As decadent as Maine lobster seems to be, you’ll be surprised to know it’s one of the healthiest, low-calorie shellfish around. The delicious dish most people reserve for special occasions should now be in your diet on a regular basis. Here’s the lowdown on lobster nutrition.
Its Social-Climbing History
Lobster wasn’t always a delicacy for the well off. In fact, quite the opposite. As historians have attested, lobster was considered “trash food” up until the 1800s. Prison inmates and servants often had conditions in their employment contracts stipulating that they would not be served lobster more than twice a week.
The main problem was that lobster was not cooked live when served. By the 1940s, American customers could buy lobster meat in cans, but consumers didn’t find it very appetizing. In restaurants, chefs found that once they started cooking it live, diners were much more appreciative of the taste. By the 1950s, the American lobster became rebranded as a luxury dish when movie stars ordered it for dinner, weddings served it as the main menu choice, and even the Rockefellers served lobster at their parties.
Low-Cal and Nutritious
One cup of cooked Maine lobster is only 129 calories, according to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Nutrient Database. It is a rich source of copper and selenium. It also offers the additional health benefits of zinc, phosphorus, vitamin B12, magnesium, vitamin E, and a small amount of omega-3 fatty acids.
Compared to chicken, beef or pork, lobster is a healthy alternative with less saturated fat and lower cholesterol levels.
Immunity Booster
As winter comes with a pandemic still going strong combined with flu season, many are mindful about keeping their immunity levels high. Since lobster contains an abundant amount of zinc, a mineral connected to healthy immune functions, it is an ideal food to ingest weekly, along with other immune-boosting fruits and vegetables.
Works for all Diets
Winter is also the time most people concentrate on shedding some weight. Luckily, given its low-carb qualities, lobster is ideal for the Keto Diet, the Atkins Diet, the Paleo Diet, and many more.
Where to Buy
Here are some reputable sources to buy and ship fresh Maine lobster from the harbor to your door.
Have we got you thinking about the delicious taste of lobster yet? Put the 74th Maine Lobster Festival on your calendar (Aug. 4-8, 2021), then come to Rockland, Maine, and enjoy it in person!
