The Season of "Sea Milk" Oysters Has Arrived... How to Reduce Bathroom Trips

Oysters Rich in Nutrients Like Selenium
Improper Consumption May Cause Norovirus
Heat Cooking and Fresh Products Recommended

Due to the rapidly cold weather, more people are seeking oysters, which are in season from September to December. Seasonal oysters are rich in nutrients, often called the milk of the sea, but to prevent food poisoning caused by norovirus and other pathogens, they must be enjoyed safely.

Oyster. [Photo by Pixabay]

According to the Central Food Service Management Support Center of the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) on the 21st, oysters are rich in selenium, which can help modern people who are routinely exposed to heavy metals such as lead and cadmium due to air pollution.

Selenium acts as an antioxidant enzyme component and helps detoxify heavy metals.

Additionally, selenium is known as a nutrient that helps prevent cancer. According to a study reported in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), people who took 200 mg of selenium supplements daily for 4 years and 6 months had a 37% lower risk of developing cancer compared to those who did not. Furthermore, compared to those who took a placebo, the risk of prostate cancer decreased by 63%, colon cancer by 58%, and lung cancer by 46%.

Moreover, oysters have high mineral content such as calcium, iron, copper, and zinc, and are also rich in vitamins A and D. The zinc, iron, and calcium in oysters help with bone growth during developmental stages and prevent osteoporosis in adults.

Love for oysters has continued not only in modern times but also in the past. Ancient Roman emperors enjoyed oysters, and it is said that Napoleon continued to eat oysters even on the battlefield.

Safe to consume when cooked or fresh

Oyster.
[Photo by Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation]

Although oysters are good for health, it is necessary to know precautions to enjoy them safely. Eating raw oysters raises concerns about food poisoning caused by norovirus and natural toxins.

According to the Korean Consumer Agency's Consumer Injury Surveillance System (CISS) report in March this year, there were 542 suspected food poisoning cases related to oysters and oyster dishes from November last year to February this year. This is an eightfold increase compared to the same winter period of the previous year.

Even if purchased at traditional markets or supermarkets, products labeled for cooking or to be eaten cooked must be thoroughly cooked before consumption for safety.

It is also important to consume fresh oysters. Fresh oysters have plump, milky white flesh with a glossy appearance and are elastic when pressed. A distinct black edge around the flesh indicates that the oyster was recently shucked. If the entire flesh looks pale and swollen as if waterlogged, it is not fresh.

Additionally, elderly and vulnerable individuals should consume oysters cooked, such as in oyster soup, steamed oysters, or oyster pancakes, rather than raw. Norovirus is sensitive to heat, so cooking oysters thoroughly ensures safe consumption.

○ How to respond to norovirus

- Norovirus symptoms appear suddenly after an incubation period of about 1 to 2 days following consumption of contaminated food, including fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
- Young children mainly experience vomiting, while adults often have diarrhea.
- Healthy individuals usually recover naturally within 1 to 2 days, but severe cases can lead to dehydration or intense abdominal pain. In such cases, hospital visits for intravenous fluid therapy are necessary, and sedatives may be used for severe abdominal pain.
- If dehydration symptoms appear, hospitalization should be considered, especially for children and the elderly, as it can lead to serious outcomes.