Benefits Of Shrimp

Next to fish, shrimp is the believed to be the most popular seafood. Raw shrimp has a firm, translucent flesh, which is low in calories and saturated fat. This makes it a healthier alternative to other milk proteins. Shrimp comes in a varied range of size and colors, such as pink, gray, brown and yellowish. However, after the shrimps are cooked, their flesh becomes opaque and orange in color. Shrimp is available throughout the year, fresh and frozen. The nutrient density of this seafood is very high and it is loaded with a variety of vitamins and minerals. Read on to know more about the healthy benefits of eating shrimp.

Health Benefits Of Eating Shrimp

Shrimp is a very rich source of trace mineral selenium. Selenium helps in neutralizing the effects of free radicals, which are associated with cancer and other degenerative diseases.
Shrimps are also an excellent source of low-fat and low-cal protein. Around 23.7 grams of protein is gained from a four-ounce serving of shrimp. This amount of shrimp contains 112 calories and less than a gram of fat.
Good quantity of Vitamin D is found in shrimp, which is essential for strong teeth and bones, and also regulates the absorption of calcium and phosphorus, by the body.
Being a good source of Vitamin B12, shrimp consumption facilitates proper brain function and the formation and maturation of blood cells in the body.
Shrimp is loaded with Omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential to guard against the risk of cardiovascular problems, as they reduce the level of cholesterol in blood. The Omega-3 fatty acids present in shrimp also help to avoid blood clotting, prevent the development of rheumatoid arthritis, slow down the development of cancerous tumors and serve to prevent Alzheimer's disease as well.
Shrimp has anti-inflammatory properties, which aid in reducing gum swelling.

Caution

Some researches on shrimp suggest allergic reactions against it are possible. It is recommended not to consume this seafood in pure, isolated form, to avoid adverse reactions. In some cases, immediate and specific symptoms may also be there, in the form of skin rash, hives, itching, and eczema; swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat; tingling in the mouth; wheezing or nasal congestion; trouble breathing; and dizziness or lightheadedness.
Shrimp contains naturally occurring substances known as purines. Some individuals may be intolerant to purines and excessive intake of shrimp may well become the cause of many purine-related problems, such as formation of excess uric acid in the body, which in turn leads to gout.

Cooking Tips

Depending on how you want to use shrimps for a recipe, they can be cooked either shelled or unshelled. Methods to remove the shell include pinching off the head and legs and then, peeling the shell of the body while holding the tail.
If you have to remove the shell of frozen shrimp, take care not to completely defrost it. Shelling will become easier when the shrimp is slightly frozen.
You can also remove the intestines of shrimp before cooking or eating it. To do the same, make a shallow incision along its back to pull out the intestines.

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