Eating oysters boosts your protein intake without significantly boosting your fat consumption. A 6-ounce portion of raw Pacific oysters contains 16 grams of protein, which contributes approximately 27 percent toward the daily protein intake recommended for the average 150-pound person. Getting enough protein in your diet is important because your body needs it for tissue repair, immune function and hormone synthesis. Oysters contain just 4 grams of fat per serving, with less than a gram coming from saturated fat. First, oysters are a great source of protein. Since protein supplies the raw materials that muscles are made up of, it’s vital that you do get enough. If you start to fall short, you might find yourself losing muscle rather than building it. Oysters are a very high quality source of protein at that, so you can feel confident you’re giving your body what it needs.
Besides, Oysters come loaded with essential minerals. A single 6-ounce portion of oysters contains 28 milligrams of zinc, 9 milligrams of iron and 131 micrograms of selenium -- significantly more than the amount you need each day to maintain your health. All three minerals activate proteins important for healthy cell function, and zinc also fights disease by promoting immune system health. Because of their extremely high zinc content, however, consume oysters in moderation to prevent an accidental overdose.
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