We get plenty of people inquiring about the nutritional information of caviar. Hopefully this article will answer most of your questions, and clear up any gray-areas regarding caviar and your health.NutritionData.com has a nice page detailing caviar nutritional information for 1 table spoon, 1 ounce, and 100 grams. The nutritional label is pictured to the right. They describe caviar as a good source of Riboflavin, Pantothenic Acid, Calcium and Phosphorus, and a very good source of Protein, Vitamin D, Vitamin B12, Iron, Magnesium and Selenium. The negatives are that caviar is very high in Cholesterol and Sodium.
The problem however is that the TYPE of caviar is not documented, instead the caviar is merely described as "Fish, caviar, black and red, granular".
Caviar Luxe is another great site that provides comprehensive information about caviar, including nutritional information. They describe caviar as tasteful and healthy, and as a good source of calcium and phosphorus, as well as protein, selenium, iron, magnesium, and Vitamins B12, B6, B2, B44, C, A, and D. They also mention that "[o]ne tablespoon of caviar contains a gram of Omega-3 fatty acids, which help prevent heart disease."
About.com Home Cooking section has a little snipped about caviar and your health. They say that for those watching their cholesterol and salt intake, caviar should be reserved as a rare treat as it is high on both counts. On the other hand, caviar is a rich source of vitamins A and D, as well as omega-3 fatty acids which some researchers say can aid in deterring depression.Caviar is also touted as a hangover remedy due to its high content of acetylcholine (a neurotransmitter believed to play a key role in memory retention) which lines the stomach and increases the body's tolerance to alcohol. Arginine, a vascular dilator in caviar, helps increase bloodflow, thus the claim as an aphrodisiac. Surprisingly, airlines purchase about fifty percent of the world's caviar to serve to their first-class passengers.
Very interesting, think about that next time you are having a shot of vodka with your Ossetra Caviar amidst flying first-class to Amsterdam.
Lastly, another insightful read on Medicinenet.com linking caviar as an anti-depressant. The article highlights recent research that suggests that people suffering from depression, bipolar disorder, and other mental health problems can benefit from diets rich in omega-3 fatty acids - found in abundance in certain types of fish and caviar.
In the end, just like anything in life, moderation is key. Caviar is a delicacy to savor and enjoy thoroughly on occasion. Although tempting, eating caviar daily can be detrimental to your health, and most certainly, to your wallet.
