Canned Clams As A Diet Food

Clams come from the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. The sizes of the standard culinary clam range from less than 2 inches to about 4 inches. The clam may be the longest living species -- researchers found a 405-year-old clam off the coast of Iceland in 2007. Steamed clams with lemon, clam sauce with pasta and clam chowder are culinary favorites. The nutritional value of canned clams makes them suitable for a weight-loss diet.

Low-Glycemic

The glycemic index assigns a score of 0 to clams because consuming them does not elevate blood glucose. Low-glycemic foods contribute to weight loss because they maintain normal metabolism that provides sustained energy. High-glycemic foods cause sudden blood glucose increases that increase the body's calorie requirements.

Protein

A 3-oz. serving of clams provides 121 calories and 20.6 g of protein, or 41 percent of the 50 g daily value. This makes canned clams a low-calorie protein source. Protein provides amino acids that build muscle when combined with strength training exercise. When the body has a high percentage of muscle, it burns more calories at rest. Because the resting energy uses more than 60 percent of a day's calories, building muscle influences weight loss. Including clams in the diet contributes to meeting your body's daily protein requirement.

Fat

The omega-3 fatty acid contribution of a 3-oz. serving of clams is 0.25 g. Omega-3 fatty acids may improve the rate of weight loss in combination with exercise, according to a study published in the May 2007 "The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition." Including clams in the diet as one of the two servings of fish each week the American Heart Association recommends contributes to the weight control and overall health.

Sodium

The sodium contribution a 3-oz. serving of clams provide is 95 mg, or 4 percent of the 2,400 mg upper recommended daily intake. Excess sodium retains water and increases body weight and interferes with weigh-in accuracy during a monitored diet plan. Including low-sodium foods, such as clams, in the diet gives you an accurate weight reading.