Benefits of coquinas or tellinas, and information on the different nutritional properties that these wonderful shellfish or mollusks provide.
The clams are some bivalve molluscs also known by the name of tellina (Donax trunculus). It belongs to the Donacidae family, and is characterized by having a shell that can reach 4 centimeters in length, with an oval and flattened shape, with a whitish gray or brown color and characteristic reddish spots.
Due to the texture of its meat, which is edible, they make coquina one of the most valued seafood; in fact, its price in the markets where seafood and fish are bought is usually very high.
It is possible to find it above all in the North Atlantic (especially the Galician estuaries) and in areas of the Mediterranean, although it does not have a period of time that we could consider as the best season, since it is possible to find it in the market all year round.
Nutritional properties of coquinas
The cockles are, the same as the clams, a type of seafood really valued by the texture of its meat, its quality, its taste and because they are simply delicious. In fact, from a gastronomic or culinary point of view, they are ideal when they are added to seafood soup, pasta or when they are prepared in sauce.
From a nutritional point of view, we find practically the same nutritional values as clams: they are low in fat and calories (100 grams of clams provide only 1 gram of fat and only 82 kilocalories), while they are really rich in good quality proteins, therefore providing the majority of essential amino acids.
They are rich in vitamins, especially in group B vitamins, highlighting vitamin B3 and B9 or folic acid; and they also provide minerals, such as iron, potassium, selenium and calcium. Not surprisingly, in reference to iron, 100 grams of coquinas provide the recommended daily amount of iron.
Coquina benefits
Thanks precisely to its high iron content, its consumption is recommended in those who suffer from anemia, especially in women who are during menstruation or in anyone who suffers from anemia.
Due to their low fat and calorie content, they are interesting in weight loss diets, and in all those low-fat and hypocaloric diets. Due to its protein content, it is interesting for athletes and for those who are developing their muscles.
It also provides iodine, making it a useful food for people with hypothyroidism. However, those who suffer from hyperthyroidism should avoid its consumption.
