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ไทยSquid is one of the familiar, delicious, and nutritious seafood, favored in many dishes from Asia to Europe. But many people still wonder when eating squid, “Do squids have spines?”. This seemingly simple question opens up many interesting facts about this marine animal. So, let’s explore right in the article below to get a detailed answer to this question!
1. Understanding Squids
Squid are soft-bodied marine animals belonging to the mollusc group, living mainly in deep-sea areas, coastlines, and vast oceans. They have an elongated shape with a plump body covered by skin containing pigments like red, black, and yellow. These pigments help squid flexibly change color for camouflage, to avoid predators, or for communication.
The squid’s body is divided into two main parts: the head and the body. The head consists of 8-10 main tentacles and 2 long tentacles specialized for catching prey, with strong suckers at the tip of the tentacles. The squid’s mouth is located between the tentacles and has a hard beak used to tear prey into pieces. Their large eyes help them see clearly in the water, aiding effectively in hunting.
Squid can swim very fast using a jet propulsion mechanism, drawing water into their body cavity and expelling it. Additionally, they can eject ink and bioluminesce (bioluminescence) to confuse predators. Notably, some squid species are very intelligent, coordinating in schools to hunt. Currently, there are many popular squid species such as tube squid, cuttlefish, squid, etc., with diverse shapes, sizes, and biological characteristics.
2. Do Squids Have Spines?
Squid do not have spines, so they belong to the invertebrate group, specifically the class Cephalopoda, along with octopuses and cuttlefish. However, many people are easily mistaken because squid have a hard part running along their back. But it is not a spine; it is a cartilaginous plate (or cuttlebone) that helps shape the body and aids in movement.
The special feature is that this part is not a skeletal system like in vertebrates (such as fish, reptiles, or mammals). The absence of a spine does not hinder the squid’s survival; it remains one of the most effective and agile predators on the ocean floor.
3. Benefits of Eating Squid
Squid is not only a familiar ingredient in cuisine but also a nutritious food source with many health benefits. Containing many vitamins, minerals, and high-quality protein, squid is considered a nutritious meal for all ages.
- Rich in protein, supports muscle development: Squid is a rich source of protein but low in fat, helping to maintain and develop muscles effectively. Especially for people who exercise or are on a diet, squid is an excellent food to supplement protein without worrying about weight gain (according to Shellfish).
- Good for cardiovascular health: Squid contains omega-3 fatty acids, a type of healthy fat that helps reduce inflammation, stabilize blood pressure, and lower the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Furthermore, omega-3 is beneficial for the nervous system and vision, especially in the elderly and developing children.
- Supports brain and nervous system: Squid contains vitamin B12, an important micronutrient that helps maintain nerve function and prevent anemia. Vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to fatigue, memory loss, and impaired brain function. Regularly consuming squid in moderation will help the brain function more effectively.
- Boosts the immune system: Minerals like zinc, selenium, and copper found in squid play a crucial role in strengthening the immune system, helping the body fight off environmental pathogens.
- Good for skin and hair: Thanks to its high content of natural collagen and antioxidants, squid also contributes to skin beautification, reducing aging, and nourishing healthy hair from within (according to Shellfish).
4. Risks of Eating Too Much Squid
Squid is a nutritious food, but like many other seafood, if consumed excessively or improperly, squid can pose health risks, specifically as follows:
- Increased blood cholesterol: Although it is a low-fat seafood, squid contains a considerable amount of cholesterol. Eating too much, especially for people with a history of cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol. Consuming squid regularly can lead to elevated blood cholesterol levels, negatively impacting cardiovascular health.
- Risk of seafood allergies: Squid is one of the foods that can easily cause allergies, especially in people with sensitive constitutions. Symptoms may include redness, itching, swollen lips, abdominal pain, etc. Therefore, if you are eating squid for the first time or have a history of seafood allergies, try a small amount first and monitor your body’s reaction.
- Risk of heavy metal poisoning: Squid live in marine environments, which can be polluted by heavy metals such as mercury, lead, and cadmium. If squid harvested from polluted waters are consumed for a long time, users risk absorbing these toxic substances, affecting the liver, kidneys, and nervous system (according to National Library of Medicine).
- Food poisoning due to improper preparation: Eating raw or undercooked squid can lead to bacterial or parasitic infections such as liver flukes, diarrhea, and food poisoning. Additionally, squid that has been stored for too long or improperly preserved can spoil easily, negatively affecting the digestive system when consumed.
From the information above, you must have an answer to the question “Do squids have spines?” at the beginning of the article. To find more useful knowledge about squid species, their nutritional value, and how to prepare delicious squid dishes, visit the Ola Squid website now. Here, we not only provide high-quality dried squid products but also offer a wealth of interesting information about squid for you.
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