Whelk is a sea snail (measuring about 10cm in height and 6cm in width) with solid, ventricose, ovate-conical shaped body and survives on the cold water such as in coastal areas of Northern Atlantic Ocean.
• They have separate sexes, reproducing by internal fertilization which promotes the laying of their eggs in protective whole capsule packets and breed from October to May.
• The whelk lives between 10-15 years on a carnivores diet of worms, mussels, crustaceans and molluscs.
Fish/Seafood Description
History
Types & Varieties
Mechanism of Action
Additional Information
Key Actions
Usable Parts
Directions of Preparation
Recommended Dosage
Its Active Constituents:
• Whelk contain:
• Whelk are excellent in Copper, Selenium, Vitamin B12,
• Whelk are very good in Protein, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium, Sodium, Zinc, Manganese, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B3, Vitamin B6, Choline, Cholesterol,
• Whelk have average trace of Energy, Calcium, Vitamin B5,
Health Benefits of Whelk
Bones
• Whelk Manganese content promotes Bone growth, its Phosphorus content is essential for healthy Bones and teeth, while its Protein content stimulates the production and activity of insulin-like growth factor-1 [IGF-1] that stimulates Bone formation and the regulation of Bone Metabolism.
Precaution:
* Protein intake is a determinant of urinary Calcium excretion. High Protein intakes in the form of meat and Dairy products have been linked with hip fracture, because the consumption of animal Protein (which is rich in Sulfur-containing Amino Acids) contributes to an acidic environment, leading to higher excretion of Calcium in urine.
Foods & Bones
Cardiovascular System
• Whelk contain Vitamin B3 (Niacin) which increases HDL (good) Cholesterol levels and lowers LDL (bad) Cholesterol levels, its Vitamin B12 content plays a role in maintaining heart health by helping to reduce elevated homocysteine levels (a major risk factor for heart disease), its Magnesium content maintains a good regular heart rhythm, preventing the occasional extra-systoles (skipped heart beats or Palpitations) as a result of excessive heat or Stress. It helps lower High Blood Pressure, prevent heart attacks and is necessary for regulating the electrical activity of The Heart, while its Potassium content has capacity to control electrical impulses sent to muscles and its fluid-balancing properties, has a direct beneficial effect on blood pressure (in both Hypertensive and non-Hypertensive patients), such as balancing/lowering Sodium levels.
Foods & Cardiovascular System
Circulatory System
• Whelk contain Iron which helps to increase oxygenated blood supply to body cells, tissues and muscles, thus promotes many functions (such as cognitive activity, formation of neural pathways, etc.), its Vitamin B6 content is involved in the production of red blood cells, while Potassium supports blood circulation, relaxes both the nerves and muscles, and nerve cell activity.
• Whelk Vitamin B12 supports the production of Bone marrow and red blood cells by supporting the erythropoiesis process (New insights into erythropoiesis: the roles of Folate, Vitamin B12, and Iron).
• It is needed to help produce a healthy level of red blood cells and also helps prevent megaloblastic Anemia (a type of Anemia which results in symptoms like chronic fatigue and weakness).
Foods & Circulatory System
Detoxification
• Whelks Potassium content regulates body fluids (extracellular fluid) through kidney function by maintaining a balance between the amount of liquid taken in by the body and the amount of liquid eliminated by the kidneys, while its Selenium content helps to rid of the effects of a number of toxic metals and antagonize the effects of a number of toxic metals by binding with some, creating inactive complexes and helping to rid of them in the system.
Foods & Detoxification
Diabetes
• Whelk Zinc content helps keep Diabetes under control (including stabilizing the basal metabolic rate (BMR)) as soluble Fiber Carbohydrates reduce postprandial glycemia, which is associated with reduced risk of Diabetes, while its Vitamin B3 content (Niacin) regulates high blood sugar levels and Selenium also exhibits insulin-mimetic properties, thus may help with the prevention and management of Diabetes.
Foods & Diabetes
Digestive System
• Whelks Copper content is helpful in cleansing and detoxing The Stomach, proper elimination of waste and ensuring the absorption of nutrients from food as Copper ions (in Water) help to maintain a good balance of pH level in the body, making the body a conducive and healthy environment for beneficial bacteria for digestion, its Manganese content activates special enzymes necessary for proper digestion and synthesis of Carbohydrates, fatty acids and Cholesterol, while its Phosphorus and Vitamin B3 (especially in combination with other B-complex Vitamins) content supports the activity of the Digestive System by improving digestion, regulating bowel movements and can efficiently stimulate appetite.
Foods & Digestive System
Energy
• Whelk contain Proteins are a major source of Energy as Muscle Proteins (in cases of no stored extra Proteins) break down to yield Amino Acids to provide Energy (or synthesize glucose) and ensure a continuous cells Energy supply, while its Vitamin B2 (an essential mineral for supporting Metabolism of Proteins, Carbohydrates and fats) which is beneficial to Energy production.
• Whelks Vitamin B6 content ensures the proper distribution of sugar and Starch and actively participates in the production of Amino Acids.
• Whelks Iron content supports Energy production by increasing the amount of oxygen transported to tissues. When we feel exhausted, Stressed out or simply cringe at the idea of getting back up on our feet (literally), the only thing that can give us instant strength is Iron.
• Its Manganese content ensures elevated Energy levels and aids in converting Proteins and fats to Energy (helps the body process nutrients from food), which efficiently contributes to combating tiredness, low blood sugar levels and mood swings.
Foods & Energy
Hair
• Whelks Copper content is an essential element of Melanin (the natural pigmentation responsible for Skin, Hair and Eyes colour), where its Melanin is produced by melanocytes only in the presence of Copper. A Copper deficit will lead to premature Hair graying. Vitamin B12 content can also reduce Hair breakage and help nails to become stronger.
Foods & Hair
Immune System
• Whelk Vitamin B12 content prevents autoimmune diseases as it supports the white blood cells that should be protecting us from outside threats start attacking the cells in our body, its Choline content has Anti-Inflammatory properties and can protect nerve cells from oxidative damage. Iron supports the Immune System and increases anti-bodies production by increasing the delivery of oxygen throughout the body, while its Selenium content has protective anti-oxidant effect that seems to inhibit cell proliferation and boosts the Immune System (anti-oxidant and Immuno-Modulatory).
• Whelks Vitamin B2 content sustains the functions performed by all the other B-group Vitamins.
• Its Vitamin B6 content (Pyridoxine) which is required for proper functioning of phospholipids, Lipids that form cell membranes, and supports normal cell growth and formation of both DNA and Amino Acids, thus stimulates the Immune System by supporting cell growth, maintains healthy Lymphoid organs (spleen, thymus, Lymph nodes, tonsils, Digestive tract) which produce sufficient white blood cells (or leukocytes), and supports cell activity.
• Whelks Vitamin B12 good intake lowers homocysteine levels. homocysteine is an Amino Acids believed to cause cardiovascular disease, mood disorders, Depression, Schizophrenia and even Alzheimer’s Disease.
• Whelks Manganese content helps activate (and is part of) the superoxide dismutase enzyme (an important anti-oxidant enzyme), hence it protects against free radical damage and stimulates immunity.
• Whelks Zinc content aids in regulating the activity of two (2) important sense organs (smell and taste) and stimulates the immune function by increasing the body’s response to bacteria and viruses.
Note:
* A number of Alkaloids (such as emetine, harringtonine, homoharringtonine, cryptopleurine, tubulosine, hemanthamine, lycorine, narciclasine, pretazettine, pseudolycorine, tylocrepine, and tylophorine) inhibit Protein biosynthesis and can also induce cells apoptosis (cells death) by inserting substances into the DNA. Emetine from Psychotria Ipecacuanha (Rubiaceae) is the most potent plant constituent.
Foods & Immune System
Infant
• Its Proteins in the diet supply the Amino Acids required for the growth of Infants and children and for the maintenance of tissues in adults.
Foods & Infant
Infections
• Whelks Copper content has anti-bacterial properties, thus can inhibit (or even destroy) the growth of dangerous bacteria such as E. coli. (Professor Bill Keevil, University of Southampton), while its Selenium and Zinc contents accelerate the Wound healing process and stimulates recovery after chronic Infections, thus enhances the body’s ability to heal itself.
Foods & Infections
The Liver
• Whelks Choline content helps The Liver to prevent the accumulation of the two (2) Lipids (fats and Cholesterol) its made to process into very low density lipoproteins and send them into the bloodstream for various purposes, and also helps The Liver excrete them into the bloodstream.
Note:
* Protein degradation, Amino Acids oxidation and proteolysis are all increased when the synthetic function of The Liver is impacted by diseases, thus decreasing the production of several key Proteins (including albumins, Retinol-binding Proteins, protease inhibitors, coagulation factors, Iron-binding Proteins, and insulin-like growth factors). Patients with chronic Liver disease have altered concentrations of Amino Acids in the sense that, concentrations of aromatic Amino Acids is increased and concentrations of branched-chain Amino Acids is decreased.
Foods & The Liver
Men Health
• Whelks Selenium content is necessary for normal testicular development (spermatogenesis and spermatozoa motility and function in males).
Foods & Men Health
Metabolism
• Whelks Manganese and Selenium contents are essential for the proper functioning of the Thyroid Gland as they support Thyroid activity (increase Metabolism), promote Thyroid Hormone production (thyroxine) activity, metabolizes nutrients (such as Vitamins, Choline, fatty acids and Cholesterol), and maintains healthy blood sugar levels, while its Copper content supports the activity of the Thyroid Gland, promotes normal metabolic processes (in association with Amino Acids and Vitamins), and is involved in more than 50 different enzymes involved in various biological reactions within our body (such as Zinc, Manganese, and Selenium Metabolism).
• Its Vitamin B6 content helps maintain a healthy Thyroid and actively participates in the processes of absorption of Selenium (a crucial nutrient for good health).
• Its Vitamin B3 content (Niacin) plays a crucial part in the conversion of Proteins, fats and Carbohydrates into Energy. Our body needs Energy in order to support the most basic functions of important organs such as The Heart, lungs and brain.
• Its Vitamin B12 content ensures adequate Energy levels by helping the body metabolize fats, Proteins and Carbohydrates, facilitating macro-nutrients and Vitamins and Minerals absorption. It is crucial for addressing Adrenal fatigue, multiple metabolic functions (including Digestive enzyme production, DNA synthesis) and hormonal balance (maintaining healthy nervous and Cardiovascular Systems).
• Its Zinc content is essential for good health as it helps maintain normal blood sugar levels, stabilizes the basal metabolic rate (BMR), plays a vital role in Protein synthesis, and regulates the production of white blood cells and cell growth.
Foods & Metabolism
Musculoskeletal System
• Whelk Vitamin B2, and Vitamin B3 are essential for normal growth, cellular repair and quick Wound healing, its Selenium content has powerful Anti-Inflammatory effects that helps reduce joint inflammation, while some Whelk contents helps to form Protein, repair the body cells and stimulate Hormones.
• Its Magnesium content helps to inhibit chronic leg cramps and relax kidney Stress, muscular tension and back muscles.
• Whelks Vitamin B12 content also prevents ataxia (a condition which leads to involuntary muscle contractions, loss if sensitivity in limbs, distorted perception, instability and overall poor muscle coordination).
• Its Iron content supports body growth and development.
• Whelks Magnesium content helps maximize Calcium absorption, thus helps strengthen Bones, maintain healthy teeth and Bone cell activity, and even improves severe medical conditions (such as Osteoporosis, restless leg syndrome).
• Its Copper content optimizes/supports the activity of the Thyroid Gland, helps preserve the myelin Sheath that surrounds and protects the nerves, ensures proper use of Iron and participates in connective tissue formation enzymatic reactions.
• Its Phosphorus content (incombination with B-complex Vitamins) support nerve health by preventing muscle spasms, tingling and numbness in arms and legs, irregular heartbeat in the form of extrasystoles and breathing difficulties, while its Potassium (as an electrolyte) ensures the body has enough Water in and out of cells to conduct electrical impulses to neurons and muscles, resulting in controlled, rhythmic contractions and relaxation of both the nerves and muscles.
Foods & Musculoskeletal System
Pregnancy
• Whelks Vitamin B12 content is needed to create nucleic acid or DNA (the basic genetic Material that’s used to create the entire body), while its Choline content prevent neural tube defects and has a surprising impact on brain development which may prove just as important as Folate (Folic Acid or Vitamin B9) in helping to prevent neural tube defects in newborns because of its cardiovascular implications.
• Research points to its vital importance in preventing neural tube defects in newborns as well as delaying cognitive decline in the Elderly.
Foods & Pregnancy
Reproductive Health
• Whelks Zinc content regulates Reproductive organs development, thus sufficient dietary Zinc amount will increase male fertility (testicular development, sperm maturation, and testosterone synthesis) and support female fertility in all the major reproduction stages (female sexual development, ovulation, the Menstrual cycle, and conception [birth and lactation]), while its Manganese content is essential for human survival as it supports and maintain a healthy Reproductive System by increasing fertility and involvement in the formation of Reproductive Hormones.
Foods & Reproductive Health
Respiratory System
• Whelks Selenium content help control Asthma attacks as a good intake of Selenium, Beta-Carotene, Vitamin C and Vitamin E successfully prevent and help control Asthma attacks.
Foods & Respiratory System
Skin Health
• Whelk Vitamin B2 content promotes beautiful Skin (contributes to Skin Health), strong nails and can also help treat dermatitis or Eczema, while its Vitamin B12 content is essential for healthy Skin, Hair and nails because it plays a major part in cell reproduction. It benefits Skin Health by reducing redness, dryness, inflammation, Acne blemishes, Psoriasis and Eczema.
• Its Manganese content is an essential trace mineral needed for healthy Skin, Bone, cartilage formation and glucose tolerance.
• Collagen (an important and abundant fibrous/structured Protein) provides much needed strength to the cells, tissues, and organ (such as Skin), thereby revitalizing/repairing/reconditioning the Skin from constant wear and tear.
• Its Zinc content is good for maintaining healthy Skin and an efficient treatment method against Acne.
Foods & Skin Health
The Brain & Nervous System
• Whelk Choline content support brain function and prevent or delay Nervous System degeneration in the form of memory loss or motor problems occurring particularly in neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s Diseaseґs and Parkinson’sґs disease, its Manganese and Phosphorus are important components of nervous tissue, supporting the Nervous System, cognitive functions and basic chemical reactions within the body (such as nerve-muscle coordination and nervous cells recovery and overall cognition), while its Phosphorus content supports basic chemical reactions within the body and an important component of nervous tissue, supporting the Nervous System and cognitive functions.
• Its Vitamin B1 adequate intake can relieve Stress damage to the brain and improve overall brain function significantly. It helps in myelin development, healthy and functionality.
• Its Vitamin B3 content (Niacin) promotes relaxation, helps strengthen nerves and improves brain function (such as both memory and concentration).
• Its Vitamin B6 content supports the activity of the Nervous System (and it is very important for keeping Hormones balanced and healthy) as it increases the quantity of oxygen transported to cells and tissues during more intense physical activity. Adequate intake of Pyridoxine (or Vitamin B6) helps us cope with Stress more easily.
• Its Vitamin B12 content helps to treat Alzheimer’s Disease and Nervous System symptoms such as cognitive degeneration and confusion. It ensures the proper development of nerve cells, improves memory and helps protect the integrity of the myelin Sheath (a Nervous System and a layer surrounding the axon [the tail] of a neuron [nerve cell]). The myelin Sheath basically mediates communication between nerve cells.
Foods & Nervous System
Weight Management
• Whelk is a complex Fiber Carbohydrate food which Protein promotes a feeling of satiety (high satisfying effect after consumption), thus may aid in Weight Management, show favourable actions on serotonin and gastric enzymes, and protective against a host of dreaded, chronic diseases.
Foods & Weight Management
The Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) of Whelk
The Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA)
(per 100g) of
Whelk