Turtle soup originated with both Native Americans and Creole peoples. Creole peoples, in particular, are known for making turtle soups with sailors returning to New Orleans from the Gulf of Mexico region. Turtle soups were originally created to reduce turtle meat that may have spoilt or had limited storage life by removing most of the fat and cooking it in an aromatic stock along with vegetables. They’re usually quite high in calcium content because turtles accumulate minerals on their hard shell while they're alive underwater. Turtles also store this same mineral content around their musculature which can add flavor to a turtle soup broth when slow-cooked for many hours. As such, turtle soup is commonly seen as part of good cardiovascular health due to its richness in calcium. Turtle meat is very healthy due to its low fat content, high protein level, and many essential minerals & nutrients which provide for a variety of benefits. Shell muscle is also quite low in cholesterol and full of mineral salts, so it can be marinated overnight with wine or vinegar to reduce the gamey taste. It can also be stewed with vegetables. Turtle meat is lean, making it a healthy meal option. It has up to 50% less fat than chicken or beef and is still full of protein, vitamins & minerals! There are no known allergies that come from the consumption of turtle meat.