Are Scallops Bad For You?
Short answer
Scallops are very good for you. They are an excellent source of protein and vitamin B12, and can help protect you against a variety of ailments.
Recommended Alternative
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. A few harmful qualities may be associated, but only under certain circumstances such as an allergic reaction.
View Full Grading System
Category 'A'
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Side effects are rare. Things rated an 'A+' are typically necessary for survival (for example, water).
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. A few harmful qualities may be associated, but only under certain circumstances such as an allergic reaction.
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Harmful qualities may be associated, but aren't usually serious.
It is important to note that even the best things in life can become bad in immoderate amounts. So, although something may be rated an 'A+', overconsumption/overdoing can bring unwanted effects.
Category 'B'
Very beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B+' may have a few harmful qualities to pay attention to.
Overall beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B' may have some harmful qualities to pay attention to.
More beneficial to your health than not. However, harmful qualities are most likely associated and shouldn't be overlooked.
The main difference between category 'A' and category 'B' is the harmful qualities typically present in 'B' items. Serious side effects are usually uncommon, but are still possible and should be taken note of.
Category 'C'
Both beneficial and harmful qualities associated. Things rated a 'C+' are typically a bit more on the beneficial side. Still, moderation is important.
A fairly even ratio of beneficial and harmful qualities. Moderation is important. Very general topics that can lean towards both sides of the spectrum will be placed here as well. Rice, for example, can be good or bad depending on the type.
More harmful than beneficial. Side effects are common, especially when consumed/done excessively. Moderation is very important.
Category 'C' usually denotes to both good and bad qualities. When it comes to this category, it is important to keep this word in mind: moderation.
Category 'D'
Harmful to your health. Although benefits may be associated, the bad most likely outweighs the good. Moderation is very important.
Harmful to your health. A few benefits may be associated, but the bad outweighs the good. Moderation is extremely important.
Harmful to your health. Very few, if any, benefits are present. Things in this category should be avoided as much as possible.
Category 'D' is typically for things that are more harmful than beneficial. While consuming/doing something unhealthy once in a blue moon shouldn't hurt, we definitely recommend eliminating 'D' items as a regular part of your routine/diet.
Category 'F'
Category 'F' is for things that fail to bring anything beneficial to the table, and are very harmful to your health. We recommend completely avoiding anything in this category. Long-term side effects of 'F' items are usually very serious.
Category 'N'
'N' stands for neutral. Things placed into this category are generally (a) neither good nor bad for you, or (b) lack the necessary evidence to reach any conclusions.
Long answer
If red meats aren't your thing, or if you're looking to get a healthier protein source into your diet, you may want to consider scallops as a substitute. A shellfish-- and more specifically, a mollusk-- scallops are roughly 80% protein and are very low in both fat and calories. This makes them a great choice if you are looking to lose weight or if you're looking to gain muscle. This is because protein fills you up, keeping you satiated for longer so you are less likely to snack after consuming it. It is also necessary for the building and reparation of muscles, as well as hair, skin, nails, and bones. Scallops will, therefore, help keep you feeling fit and looking your best!
Scallops are also a good source of vitamin B12. It is difficult to find good natural sources of this micronutrient, so products like cereals are often fortified with it to make sure we all get the recommended amount. Vitamin B12 is important for cardiovascular health and can help prevent heart attack, heart disease, osteoporosis, and atherosclerosis. It is also necessary for proper nerve function, and when eaten in larger amounts can help protect against colon cancer.
Colon cancer isn't the only form of the disease you need to be less concerned about-- eating scallops and other fish on a regular basis can help protect against non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, leukemia, and multiple myeloma. The more frequently you include scallops in your meals, the lower your chance will be of developing these cancers. This is also true for blood pressure, as the magnesium and potassium found in the mollusk reduce and maintain lower levels. Not only that, but the omega-3 fatty acids that scallops contain can lower your chance of blood clots and the risk of heart attack and stroke that is associated with them, reduce symptoms of premenstrual syndrome, slow the spread of cancer, and reduce the risk of arthritis.
So long as you do not have an allergy to shellfish, which can cause a variety of unpleasant symptoms as listed below, scallops are a fantastic addition to any diet and can truly help to improve your quality of life.
Possible short-term side effects
- shellfish allergy:
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digestive distress
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swelling of the face, hands, or throat
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skin reactions (hives, redness, itchiness)
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difficulty breathing
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anaphylaxis
Benefits
- helps prevent:
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heart disease and heart attack
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atherosclerosis
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blood clots
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stroke
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deep vein thrombosis
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various cancers
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symptoms of premenstrual syndrome
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arthritis
Our Wellness Pick
(what is this?)
Natural Scallop Shells
- Ideal for DIY crafts
- Natural beach decor
- Perfect for painting
- Ocean-themed parties
- Authentic sea shells
Learn More!
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Thank you for your feedback!
Written by Lindsay
Published on: 02-18-2016
Last updated: 12-15-2023
Thank you for your feedback!
Written by Lindsay
Published on: 02-18-2016
Last updated: 12-15-2023
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