Can you eat raw squid?
In this article, we are going to answer the question “Can you eat raw squid?”. We will list the risks associated with eating raw squid and also discuss the health benefits of squid.
Yes, you can eat raw squid, but it is recommended that you cook squid before you consume it because it may potentially cause parasitic disease. A certain marine parasite is found in fish and squids that can infect humans if consumed uncooked.
Despite this, raw squid is eaten in many cuisines; in English, the culinary name calamari is often used for squid dishes, though the term ‘calamari’ technically encompasses any squid eaten as food. It is a popular seafood that is cheap and tasty. It can be cooked in many ways; the most popular method is cutting it into rings and grilling it. It can also be eaten raw as sashimi.
There are various species of squid that are eaten. European squid is quite famous and so are the Argentine shortfin squid, the jumbo flying squid, and the Japanese flying squid.
What are the dangers of eating raw squid?
Eating raw squid can cause anisakiasis, also called herring worm disease. It is caused by nematodes that attach to the inner lining of the digestive tract when humans eat infected raw squids that carry parasite nematode larvae in them.
Once these larvae get into the human body they attach to the gastrointestinal tract and cause inflammation there.
Thoroughly cooking squid can get rid of these parasites.
Another potential harm is the mercury content in seafood, which if accumulated in the body can cause serious harm. Although the amount of mercury in the squid is really low, you should still be cautious about it.
What does raw squid taste like?
Raw squid’s meat is mild and sweet in taste and becomes chewy if fried.
Raw squid is made from the tubular portion of the squid’s body. The cartilage backbone of the squid is removed as it is cleaned, and a single slit is made along one side of the tube to produce a single flat piece of calamari, the steak.
What is the nutrition profile of squid
Raw squid is a rich source of vitamin A, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium and calcium. A 4-ounce serving of raw squid contains:
- Calories: 104
- Protein: 18 grams
- Fat: 2 grams
- Carbohydrates: 3 grams
- Fiber: 0 grams
Calamari is also a good source of:
- Vitamin C
- Iron
- Calcium
Protein
Squid is high in proteins and makes a good alternative to red meat. Protein is essential for the body and its daily requirement must be fulfilled to maintain health.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Squid is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids and polyunsaturated fats make up most of the fat content of squid. Therefore, eating squid is healthy as it delivers healthy fats. A 3-ounce serving contains 0.4 grams of unsaturated fats.
What are the health Benefits of Squid
Healthy Pregnancy
The squid is highlighted as a healthy food for those who are pregnant and breastfeeding by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The protein and iron content of squid are considered particularly important for women who are pregnant.
Heart Health
The link between omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil and heart health has been well researched. However, the balance of fatty acids in calamari oil is somewhat different than in typical fish oils on the market.
The fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is higher in squid than in other seafood. DHA has been shown to improve resting heart rate. DHA-rich oils, like calamari oil, may also help reduce platelet aggregation for women.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Research on the omega-3 fatty acids found in seafood indicates that they help soothe the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. Participants in a study reported shorter periods of morning joint stiffness and reduced joint swelling and pain.
Is squid a healthy food?
Squid is considered healthy seafood because of its cholesterol levels which are mostly unsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids.
A 3-ounce serving of uncooked squid contains around 198 milligrams of cholesterol and 13.2 grams of protein along with 0.3 grams of total saturated fat.
The number of saturated fats is less compared to other foods. Although both types of fats are needed by the body, the intake of saturated fats is cautioned against for those with high cholesterol by health professionals. When squid is fried, its total fat contents go high in numbers and may become unhealthy for consumption.
Cooking with squid
Some of the recipes that you can make without frying your squid:
- Broiled calamari with lemon and parsley
- Gluten-free baked calamari
- Faux-fried calamari
- Oven-roasted calamari
Conclusion
In this brief guide, we answered the question “Can you eat raw squid?”. We discussed some of the risks associated with it and also the health benefits of eating squid.
