Raw oysters are abundant in many coastal areas. Local meat-eaters and omnivores aren’t the only people who eat tasty mollusks. Even some vegetarians and vegans enjoy cracking open oyster shells. Here is some information on why even vegans and vegetarians eat them, along with their many benefits.

Raw Oysters 101 for Vegans and Vegetarians

Can Oysters Feel?

Many people who eat vegan or vegetarian diets do so because they don’t want to harm animals that have the capacity to feel pain. While raw oysters are alive, they do not have a central nervous system or brain, which means it’s likely they don’t feel pain—hence, no suffering. For this reason, many vegans and vegetarians include raw oysters in their diets.

How do Oysters Affect the Environment? 

Animals like cows and pigs massively impact the planet. Raising livestock requires a large amount of space and creates massive amounts of greenhouse gasses that can negatively impact the ozone layer, contributing to global warming. These are considerations that have led many people to become vegan or vegetarian. 

However, most of the raw oysters that are consumed are farmed. Because of their size, it’s easy to cultivate a large number of oysters in a small area, making them a more productive and less destructive crop. Since they are not wild caught, there is little potential for overfishing, which can have a significantly negative impact on marine ecosystems. 

What are the Benefits of Eating Raw Oysters?

Raw oysters are a low-calorie food high in nutrients. They offer omega-3 fatty acids, iron, and zinc, which can improve your heart, immunities, and eyesight. They also provide protein and carbohydrates for long-lasting energy. Enjoying a couple of oysters can help keep you hydrated due to their high water content and, because of their high potassium content, can even limit muscle soreness after a tough workout.

If you like “lousy pizza and warm beer” (their tongue-in-cheek motto), head to Papa Rocco’s in Gulf Shores, AL. This local favorite has been open since the 1980s, serving cold beer and tasty food accompanied by live music. Call the Baldwin County restaurant at (251) 948-7262 or visit the website to learn why they’ve been voted 105.7 FM’s Peoples Choice Award winner for Best Raw Oysters for 12 years.