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Lobster Real American Comfort Food
Posted on February 13, 2020Lobster Real American Comfort Food
Yes, lobster is real American comfort food. And yes, fresh lobster from New England is a well known delicacy, but did you know lobster is really good for you? Rich in protein, Vitamin B-12, Phosphorus and Zinc, lobster is also low in fat and calories and has zero carbohydrates. Lobster is also an excellent source of lean protein. All told, lobster is real American comfort food and an incredibly healthy food.
Lobster also contains Omega-3 fatty acids, which according to the American Heart Association, are associated with good heart health.
The experts at the National Institute of Health list lobster as having fewer calories and saturated fats than both chicken and turkey. Here is a breakdown of a 3.5 ounce serving of each.
CHOLESTEROL CALORIES FATS
Maine Lobster 72 mg 98 0.1 g
Skinless Chicken 85 mg 173 1.3 g
Skinless Turkey 86 mg 140 0.4 g
New England restaurants from Maine to Rhode Island prepare lobsters in any number of elaborate ways. Baked stuffed, lobster salads, lobster ravioli, lobster chowder and more are among the specialties. However, most New England folks rely on the tried and true ways: Steamed (or boiled), grilled or broiled.
For lobster lovers, a fresh, steamed lobster has the best taste. Hard shell or new shell, lobster requires careful cook timing for best flavor. Cooking either too long or too short can turn the meat mushy or tough and greatly affect flavor. Perfectly cooked, the claw and tail meat is tender, sweet and delicious. If all this make you hungry, remember you don’t have to go to Maine. Today you can have live, fresh lobster delivered right to your front door anywhere in the country.
Here are the nutrients and the percentage of daily requirements found in a 3.5 ounce lobster tail.
Lobster
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Nutritional value per 100 g (3.5 oz)
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410 kJ (98 kcal)
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0 g
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0 g
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0 g
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0.59 g
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0.107 g
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0.091 g
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0.16 g
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20.5 g
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0 mg (0%)
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4 mg (267%)
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4 mg (27%)
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Pantothenic acid (B5)
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2 mg (40%)
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4 mg (308%)
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Folate (Vit. B9)
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2 μg (1%)
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0 mg (0%)
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6 mg (1%)
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2 mg (16%)
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8 mg (2%)
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15 mg (2%)
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0 mg (0%)
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15 mg (150%)
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Percentages are relative to US Recommendations for adults.
Source: USDA Nutrient Database |
So what does one need to know when enjoying their next Maine? Lobster is is a beneficial source of plaque reducing Omega-3 fatty acids (which are healthy for the heart), extremely low in fat, very high in protein, The same portion of skinless chicken has 130% more fat while the same portion of lean beef has 500% more fat.
And for those who prefer organic food, lobster is at the top of the list. They are harvested in the wild where they feed on a smorgasbord of fresh seafood. The Lobster diet consists of live fish, live crabs, live clams and live mussels. In all, lobster have a very healthy diet which which is why they are a beneficial food for humans.
For cooking information, check out our tips on how to cook live Maine Lobster.
© Wayne Howe 2019