HYDERABAD: Snails might seem repulsive to many due to the slime they produce, but as per a study recently published by researchers from the Department of Marine Living Resources at the Andhra University (AU), if one can digest the disgust and well, swallow them, they can effectively end malnutrition.
The researchers studied three snail species—Telescopium telescopium, Cerithidea obtusa, and Cerithidea cingulata —which they collected from the mangroves at Bhavanapadu in Srikakulam. They discovered that the snails contain four unsaturated fatty acids and the essential polyunsaturated fatty acid, Gamma-linolenic acid. Unsaturated fatty acids are considered important for maintaining a healthy heart and lowering bad cholesterol.
Not just this, the researchers also found good amounts of minerals.
In fact, T Joseph Uday Ranjan, PhD scholar at AU, a member of the research team (in picture), says, “Consuming 100 grams of any of these three snails per day will satisfy the vitamin A requirement for the day.” Ranjan explains, “It is well known that sea food is a good source of unsaturated fatty acids.
Unfortunately in India, a majority of the population cannot afford sea food which can cost anything above Rs 300 per kg. Many cannot afford to buy even other food sources important for gaining nutrition and as a result, malnutrition is a major issue in India. In such a situation, consuming snails will help in combating malnutrition.”