Snails
Author: Maryam Ayres
Time for reading: ~2
minutes
Last Updated:
January 27, 2026
In this article, learn more about Snails. Snails.
Snails have been known for their health qualities since ancient times. There are many species, but only a few are edible - vine snail, brown garden snail and gray snail. The latter is the most preferred, so it is cultivated. Of course, it can also be collected from places where it is common in nature.
Snail meat is extremely clean and rich in nutrients, as they feed mainly on green plants. The fat content is many times lower than that of red meat, fish or poultry. In addition, snails are rich in protein, they are low in calories and are an ideal alternative to dieting. They contain many amino acids, one of which is glutamic acid, which promotes proper cellular and brain function.
Another vital amino acid is arginine, involved in cell division, building muscle mass, hormone synthesis. It helps reduce chronic and cardiovascular disease, lowers blood pressure and prevents the accumulation of fat.
Lysine, an amino acid included in protein, promotes growth, improves the absorption of calcium by the body and is characterized by anti-inflammatory action. Its deficiency has an adverse effect on the body. It could lead to loss of appetite, easy fatigue, weight loss, concentration and provoke the development of anemia.
Snail meat is rich in essential fatty acids, which in turn favor metabolic processes in the body. Characteristic of mollusks is that they contain many minerals such as copper, manganese, zinc, necessary for the functioning of many enzymes. Snails are a great food, especially for pregnant women, nursing mothers or people suffering from anemia, because it contains more potassium, zinc, copper and iron than some types of red meat. They are used in medicine for the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases. For this reason, their extract is used in many medicines and supplements, cosmetics, creams, lotions and more.
They are used in the treatment of patients suffering from atherosclerosis, hypertension and diabetes, as they contain insignificant amounts of sodium and cholesterol and are rich in potassium. Snail meat is a highly valued delicacy in all parts of the world. Its qualities depend on the microflora in which molluscs are raised or inhabit. In cooking it is used to prepare various savory dishes, and their shells are used to decorate and prepare other dishes. You can get it from hypermarkets - frozen or canned, or collect it yourself from an ecologically clean area during a suitable period.