Benefit From Your Shrimp Addiction
By Brandi Swieter
Though it's French Fried Shrimp Day that gets celebrated in December, people with a shrimp addiction can enjoy the appetizer any way they see fit. There are healthier ways to enjoy the seafood offering while gaining all the benefits it has to offer. Shrimp provides several health benefits that make it ideal to eat on this national day and any other as long as it's cooked correctly. Steamed and boiled versions are best.
Weight Loss Goals
People with a goal of losing weight can achieve their desires by eating shrimp more often. They are extremely low in calories. Even a full 100 grams will only add roughly 99 calories to the daily count. That makes for an ideal lunch or snack. Someone who sticks with just a few pieces of shrimp is consuming even fewer calories. It's a great addition to salads and other meals.
Loaded with Protein
Protein is necessary to repair tissues in the body and create hormones and enzymes necessary for important processes. Just one jumbo shrimp contains 3 grams of protein. Eat a few and it will offer plenty of protein to help the body.
Reducing Inflammation
Two key antioxidants are provided in shrimp. One in particular is beneficial for reducing inflammation. The astaxanthin found in shrimp combats some effects of aging because of this factor.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is another key component of shrimp's nutritional value. Three ounces of steamed shrimp provides 7 percent of the recommended daily value. The vitamin is especially helpful at protecting the eyes from the effects of aging. It also works to promote bone health and a healthy immune system.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Like most fish, shrimp provides omega-3 fatty acids. These are essential for improving the function of the brain. They also strengthen eye health and improve risk factors for heart disease. Many people worry about the high levels of cholesterol in shrimp, but the DHA and EPA make up for it by being incredibly heart-healthy.
Enjoy shrimp more often with these health benefits in mind. The food provides more than a few nutritional advantages that make it worthwhile to add to the menu. Just be cautious of the kind of shrimp you're eating. Fried versions are not as healthy and some are farmed and contaminated. Learning how to choose the best kind to eat is key to making the most of their nutritional offerings.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Eastvale, Calif.