10 Health Benefits of Shrimps

Do your eyes and tastebuds rejoice, but your conscience feel guilty everytime you’re eating shrimps because you’re worried about their cholesterol content? Shrimps, the most delicious seafood are considered perfectly healthy to eat for people with normal cholesterol levels. Shrimps are low in calories and saturated fat, and although they are also high in cholesterol, scientists found that it did not increase the overall cholesterol levels of the study participants. It did show to slightly elevate the LDL or bad cholesterol but it also spiked their HDL, the good cholesterol.

If you’re concerned about cholesterol, steam or grill your shrimps and benefit from its many health-promoting effects.

1.       Helps fight cancer

Every 85 g (8oz) of steamed shrimps can provide the body with 48% of the DV of selenium. Lack of selenium in the body has been linked to the incidence of many types of cancer, including prostate. Researchers at the Institute of Food Research (IFR) revealed that a combination of sulforaphane and selenium makes them 13 times more potent in attacking cancer. Sulforaphane-rich foods include broccoli, cabbage and other cruciferous veggies.

2.        Keeps skin, hair and nails healthy

The most expensive shampoo and lotion will be useless to hair and skin without the adequate supply of protein in the body. Protein is a vital part of every living tissue and shrimps are excellent sources of this mineral.

3.       Helps prevent anemia

Shrimps are rich in vitamin B12, a nutrient which supports the production of red blood cells and help prevent pernicious anemia.

4.       Boosts energy

Fatigue and weakness may indicate low levels of iron in the body. Iron is an essential nutrient needed for energy and vitality and shrimps are rich with this mineral.

image by FotoosVanRobin via Flickr

5.       Helps build strong bones

These crustaceans are loaded with phosphorus. Calcium and phosphorus are the two chief nutrients which work closely together to build strong bones and teeth.

6.       Helps process fats

Niacin (vitamin B3) helps process fats, carbohydrates and protein and turns it into energy. Shrimps can provide a good amount of this essential vitamin.

7.       Helps fight depression 

Just like fish, shrimps can also supply omega-3 fatty acids. Study participants have shown that omega-3’s offer powerful protection against depression and may help improve mood to those who are already suffering from the disorder.

8.       Helps promote prostate health

Preliminary studies have shown that zinc slow down prostate cancer cell growth.  Eating shrimps will add to the body’s needed daily value of this mineral which is only 10-15 mg.

9.       Keeps thyroid healthy

Shrimps can contribute to thyroid health through its supply of copper.

10.    Helps stabilize blood sugar levels

These scrumptious seafoods are also good sources of magnesium, which studies suggest can help prevent the development of type 2 diabetes

Nutrient data source: USDA

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