Snails are gastropods, lung-bearing molluscs, and their bodies are protected by a shell. They are widely known in various places both for their taste and for their beneficial properties for human health. The use and consumption of snails appears to have started in prehistoric times and continues to this day. Some of the most popular types of snails that are eaten are Helix pomatia, Helix aspersa and Helix lucorum.
What is their nutritional value?
Snails, in addition to taste, have a high nutritional value. Snails belong to the meat category and the table below shows their composition per 100g:
| Components | per 100g |
| Energy Kcal | 90 |
| Carbohydrates g | 2 |
| Proteins g | 16.1 |
| Fat g | 1,4 |
| -Saturated g | 0,361 |
| - Monounsaturated g | 0,259 |
| - Polyunsaturated g | 0,252 |
| – Cholesterol mg | 50 |
| Vitamin A IU | 100 |
| Vitamin E mg | 5 |
| Niacin mg | 1,4 |
| Calcium mg | 10 |
| Iron mg | 3,5 |
| Magnesium mg | 250 |
| Selenium mg | 27,4 |
| Potassium mg | 382 |
| Phosphorus mg | 272
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What are their health benefits?
Snails are a good source of protein of high biological value and minerals such as selenium, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus and calcium. They are low in calories and fat. In particular, 100g of snail meat provides approximately 90kcal and only 1,4g of fat. Nevertheless, they contain beneficial fatty acids such as omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids which have beneficial properties for the human body.
Omega-3 and Omega-6 Fatty Acids
Snails contain a very good concentration of essential fatty acids almost comparable to that contained in fish. The consumption of ω-3 and ω-6 fatty acids is important since the body cannot synthesize them by itself and therefore must receive them from the diet. The intake of ω-3 and ω-6 fatty acids has been shown to have a protective effect against atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease, heart attack and contributes to the reduction of triglycerides and cholesterol. In addition, it has been shown that these fatty acids have an anti-inflammatory effect and act preventively in some forms of cancer such as breast cancer and colon cancer. Also important is their effect on brain function as research has linked the consumption of ω-3 fatty acids with a reduced risk of Alzheimer's disease and depression.
Source of Vitamins and Trace Elements
Eating snails provides the body with various nutrients important for the body's various functions. In particular, snails contain a significant amount of selenium which covers 39% of the recommended daily intake. Selenium has strong antioxidant and anti-cancer properties while at the same time it contributes to the good functioning of the thyroid gland and helps the immune system. In addition, snails are a good source of iron, providing 19% of the recommended daily intake, making them a very good food choice when fasting or vegetarian. In addition, snails are a good source of vitamin E, which has a strong antioxidant effect, and niacin (vitamin B3), which helps maintain the nervous and cardiovascular systems. Finally, snails are a source of magnesium, potassium, calcium and phosphorus of which the last two components are important for bone growth.
Medicinal and Cosmetic Properties
In addition to their high nutritional value, snails are used for medicinal and cosmetic purposes. It has been shown that snails, specifically the species Helic Pomatia, due to some chemical substances they have, lectins, can be used in the prediction and early diagnosis of metastases in some cases of cancer such as breast, esophagus, intestine and prostate.
In addition, snails have been used to make cosmetic products due to their moisturizing and anti-aging properties. In particular, snail mucus contains ingredients such as collagen, elastin, glycolic acid and allantoin which give the skin hydration, elasticity and contribute to the creation of new skin tissue.
Νjokes/Vegetarianism
Snails are part of the traditional fasting diet. As mentioned above, snails have a high nutritional value and in this way they can cover some nutritional needs that arise during the fasting period, such as iron, protein, ω-3 fatty acids, niacin, etc.
Are they safe to consume?
Eating snails is more beneficial than harmful. There is no danger from eating them since most snails are edible. However, it is important to know that snails that are free in nature must be cleaned before cooking so that they do not pass parasites into our body by eating them causing problems. This process is necessary and initially the snails should be placed in a basket or cage together with some broken spaghetti or clean dry sprigs of thyme or oregano for about 5 days so they can eat them. The basket must have holes so that they can get air but also be covered on top well so that the snails do not get out. This way the snails are cleaned and ready for boiling.
On the contrary, if one chooses to buy snails they are usually found in the market in a net and already fed and cleaned.
However, it is important in both cases to establish that the snails are alive before eating them.
Where do you find them?
Snails make their appearance after the first rains. There are many who enjoy collecting snails as it is an enjoyable process. Usually, snails are found under bushes, around dry stones and tree trunks. It is important to know that for collecting snails it is good to choose those with a whitish shell and not those with a greenish color. Harvested snails are not ready to eat and need a basic process to clean them before cooking. This process is done to ensure that there is no possibility of parasites passing into our body by eating them. Of course there is also the option of buying snails either fresh, usually in nets without packaging, or frozen.
How are they cooked?
There are many different ways to cook snails and it depends on the preference of each country. Specifically, in France snails are served as an appetizer with garlic, butter and parsley, placed inside their shell after being cooked and are known as Escargot. In Greece, snails are usually stewed with tomato or stew and combined with pilaf, rice, potatoes, trachana or greens. In Crete, large snails are also known as "hochlioi", they are usually cooked in a pan with a little oil, vinegar and rosemary. Similarly in Cyprus, large snails are known as "karaoli" and are usually served with lemon oil after boiling them in water
In conclusion
Snails are a favorite dish both for Greece and Cyprus and for other parts of the world. In addition to taste, they also contain many nutrients that make them a very good choice both for the period of fasting and as part of a balanced diet.