Snails belong to the same group of octopuses, which are part of the phylum Mollusca. At the same time, they are members of the class Gastropoda, a large taxonomic class of invertebrates,
Snails are found on land and humid areas..Snail meat is a highly popular dish in Africa countries especially Nigeria cuisine and some parts of Europe like France and Spain where they are considered a delicacy.
The most striking physical feature of snails is their spiral shell that they load on the back. It is a hard structure composed of calcium carbonate, which protects their soft body and internal organs.
Snail shell is made of calcium carbonate and keeps growing as long as the snail grows. They keep adding more calcium carbonate to the edge until the snail reaches adult size.
Nutritional and health value of snail
Snail contain vitamin A, vitamin E, vitamin B1, B3, B6 and B12. Vitamin A is beneficial for the health of the eyes, while vitamin E may act as an antioxidant. then Vitamin B1, B3, B6 and Vitamin B12 is an essential vitamin that is needed to prevent and control diabetes. it is also needed for making red blood cells, keeping the nervous system healthy.
Vitamin A is good for the eyes, vitamin E is good for cell regeneration and skin care, niacin has a role in the carbohydrats metabolism to produce energy, and folate is good for the pregnant women.
Magnesium: Snail contains high levels of magnesium which is needed for more than 325 enzymatic reactions, it help our body maintain a normal blood pressure, strengthen bones and also keep your heartbeat regular. including involved in the synthesis of fats, proteins and nucleic acids, neural activity, muscle contraction and relaxation, cardiac activity and bone metabolism.
Protein: Snail protein containing 16.1 g which is 32% DV the amount is more than all sources except mutton reached 27 grams in 100 grams. This amount, which is higher than the eggs. Meet the protein by 32% in 100 grams helpful for body’s defenses and immunization
Snails provide a low calorie source of protein which help in Preventing disease like kwashiorkor and marasmus. It also help in the wound healing process
Iron: snail is high in iron about 3.5 mg or 19% of DV it is essential for building red blood cells and carrying energy around the body—-lack of iron can lead to extreme fatigue and anaemia.
It helps transport of oxygen into the tissues of the lungs and transports electrons in the formation of energy in cells.
Snail High in selenium: snail meat help to keep a healthy immune system and to protect cells against damage. It has minerals and nutrients to fight diseases such as cancer and heart disease.
Snail contains Omega-3 fatty acids 218mg, which help in the development of the brain and memory of children, improve our brain health and halthy eyes.
Omega-3 fatty acids are a type of polyunsaturated fat that can not be produced by our body. So, Omega-3 is important as essential fatty acids. Omega-3 itself is formed of fatty acids like EPA (Eicosapentaenoic acid), DHA Docosahexaenoic Acid) and ALA (a-linolenic acid.