eaten when there is an 'R' in the month. In fact, this only applies to the native European "flat" oyster because it breeds in the summer months, and harvesting is illegal for conservation reasons. The larger Pacific or "cupped" oyster does not breed in colder waters and so may be enjoyed all year round.

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	Oysters are among the few animals that people of the world still eat alive and raw. They have a long history of nourishing the human race, and have been a prized food since the pre-Christian era. Few foods can compare with oysters in terms of their nutritional value. The oyster is a well balanced, easily digestible, nutritious food, rich in minerals such as zinc and iron, as well as vitamins A, B1, B2 and C. The following are some interesting true and not so true facts about the oyster;

True ... The ancient Romans served large quantities of oysters at their banquets, learned to cultivate them, and even made a monetary unit, the denarius, equal in value to one oyster Oyster shell is used in traditional Chinese medicine to help with hypertension, heart palpitations, insomnia, dizziness, blurry vision, cold sweats, and swollen lymph glands An oyster's blood is colourless There is no way of telling male oysters from females by examining their shells. While oysters have separate sexes, they may change sex one or more times during their life span False ... Oysters are not a fatty food. In fact, they are recommended as part of a low fat diet, and are rich in omega 3 oils which help reduce cholesterol levels. The 'R' rule - many people think that oysters may only be eaten when there is an 'R' in the month. In fact, this only applies to the native European "flat" oyster because it breeds in the summer months, and harvesting is illegal for conservation reasons. The larger Pacific or "cupped" oyster does not breed in colder waters and so may be enjoyed all year round.

[Home] [Oysters from Cuan] [Strangford Lough] [Oysters True or False?] [The Cuan Seafood Story] [Handling and Preparation] [Next Day Delivery] [Contact Cuan] [Useful Links]