Shrimp is one of the most popular seafood choices due to its tasty flavor. Aside from being versatile for many dishes, shrimp also has many health benefits, such as helping to fulfill protein and mineral requirements, rich in antioxidants, and containing healthy fats. What is the nutritional content of shrimp and its health benefits? Learn more by reading this article.
Nutritional Content and Health Benefits of Shrimp
Generally, here is the nutritional content of 1 serving or 85 grams of shrimp:
- Water: 74.3 g
- Energy: 99 kcal
- Protein: 24 g
- Total fat: 0.28 g
- Carbohydrate: 0.2 g
- Calcium: 70 mg
- Iron: 0.51 mg
- Magnesium: 39 mg
- Phosphorus: 237 mg
- Potassium: 259 mg
- Sodium: 111 mg
- Zinc: 1.64 mg
- Cholesterol: 189 mg
Shrimp also contains omega-3 fatty acids, iodine, copper, beta carotene, vitamin A, vitamin B1, B2, B3, and B12.
The rich nutritional profile of shrimp means it has numerous health benefits for your body. Discover the health benefits of shrimp below:
1. Supports growth and tissue formation
The high protein content of shrimp promotes growth and builds body tissues. This protein content is actually almost equal to that of chicken. Additionally, the protein in shrimp helps maintain body cells, supports metabolism, forms the immune system, aids in muscle formation, and promotes the health of the heart, skin, and hair.
2. Helps fulfill mineral needs
Shrimp also has high mineral content, such as calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus. Minerals are inorganic elements with a number of different functions for the body, such as preventing osteoporosis, suppressing the growth of cancer cells in the body, and maintaining optimal heart health.
3. Supports brain function
The iron and vitamin B12 content of shrimp both play a role in the formation of hemoglobin in red blood cells. Optimal hemoglobin production increases oxygen flow in the body, including to the brain, thus increasing cognitive function and improving understanding and concentration.
4. Rich in antioxidants
Apart from protein, vitamins, and minerals, shrimp is rich in antioxidants such as astaxanthin and beta carotene. Antioxidants help prevent oxidative stress in the body, reducing the risk of cell damage and chronic diseases such as stroke, hypertension, and coronary heart disease. This antioxidant is also responsible for giving shrimp that reddish-pink color when cooked!
5. Supports heart health
Hearing the word ‘fat’ often causes people to associate it with negative effects. In reality, there are some types of fat that are good for the body. One of them is omega-3, which is difficult to find in other foods, making it essential to consume from seafood such as shrimp. Their benefits include promoting heart health and reducing inflammation.
6. Provides dietary fiber
Do you still think dietary fiber only comes from fruits and vegetables? Shrimp also contains fiber in its head and shell. This fiber, called chitin, constructs its shell structure. Consuming it helps in supporting the growth of beneficial bacteria or probiotics in the gut.
7. Strengthens joints and bones
Do you often experience pain or fatigue in your joints? You can get rid of them by consuming shrimp! Shrimp contains glucosamine and chondroitin, components that make up its shell. Both substances, combined with the calcium content, are highly beneficial for strengthening bones, joints, and teeth.
8. Prevents goiter disease
Iodine is one of the important minerals that the body needs for thyroid hormone production. Consuming 150 mcg of iodine per day from food helps reduce the risk of goiter and other chronic diseases. The good news is, shrimp is one of the foods with the highest iodine content, with 35 mcg of iodine in every 85 grams or 1 portion of shrimp.
9. Maintains skin health
Do you have a lot of activities outdoors? When outside, the skin is often exposed to sunlight and free radicals, causing dark spots, wrinkles, and other signs of premature aging. The beta carotene content in shrimp can help address these skin concerns.
10. Aids weight loss
If you are on a weight loss journey, good news! Shrimp is one of your best high-protein, low-fat, and low-calorie meal options to incorporate into your diet. As long as you consume it within regular portions, it can keep you full longer and prevent you from overeating.
Conclusion
The benefits of shrimp for health are:
- Supports growth and tissue formation
- Helps fulfill mineral needs
- Supports brain function
- Rich in antioxidants 5.Supports heart health
- Provides dietary fiber
- Strengthens joints and bones
- Prevents goiter disease
- Maintains skin health
- Aids weight loss
Now that you know the health benefits of shrimp, make sure to incorporate shrimp in your daily meals in regular portions. To obtain shrimp with the best quality, nutritional content, and flavor, Frosala is ready to help! Frosala shrimp are harvested directly from professional and trusted local farms and processed with same-day freezing to maintain their quality until served. Order Frosala shrimp now!
