Sea chameleon – this is another name for cuttlefish. And this name was not given to the clam by chance. Within 1-2 seconds, she is able to change her color to almost any color, moreover, with any pattern. But for a person it is not useful at all for this.
What is cuttlefish
Cuttlefish is a variety of cephalopods, that is, it belongs to the same family as squids and octopuses. Moreover, it is the oldest representative of this family. Unlike other cephalopods, there is a lamellar shell inside the cuttlefish on the dorsal part of the carcass. On each of its ten tentacles in rows there are a large number of suction cups that help the mollusk to capture its prey. Sea chameleons feed on small fish and crustaceans. They go hunting preferably in the dark.
This mollusk is commonly found in tropical and subtropical waters. Cuttlefish – prefer shallow water in the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian oceans. Often you can see these creatures off the coast of South Africa, Japan and Australia. Experts say the existence of over 100 species of cuttlefish. The most famous and most numerous among them is the sepia of the pharaoh, which is found in the north of the Indian Ocean.
Cuttlefish is one of the most colorful creatures that inhabit the waters of the ocean. Several colors are combined on her body at once: brown – on the dorsal part, light colors – on the abdomen, greenish on the tentacles, purple on the fins. But depending on the environment, the color of the mollusk can vary significantly.
Sea chameleons almost never grow larger than 50 cm, but they can weigh more than 10 kilograms. Although there are very small representatives – no more than 2 cm.
Defending itself from enemies, this mollusk releases a dark substance called ink. This brown liquid creates an impenetrable curtain in the water, allowing the cuttlefish to hide. By the way, since ancient times it was this substance that was used by man as paint or ink for writing.
Cuttlefish meat is a traditional component of Mediterranean and Asian cuisines. It tastes like squid or octopus, but more tender. It is rich in nutrients, but compared to other marine inhabitants, the body of a sea chameleon is more likely to absorb harmful substances from the water.
Chemical composition and nutritional value
Cuttlefish is an excellent source of protein, essential amino acids and minerals. 100 g of raw product contains no more than 80 kilocalories (in boiled – about 160 kcal) and almost a quarter of the daily intake of sodium.
Shellfish meat is a delicacy almost free of carbohydrates and fats. But despite the extremely low proportion of fat in the chemical composition, this product contains an impressive amount of essential omega-3 fatty acids, in particular eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids. Due to this, cuttlefish is considered a product useful for the heart and blood vessels, in particular for the prevention of arrhythmias, clogged arteries, high blood pressure.
Protein
As already mentioned, cuttlefish is a product that is extremely rich in protein. 100 grams of meat contains almost 55 percent of the daily protein intake. And this suggests that seafood is an excellent source of amino acids necessary for the restoration and formation of cells. In the meat of this mollusk in different quantities contains all 9 essential amino acids.
Vitamins
Only one serving of cuttlefish has more than 190% of the daily intake of vitamin B12. This unique vitamin is indispensable for humans, as it is necessary to create DNA cells, red blood cells, and also supports neurological health. In addition, the sea chameleon is a real storehouse of vitamin B2 (contains more than 100% of the daily value), which is responsible for the health of the skin and eyes, and also promotes proper metabolism. Nearly a quarter of a daily dose of vitamin A can also be obtained from just a 100-gram serving of cuttlefish meat. And this nutrient is the main substance responsible for vision. In addition, a sufficient intake of vitamin A is the health of the skin, mucous membranes, bones and teeth. With antioxidant properties, this vitamin found in seafood prevents heart disease, cell mutation, and repairs damage caused by free radicals.
Minerals
Seafood is an excellent choice for replenishing minerals in the body. In a serving of cuttlefish, there are almost 140% of the daily norm of selenium. This mineral, entering the body, as a result of certain chemical reactions combines with proteins, forming selenoproteins – substances with powerful antioxidant abilities. Selenium, among other things, is essential for thyroid health and a strong immune system.
Another important mineral found in large quantities in cuttlefish is iron. This suggests that eating seafood can improve oxygen circulation in the body, as well as support healthy cell growth.
Cholesterol
And the only minus of cuttlefish meat is cholesterol. A serving of this product contains almost 63% of the daily intake of cholesterol. But we must recall that cholesterol in food is not always bad. This substance is necessary for the body to maintain healthy skin, regulate hormones, produce digestive enzymes and synthesize vitamin D. However, excessive consumption of foods rich in cholesterol can lead to fat deposits in the arteries, which in turn worsens the flow of blood to the heart and brain, causing heart attacks or strokes.
Nutritional value at 100 g
Caloric content 158 kcal Proteins 32,48 g Fats 1,4 g Carbohydrates 1,4 g Water 61,12 g Cholesterol 224 mg Vitamin A 0,11 mg Vitamin C 8,5 mg Vitamin B1 0,017 mg Vitamin B2 1,73 mg Vitamin B3 2,19 mg Vitamin B5 0,9 mg Vitamin B6 0,27 mg Vitamin B9 24 μg Vitamin B12 5,4 μg Calcium 180 mg Iron 10,84 mg Magnesium 60 mg Phosphorus 580 mg Potassium 637 mg Sodium 744 mg Zinc 3,46 mg Copper 0,998 mg Manganese 0,209 mg Selenium 89,6 μg
Benefits for the body
Like all seafood, cuttlefish is an excellent source of protein. Due to this, the consumption of mollusk in moderate portions has a good effect on the condition of muscles, hair, nails, skin, improves the overall functioning of the body. But the useful properties of the product do not end there.
Cuttlefish is useful for people with rheumatoid arthritis in their diet. And all because this product is rich in selenium. Studies show that this particular substance is most often not enough in the bodies of people with symptoms of the disease, and the restoration of the mineral balance improves their well-being.
Another useful property of cuttlefish is to reduce the frequency and duration of migraines. This seafood ability is explained by the presence of vitamin B2, which is abundant in cuttlefish meat.
Due to the high concentration of phosphorus (in these indicators it is not inferior to fish and shrimp), cuttlefish are useful for strengthening bones and teeth.
This seafood is also listed as helpful in preventing strokes and heart attacks. Vitamin B12, found in cuttlefish, reduces the level of homocysteine, which is actually a factor that increases the risk of these diseases.
Cuttlefish, as a source of vitamin B3, are also useful for regulating blood sugar levels. And due to the presence of zinc, this seafood is important for strengthening the immune system.
Other benefits of cuttlefish meat:
- removes slags;
- improves metabolism;
- regulates pressure;
- improves blood circulation;
- accelerates fat metabolism;
- promotes faster healing of wounds;
- accelerates hair growth;
- contributes to the proper functionality of brain cells;
- stabilizes the cardiac system;
- strengthens the immune system.
Useful Ink Features
Cuttlefish ink is often called a superfood. As a result of several studies, it was found that this dark liquid contains many antioxidants that are useful for the cardiovascular system. In addition, ink is a good source of iron, which makes this product useful for increasing hemoglobin and improving oxygen circulation.
Cuttlefish ink is useful for treating:
- venous congestion;
- constipation;
- dispersion of the biliary tract;
- migraine;
- bronchitis;
- eczema;
- hemorrhoids;
- disorders of the nervous system;
- ovarian dysfunction;
- vegetative dystonia;
- insomnia
Useful properties of cuttlefish bone
The cuttlefish shell also has some useful properties for humans. This bone is a porous plate resembling pumice. It is used in Chinese medicine to treat stomach ulcers and duodenal ulcers, as well as to stop bleeding and alleviate asthma.
Ground bone is added to medications to normalize the acidity of the stomach and heal ulcers. In dentistry, this material is used to stop bleeding after tooth extraction. There is also reason to believe that this material can serve in traumatology, in particular for the treatment of bone diseases.
How to cook
The smaller the cuttlefish, the more tender it has meat. Small cuttlefish are considered the most delicious. Stew clams up to 300 g and add to the main dishes. But small ones are especially appreciated – up to 20 g. Salads, appetizers, small kebabs are prepared from them, and also added to pizza. Cuttlefish can be fried, stewed, baked, grilled, added to soups or stews. Fried clams are often served as a snack for beer, added to salads or pasta. In Mediterranean cuisine, boiled cuttlefish is seasoned with olive oil or deep-fried, and the ink of this mollusk is used for sauces, pasta or risotto dishes. But in Japan and China, this delicacy can be fried, baked, dried and even marinated. But giving preference to fried seafood, you need to be prepared for the fact that its calorie content, as well as the presence of cholesterol, will increase significantly.
Sea chameleons are a product that is important to properly cut and cook. Each mollusk contains a bag filled with dark liquid. It is often used in cooking to color sauces or rice. But if you inadvertently puncture this pouch, the ink will stain the carcass. Properly cooked clam remains white, and tastes like octopus or squid with a nutty flavor. Cuttlefish is cooked for about half an hour on low heat. There are some secrets to frying cuttlefish: first, tentacles up, then flip.
If you have to cook frozen cuttlefish, then you should first thaw it properly. To do this, the mollusk is poured with cold water. After complete defrosting, you can begin to cleanse. First cut out the bone, eyes, mouth and entrails. Then a silver ink bag is carefully separated. You can throw it away or use the brown liquid it contains to make spaghetti, risotto or another dish. The cleaned cuttlefish carcass is washed under running water and prepared by the selected method.
Seafood is one of the most wholesome food categories. Shellfish, including cuttlefish, are the source of many beneficial components. In addition, some of them can be obtained exclusively from seafood.
