Octopus Nutrition Facts
Octopus nutrition facts probably aren’t at the top of your mind. This eight-tentacled sea creature may not be a staple in your diet, but maybe it should be. Grilled octopus can be a tasty dish if you know what you’re doing. It can also become quite rubbery if cooked incorrectly, so check out the recipe for grill octopus at the end of this article. Here’s a look at octopus nutrition facts and see why you need to try this dish.
If you’re looking to feed your muscles then octopus is the food for you. A 100g serving has 30g of good protein. This protein will not only feed your muscles, but it will also help fill you and sedate your hunger. You’re also getting good levels of niacin, vitamin B6, phosphorus, potassium, and zinc. On top of this, you’re getting excellent levels of iron, copper, and selenium.
Octopus is also one of the best sources of vitamin B12. 40% of the population is deficient in this important vitamin, so adding octopus to your diet is a great choice. One serving contains 600% of your daily value.
Some signs of vitamin B12 deficiency are:
- Fatigue or low energy levels
- Lack of focus, or poor memory
- Poor cellular function
- If you’ve been diagnosed with an auto-immune disease like fibromyalgia, or chronic fatigue
- Anemia, or if you’re light-headed when you stand up
- If you have a thyroid condition or adrenal gland issue
- If you get emotionally stressed out or frazzled easily
The benefits of proper B12 levels are:
- It improves red blood cell formation, which is important for energy and heart health.
- It’s an important part of cellular function, which keeps your body functioning.
- It supports the brain and nervous system.
- B12 deficiency has been linked to anxiety and depression.
It’s great to get this vitamin from octopus because it has much safer levels of copper than liver (another bountiful source of B12). Overall this is a nutrient-rich seafood that will help promote muscle growth, energy levels, and your brain.
Here at good whole food, we’re all about buying fresh local food whenever you can, but that isn’t always easy for octopus. You can occasionally find some fresh octopus at your local fish market, but you can normally get frozen octopi at your local supermarket.
Go ahead and try something new. Add octopi to your diet and see how this good whole food can help you thrive!
Check out this tasty recipe by Mark’s Daily Apple.
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds baby octopus
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- Juice of 1 large lemon
- 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 10 sprigs of fresh thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Dressing:
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary
- 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
For the cooking instructions check out by Mark’s Daily Apple.