3 Reasons Fresh Maine Lobster Is the Healthiest Protein Around

4.24.2017

There’s chicken, there’s beef and then there’s fresh Maine lobster; arguably the most delectable and leanest protein around. At Weathervane, we know that lobster is not just delicious, it’s also good for you. High in vitamins, omega 3s and protein, fresh Maine lobster meat is a healthy alternative to chicken, beef or pork—with less saturated fat, fewer calories and lower cholesterol levels.

Here are 3 reasons why you should reach for the lobster next time your craving a hearty but healthy meal that doesn’t sacrifice on flavor:

1. Packed Full of Vitamins and Minerals

Lobster meat is packed full of beneficial vitamins including, calcium, phosphorous, choline, vitamin B12, niacin, selenium and hydroxyapatite. According to livestrong.com, each 6-ounce serving of lobster contains:

• 28 grams of protein
• 274 milligrams of phosphorus, providing 39% of your daily requirement
• 140 milligrams of calcium, providing 14% of your recommended daily requirement
• 120 milligrams of choline, 22% (men) 28% (women) of your recommended daily requirement
• 1 micrograms of vitamin B-12, 88% of your recommended daily requirement

So, what do all these vitamins actually do? They keep your bones healthy and your brain sharp.

Bone Builders:

Calcium: Builds bone mass and helps blood clot. We lose calcium every day but our body is not able to reproduce calcium on its own. Without a constant supply of calcium, the body begins to take calcium from our bones.

Phosphorous: Allows for healthy bone formation, improved digestion, regulated excretion, protein formation, hormonal balance, improved energy extraction, cellular repair, and proper nutrient utilization.

Brain Food:

Choline: Supports production of neurotransmitters and promotes healthy cell membranes

Vitamin B12: Plays a key role in normal brain functioning, nervous system function and blood formation.

Niacin: Supports nervous system functioning, digestive system functioning and helps to keep skin, nails and eyes healthy

2. High in Omega 3s

Omega 3 fatty acids are essential nutrients, found in high doses in — you guessed it — fresh Maine lobster meat. Omega 3s serve numerous functions essential to the healthy functioning of the human body and can even help to protect against heart disease and possibly stroke.

Lobster meat, like other fish such as salmon, are excellent sources of EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) omega 3s. Of all the shellfish, lobster and certain species of crab have the highest concentrations of omega 3s. According to the American Heart Association, a 6oz piece of lobster contains between .14 and .92 grams of omega 3s!

3. Low in Saturated Fat and Calories

With less saturated fat, fewer calories and lower cholesterol levels than beef and pork and even chicken, Lobster is one of the best sources for lean protein. When the single lobster meal at Weathervane is compared with the grilled chicken sandwich it is clear to see. Here are the nutrition facts for each Weathervane meal according to healthydiningfinder.com:

Single Lobster Dinner

Boiled lobster served with steamed broccoli. Analysis does not include coleslaw or drawn butter served on the side.

Lean Protein, Vegetable

Grilled Chicken Sandwich

Request no mayonnaise or butter on roll.

Grilled marinated chicken breast with lettuce and tomato, served with steamed broccoli. Analysis does not include pickle spear or coleslaw served on the side.

Lean Protein, Vegetable

While there aren’t many things better than fresh Maine lobster meat dipped in warm melted butter, if you really want to keep the calories down, substitute the butter with a spritz of fresh squeezed lemon. You might even find you like it better!

So, next time your looking for some heart-healthy lean protein, remember the fresh Maine lobster! At Weathervane, we serve a variety of Maine lobster dishes, using only the freshest of locally caught crustaceans.