7 Health Benefits Of Periwinkle


Periwinkles are a species of small edible whelk or sea snail that has gills and an operculum.

Found in many parts of the world, they are considered a delicacy in most African and Asian cuisines. In Nigeria, It is used in several delicacies like Edikang Ikong and Afang soup. 

These 5 Nutritional Benefits Of Crayfish Will Make You Love It More

If you have been eating this and you do not know the health benefits, now is the time to find out.

Here are some health benefits:

1. Protein

Periwinkles provide a low-calorie source of protein which is essential for building and repairing muscle and is also better at filling you up than other carbohydrate filled meals and fat. Many people look to seafood as an easy source of protein, but in actual fact, periwinkles have more.

2. Iron

Periwinkles are also a good source of iron, essential for building red blood cells and carrying energy around the body. A lack of iron in the body will lead to extreme fatigue and anemia.

3. Vitamins

Vitamin B12 is often called the ‘energy vitamin’, and it is mostly needed for making red blood cells, keeping the nervous system healthy, releasing energy from the food we eat, and processing folic acid. Luckily, periwinkles have lots of it.


It contains many core vitamins that are imperative for the body’s functions such as Vitamin A, Vitamin E, Vitamin B1, B3, B6, and B12. Vitamin A benefits the health of the eyes, while Vitamin E can act as an antioxidant or helps to improve reproductive health. Then Vitamin B1, B3, B6, and Vitamin B12 are essential vitamins needed to prevent and control diabetes. Other B complex vitamins like niacin and folate are also present in periwinkle.

Niacin has a role in the carbohydrate metabolism to produce energy, and folate is also good for pregnant women in developing a healthy foetus.

4. Magnesium

Periwinkles are also a good source of magnesium, which our bodies need to maintain normal blood pressure, strengthen bones, and also keeps our heartbeat regular.

5. Selenium

Selenium is a nutrient that fights diseases such as cancer, reproductive, and heart disease.

It works together with vitamin E to form a very powerful antioxidant that helps to prevent the aging and deterioration of tissues through oxidation.

6. Omega-3

Periwinkles have heart-loving fatty acids. They also supply a little Omega-3 which is good news for your heart.

Although they contain nowhere near the levels found in oily fish, they are still a fabulous source of Omega- 3.

7. Choline

Periwinkles also contains choline. Choline is a key component of the nervous system, and this nutrient is important to maintaining brain function.





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