Squid (Loligo spp.; Illex illecebrosus) is found in the waters of both the Atlantic
and Pacific oceans. Cuttlefish is not available in North America except when
imported from Europe, where it is as common as squid. Squid are cephalopods, a
word meaning “head foot.” They are a close relative of the octopus and a
distant relative of bivalve mollusks. More than 300 species inhabit the world’s
oceans, but fewer than a dozen comprise 90 percent of the global catch; of
them, three comprise the domestic suppy. West Coast “market squid” (L.
opalescens) are 3 to 5 inches long; East Coast squid, including long-finned
“winter squid” (L. pealei) and short-finned “summer squid” (Illex
illecebrosus), are a bit larger. Summer squid is the largest commercial
species.
Cooked squid is mild and has a subtle sweetness. The meat is
firm yet tender. Illex squid has large, 8- to 12-inch tubes and is coarser than
Loligo. Raw squid meat is ivory beneath a naturally speckled membrane. Cooked
squid is opaque white and firm. Fresh or thawed squid should be moist, shiny
and ivory colored. Pink, yellow or purple flesh indicates deterioration.Edible
parts of the squid include the arms (tentacles), the mantle (tube) and the fins
(wings). The body is covered with a thin skin that may be removed before
cooking. Squid ink is often used to make black pasta.
Health Benefits
- Squids contain sufficient copper that fulfills the 90% of the body’s requirement. Copper, being a trace mineral, is essential for absorbing, storing and metabolizing iron and stimulating the formation of red blood cells
- Individuals suffering from rheumatoid arthritis are often found to have low selenium levels in their blood. Since squids have an abundance of this mineral, it helps in relieving symptoms of arthritis and controlling damage caused by free radicals.
- Proteins, found in squids, are extremely beneficial for the healthy functioning of the human body. Consumption of snails is highly recommended in keeping the skin, muscles, hair and nails, in good shape
- Frequency and duration of migraines are lowered due to the presence of vitamin B2 (riboflavin) in plentiful quantities, in squids. Research indicates that riboflavin supplements are a good remedy for the prevention of migraines
- A great source of vitamin B12, squids are known to lower homocystein levels in the body, which can otherwise increase the rate of strokes and heart attacks.
- Squids help in stabilizing sugar levels in the blood due to an increased supply of vitamin B3 to the body.
- Deficiency of zinc can lead to a range of infectious organisms damaging the body. However, squids which are rich in this component strengthen the immune system
- Squids contain large amounts of phosphorus, similar to fish and shrimps. This mineral is necessary for stimulating calcium and building the bones and teeth
Nutritional Facts
( Total Weight : 100g)
| Nutrients | Amount |
|---|---|
| Proteins | 16 g |
| Water | 78.5 g |
| Ash | 1.4 g |
| Carbohydrates | 3.1 g |
| Cholesterol | 233 mg |
| Total Calories | 92 |
| Calories From Carbohydrate | 13 |
| Calories From Fat | 12 |
| Calories From Protein | 67 |
| Total Fat | 1.4 g |
| Saturated Fat | 358 mg |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 107 mg |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 524 mg |
| Omega-3 Fatty Acids | 496 mg |
| Omega-6 Fatty Acids | 2 mg |
| Vitamin A | 33 IU |
| Vitamin C | 4.7 mg |
| Vitamin E | 1.2 mg |
| Thiamin | 20 mcg |
| Riboflavin | 412 mcg |
| Niacin | 2.2 mg |
| Vitamin B6 | 56 mcg |
| Folate | 5 mcg |
| Vitamin B12 | 1.3 mcg |
| Pantothenic Acid | 500 mcg |
| Choline | 65 mg |
| Calcium | 32 mg |
| Iron | 680 mcg |
| Magnesium | 33 mg |
| Phosphorus | 221 mg |
| Potassium | 246 mg |
| Sodium | 44 mg |
| Zinc | 1.5 mg |
| Copper | 1.9 mg |
| Manganese | 35 mcg |
| Selenium | 45 mcg |
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