Belinda Norton: Health benefits of oysters and why I eat them every week

A gym teacher known for transforming her body in her 40s has revealed the one food she eats every week to stay in peak health: oysters.

Belinda Nortona 45-year-old mother of two from the Gold Coast, is fitter now than she was in her 20s after swapping cardio for resistance training and simply adjusting her diet.

And oysters, she says, play a key role in her health, both inside and out, and are a weekly “must-consumer.”

Sea-farmed oysters are a rich source of vitamin D, copper, zinc and manganese. These micronutrients, in combination with calcium, are believed to be key to slowing or even preventing bone loss in older women due to osteoporosis,” said the health and physical educator.

‘Oysters increase sexual performance and libido, thanks to the high zinc content. Zinc is also associated with sexual dysfunction and it is also beneficial for embryonic development in women. Premenopausal women need almost double the amount.

Belinda (pictured in her twenties and now) famously preferred cardio over resistance training when she was younger, and now takes a more balanced approach

‘Iron is key in the formation of red blood cells in the body. It is the primary defense against anemia, also known as iron deficiency, which can lead to fatigue, cognitive impairment, stomach disorders and general muscle weakness.”

Belinda also said they may be beneficial to the heart due to the high levels of omega-3 fatty acids and are known to be important when it comes to the body’s ability to heal itself.

“Zinc is also important for the proper growth and development of children and adults, as well as the maintenance of body function for people of all ages,” she said.

“Eat them responsibly and you can enjoy the vast wealth of health benefits they have to offer, as well as helping your depleted mineral levels.”

The recommended amount is six to eight fresh or cooked oysters once or twice a week.

And oysters, she says, play a key role in her health, both inside and out, and are a weekly “must-consumer.”

There are a number of foods that Belinda religiously eats every day for their health benefits, including two raw carrots and a cucumber (pictured)

“Next time you’re at the grocery store, grab a bag of carrots and cucumbers and munch munch munch,” she said

Belinda also said that oysters may be beneficial for the heart due to the high levels of omega-3 fatty acids and are known to be important when it comes to the body’s ability to heal itself.

Belinda also eats three specific foods every day to stay healthy: two raw carrots and one cucumber.

The fiber in carrots helps control your blood sugar, while eating cucumbers “hydrates the body and leads to health benefits such as weight loss, balanced hydration, digestive regularity and lower blood sugar levels.”

“Next time you’re at the grocery store, pick up a bag of carrots and cucumbers and feast, feast,” she said.

“They really are the perfect snacks.”