Shrimp Health Benefits

Shrimp is one of the seafood people enjoy eating. It is usually cooked with butter or mixed with sweet and sour sauce to enhance its taste. The following are the health benefits of shrimp, along with a sample recipe.

Health Benefits

Weight Management

One health benefit of eating shrimp is weight management, particularly weight loss. According to Health, this is possible with shrimp’s low calorie content. As per the publication, a medium shrimp has about seven calories; hence, twelve or a dozen contains up to less than 85 calories, which is described as roughly less than a three-ounce chicken breast. Then, a large shrimp, which is usually served in shrimp cocktail, has about 14 calories. Meanwhile, a teaspoon of cocktail sauce has five calories, which concludes that three large shrimps, with a teaspoon of cocktail sauce, is equivalent to less than 60 calories. Less calorie intake is associated with less fat and less weight.

Antioxidants

Another health benefit of shrimps is the antioxidant set it contains. According to World’s Healthiest Foods, shrimp contains astaxanthin, a primary color pigment in shrimp and carotenoid responsible for giving it the red and orange shades once cooked. As per the publication, shrimp is concentrated in astaxanthin while many red-orange foods receive their color from pigments from other carotenoids. It is added that four-ounce serving of shrimp contains one to four milligrams of astaxanthin, which has demonstrated its ability to provide antioxidant support to the nervous system and musculoskeletal system. As per the publication, clinical trials on animals revealed that astaxanthin intake is correlated with reduced colon cancer risk. Interestingly, shrimp has obtained astaxanthin from algae and zooplankton.

Cardiovascular Health

Eating shrimp also promotes the health of the heart and the blood vessels. According to naturopathic doctor Michael T. Murray, as cited by Share Care, shrimp intake shows a modest rise in high-density lipoproteins or good cholesterol and does not shows a considerable increase in low-density lipoproteins or bad cholesterol. The former is attached to a healthier heart while the latter is associated with heart diseases. This way, the risk for cardiovascular diseases, such as hypertension, atherosclerosis, coronary artery disease, and stroke can be reduced.

Iron

Shrimp also contains iron, a mineral responsible in oxygen transport to various cells and tissues in the body. According to Organic Facts, additional iron in the system boosts oxygen flow to the muscles, promoting endurance and strength. To add oxygen flow to the brain boosts its functions, which include learning, thinking, memory, comprehension, and focus.

Sample Recipe

One recipe that uses shrimp includes Sticky Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp. According to The Recipe Critic, the ingredients include large shrimp, butter, green onions, lemon juice, garlic, soy sauce, and honey.

To prepare, as per the publication, honey, garlic, soy sauce, and lemon juice are whisked in a small bowl. Next, half of the sauce is added to the shrimp to marinate it. Then, butter is added in a skillet and the shrimp is added, discarding the marinade. After that, the ingredients are seasoned with salt and pepper. Heat is turned to medium high and the shrimp is cooked for two minutes until it becomes pink in color. Once done, the reserved marinade is added and poured over then shrimp, which is cooked until the sauce becomes thick and the shrimp becomes coated. The dish is garnished with green onions.

Shrimp is considered nutritious with its many health benefits. Thus, it can be regularly added to various dishes for breakfast, lunch, snacks, and dinner, barring if the person has allergies to seafood.

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