Can You Eat Coral? Exploring Edibility, Risks, and Environmental Impact

Maybe you’re just bored of the daily seafood we consume daily. And you just want to try something very new and interesting. So, you just decided to try coral as your seafood.

We know the idea of having coral seems pretty mouth-watering to you.

But now the question arises, can you eat coral?

Yes, you can eat but it’s not recommended. Coral reefs are consumed by a lot of fishes. But it isn’t edible for human beings. The major reason why they’re not edible is that coral reefs are hard as rocks. And they also produce different types of toxins that you need to know about.

We know that you’re still confused about choosing coral as your meal. Do not worry! We’ve got you back. You are going to find out your answer to all your questions and confusion.

Just read along with us.

Can You Eat Coral? Reasons Why You Should or Shouldn’t

Yes, but it’s not recommended. You can’t eat coral reefs as your seafood meals.

This might also come to your mind can coral reefs be poisonous? Yes, they can be poisonous and it is one of the reasons why coral-eating isn’t recommended.

Now, you already know that you can’t eat coral as food. But the question is why?

So, we discussed the major reasons behind it.

Reason 1: Corals Are Hard As Rocks

The coral reef’s main body is contained with basically sodium and calcium carbonate. This chemical substance is similar to hard rocks. And they also cause sharp edges on coral bodies.

Now definitely you’re asking yourself can you cook corals? Yes, you’ll be able to cook corals somehow but it won’t be amusing. Or it might not taste alright.

If you even manage to chew coral, it will definitely cut your insides. Eating coral will be harmful to your teeth, mouth, and throats. Your digestive system will be slowed down as well.

Reason 2: Corals Are Poisonous

Most corals produce toxic substances from their bodies. So, it is very unsafe to consume corals as food.

Speaking of poison, this may also concern you that can coral hurt humans? Yes, corals can hurt humans. Sometimes they sting for protection purposes. So, it’s better not to touch them.

Now you need to know about the side effects and the poisons corals produce. Not every species of corals produce toxins. The species which are toxic are Palythoa species and Zoanthus species. They each contain Palytoxin.

Palytoxin is very dangerous for human health. It has some life-threatening side effects as well. The side effects are,

Flu includes cough, fever, headache, and sore throats.
Skin issues include rash, allergies, and itching.
Respiratory issues include chest pain, heavy breathing, and runny nose.

Reason 3: Corals Consist of High Calcium

Coral main bodies are mainly made of high calcium. Now, we all know that calcium is good for human health. But consuming corals will increase your calcium level to a whole new level.

High calcium levels in human bodies are called Hypercalcemia. This causes,

Weakened bones
Kidney failure or kidney stones
The heart and brain can’t work properly

We discussed the core three reasons why you can not eat corals as a meal.

Reason 4: Corals Don’t Contain Nutrients

Nutrients are the sole reason why people consume food. But corals don’t contain any nutrients which can be helpful for human bodies.

The nutrients corals contain are only for their photosynthesis. And those are,

Nitrogen
Phosphate
Iron
Calcium

None of the nutrients are that helpful for human bodies. On the other hand, they might cause danger to health.

Reason 5: Corals Are a Part of the Ecosystem

Corals are a part of a huge role in the ecosystem. They are called the ‘Rainforests of the sea’ due to their colorful beauty.

As coral is a big part of the ecosystem, this question always remains. Is coral mining illegal? The answer is yes. Coral mining is harmless but it is illegal.

Core reasons why coral reefs are so important in the ecosystem are,

Biodiversity: Coral reefs are holding the homes of all marine species in this world.
Source of Food: Coral reefs manage food for more than 500 million people in the coastal areas.
Tourism: Coral reefs manage the tourism industry of countries as well.
Protection: Coral reefs help protect the coastal areas from natural calamities from the sea.
Medicine: Coral reefs are also a part of calcium supplements for human health.

Being a part of the ecosystem, you might think how much is coral worth? Well, corals are pretty expensive. They are sold from ten thousand dollars to one million and upwards.

All these reasons are enough for you to avoid eating corals.

How to Identify Poisonous Corals

Now, you might also want to know if poisonous corals can be identified.

It is not possible to identify which corals possess poison in them. But you can always be extra careful about it.

Keep your usage of corals minimum.
Avoid touching corals with bare hands. Wear eyemasks and gloves before.
Always keep the corals underwater.
Keep the corals at a cool temperature as the toxins are inflammable.

But People Eat Coral Calcium – Why?

People can eat corals, it’s not forbidden. But it is better not to eat corals as a meal.

Corals are the powerhouse of calcium. They are mainly contained in calcium. People might not eat them as food but they can consume corals for calcium.

Calcium is a very important element of human health. It is important to keep our bones, nails, hair, and teeth healthy and strong. People eat coral calcium because,

Coral calcium keeps our bone density healthy
Coral calcium prevents muscle pain and other muscle diseases
Coral calcium heals muscle and bones faster
Coral calcium keeps our blood healthy
Coral calcium also helps our brain to function properly

So, it is somewhat better to eat coral calcium but a limited amount.

How Harmful is Coral for Kids And Pregnant Women?

Coral reefs can be harmful to kids and pregnant women. The harmful side effects of coral reefs are that,

Coral reefs can cause nausea or vomiting
There can be a loss of appetite
Kids can start losing weight in a very unusual way
There can be frequent mood swings due to corals
Headaches and tiredness can be also shown
There can also be the symptom of unusual urination

So, it is actually harmful to kids and pregnant women.

Corals as Supplements for Human Health

Corals can be very useful sometimes. Corals are used as supplements for human health.

You definitely can’t eat corals as food. But you can consume corals as supplements. Corals contain high levels of calcium in their bodies. The supplements made from corals contain high calcium as well.

Some of us suffer from low levels of calcium in our bodies. By taking these supplements you’ll be able to have the perfect level of calcium. The supplements are usually made from dead corals.

Corals or Coral Mushroom? Are They The Same?

People sometimes get confused between corals and coral mushrooms. But let us tell you that corals and coral mushrooms are completely different. They are definitely not the same.

Coral mushrooms are a species of fungi. They basically look like corals. But coral mushrooms are usually found on the land, not water. On the other hand, corals are found underwater.

Coral mushrooms are not related to corals at all. They carry a lot of helpful nutrients, unlike corals. The nutrients are,

Protein
Copper
Potassium
Magnesium
Calcium

Coral mushrooms are also very soft. They’re not hard as rocks like corals.

So, coral mushrooms are definitely edible and healthy for humans.

With coral mushrooms on the list, you might also think about which reef fish are edible. There are plenty of options out there. You can consume tuna, mackerel, yellowfin, salmon, and so on.

FAQs

What Does Coral Taste Like?

Coral has a powerful pungent flavor. But also it is tough and almost impossible to chew. The coral reefs contain poisonous elements. The poisons that many corals release have the potential to have exceedingly negative adverse effects.

Where Can I Buy Table Coral?

Table coral is also present on the Lilypad Islands. Nearly straight southeast of the lifepod lies the Lilypad Islands. Through the biomes of Tree Spires and Purple Vents. Table corals half moon shaped. They are mostly in red and yellow colors.

Is Yellow Coral Edible?

Although reportedly edible, Samaria Flava is only of average quality. However, Ramaria Formosa and it are frequently mistaken for one another. If consumed, they are extremely dangerous and will give you stomach problems and diarrhea.

Conclusion

Hope we’re able to give you the answer to can you eat coral.

Now that you already know the answer. We hope that you’ll avoid consuming corals as food. And do let others know about how dangerous and hazardous corals can be.

If you actually want to try new seafood or coral-like food, please try coral mushrooms. Coral mushrooms are delicious and very nutritious. They definitely don’t contain any toxin substances.

Hope you’ll choose the right coral mushrooms. Have a great day! And take care of yourself.