What is lobster?
The lobster is a crustacean belonging to Nephropidae family. If they know two species: the Homarus gammarus (or European lobster) and Homarus americanus (or American lobster).
What are the nutritional properties?
100g lobster provides about 90 Calories divided as follows:
- 75% Protein
- 20% Fat
- 5% carbohydrates
Specifically, 100g of American lobster provide:
- 18.8 g protein
- 0.9 g lipids
- 0.5 g carbohydrates
- 0.5 g of sodium
The nutritional properties of European lobster (100 g):
- 16 g protein
- 1 g of soluble sugars
- 1,90 g of lipids, including: 0.63 g of saturated fat, 0.51 g of fats monounsaturated and 0.70 g of polyunsaturated fats (including 250 mg of EPA and 440 mg DHA, omega 3 fatty acids),
- 70 mg of cholesterol
- 2.00 mg of niacin
- 0.18 mg of riboflavin
- 0.15mg thiamine
- 296 mg sodium
- 280 g of phosphorus
- 60 mg calcium
- 19 mg magnesium
- 2.20 mg zinc
- 0.80 mg iron
- 0.40 mg copper
- 54 micrograms of selenium
When should you not eat lobster?
The carapace of a lobster is a source of glucosamine, a molecule that may interact with warfarin, some anticancer drugs, paracetamol and antidiabetics. In case of doubt it is good to seek advice from your doctor.
Seasonality of lobster
The American lobster is abundant between July and October. It is the main species present on the market, with only 20% being the European lobster. The latter is cheaper in the summer season.
Possible benefits and contraindications lobster
The lobster’s nutritional properties are similar to those of the lobster: it is a source of proteins of good quality and of healthy fats (omega 3), but unfortunately also with high amounts of cholesterol and sodium, two enemies of cardiovascular health. Therefore it must not be consumed in excessive amounts.
Among other possible benefits associated with the consumption of lobster including those generated by a good supply of phosphorus and calcium (for healthy teeth and bones), the B vitamins, magnesium and zinc (which promote good metabolism) , iron (ally against anemia) and selenium (important in antioxidant defenses).
