What is octopus?
Octopus (Octopus vulgaris) is a cephalopod mollusc of Octopodidae family. It is present in all the seas of the world, but prefers warm temperate waters. The octopus is also common in Italian seas. It lives on the seabed or hidden in crevices in the rocks: the lack of a skeleton allows it to recline in confined spaces.
What are the nutritional properties of the octopus?
100 grams of octopus contain
- 10.6g
- protein1g fat
- carbohydrate 1.4 g
- 57 kcal
The octopus contains minerals and vitamins, particularly
- calcium
- magnesium
- phosphorus
- potassium
- sodium
- selenium
- vitamin C
- Niacin
- Vitamin B12
- Vitamin A
When should you not eat octopus?
The octopus may contain small quantities of methylmercury, so there are no special contraindications to its use.
Possible benefits of the octopus
Octopus is an important source of vitamins and minerals – the low fat content makes it ideal in a reduced calorie diet. It provides rather less protein than other fish.
Phosphorus and calcium are important for healthy bones and teeth; Potassium helps maintain normal blood pressure and can reduce the risk of recurrent kidney stones and bone loss during aging. Selenium is essential for the body and allows the proper functioning of cellular antioxidants.
Vitamin A helps healthy vision, bone development and growth of teeth. Vitamin B12 is essential in the production of red blood cells and bone marrow formation. Finally, vitamin C has antioxidant properties and strengthens the immune system.
Possible contraindications of the octopus
It is advised to eat octopus after it is cooked: cooking it destroys any toxic substances, such as Anisakis, a parasite found also in the Mediterranean Sea. It is important to know that European legislation (EC Regulation 853/2004, on "Sale and administration of culinary preparations containing fishery products intended to be consumed raw or almost raw") obliges those who sell or administer fresh fish to be frozen at – 20 degrees at least 24 hours. Therefore, before you eat it raw, you should inquire if that has been done. However, at home it is advised to freeze the octopus for at least 96 hours at -18 ° C in a freezer at three or more stars, before consuming it.
Seasonality of the octopus
The octopus is fished all year.
