Shrimps Nutrition

Toss them with red and green peppers, onions, garlic and parsley and drizzle with olive oil; you have your favourite shrimps ready to eat! Shrimps can be naturally added to salads, pastas, chowders, soups, stir-fried dishes, appetizers and sushi. Belonging to the Crustacean family, a shrimp is a swimming, decapod shellfish, found in both fresh and salt water. With over 300 species, shrimps come in a variety of sizes and colours, including gray, brown, yellow, pink and white. Amongst them, the most popular is the pink one that is about 3-4 inches in length. However, large shrimps such as the giant tiger prawn, ranging from 6-12 inches in length, are also found. These small yet crispy crustaceans are one of the most popular seafood on the menu of most restaurants in the United States and countries of Asia. While the low calorie content in shrimps gives them an edge over the others, the high amount of cholesterol eliminates this food from a regular diet. Thus, they are often served as appetizers with cocktail sauce as they make a delectable and nutritional snack. So, including this popular seafood is a debatable issue. But there are several nutritious reasons why you must consume shrimps. Find out about the health benefits of this crustacean in the following sections.

The history of shrimps dates back to as early as the 7^th century, where it was considered a staple food of the East Asian diet, Chinese to be precise. Travellers like Marco Polo commented on the existence of shrimps in abundance in these Chinese marketplaces. But the harvesting of shrimps began in the 17^th century in Louisiana where the bayou residents used seines measuring 600feet in diameter to capture this delicious seafood. With time, the news of this delectable delicacy spread to other parts of the world where people began understanding the health benefits of this food. Today, the United States harvests the largest amount of shrimps in the world with over 650 million pounds annually. Besides, it imports over 200 million pounds a year. Other major suppliers of shrimps include South and Central America, Japan, Thailand and Taiwan.

Health Benefits of Jhinga (Shrimps)

• Shrimps provide 48% of the daily requirement of selenium in the body, which is essential for reducing the risk of many types of cancer particularly of the prostate. When combined with sulforaphane-rich foods like broccoli, cabbage and other cruciferous veggies, shrimps are 13 times more active in attacking the tumourous outgrowths.

• Loaded with phosphorus and calcium, shrimps work effectively towards building strong bones and teeth.

• Similar to other fish, shrimps contain omega-3 fatty acids in abundance, which is useful in fighting against depression and improving the mood of people suffering from chronic depression.

• Free from carbohydrates and enriched with protein, vitamin D, vitamin B3 and zinc, shrimps make an excellent food for reducing weight. Zinc increases the levels of leptin, which help in regulating the body temperature, fat storage and appetite, thereby keeping food cravings under control.

• Shrimps get their pink colour from the carotenoid, astaxanthin, which acts as an antioxidant and does not allow the skin from premature ageing. Besides, zinc and omega-3 fatty acids, prevent hair loss, enhance hair thickness, intensify hair color, and contribute to giving the hair more shine.

• Rich in the nutrient vitamin B12, shrimps stimulate the production of hemoglobin, which prevent pernicious anemia. In addition, this vitamin promotes proper functioning of the brain which enhances the formation and maturation of red blood cells.

• With high levels of copper present in shrimps, they are believed to support and stimulate the good health of thyroid glands.

• Omega-3 fatty acids present in these crustaceans are beneficial in alleviating symptoms of premenstrual syndrome, avoiding blood clots, preventing the development of rheumatoid arthritis, delaying the growth of cancerous tumours and preventing Alzheimer’s disease.

• Shrimps contain natural ingredients such as glucosamine and chondroitin, which are essential for the overall joint health and cartilage restoration.

Nutritional Value & Calories In Shrimps

Amount: 1

Total Weight: 55 g

How many calories in shrimps (per 100 gm)

Shrimps have about 71 calories per 100 gm of weight.

How to Buy Shrimps

• Fresh shrimps have an almost translucent flesh. In case, this appears opaque, it means that the animal has been defrosted.

• The body of a fresh shrimp should be firm with the shell still attached.

• Shrimps are highly perishable foods. Hence, it is advisable to smell them to test for their freshness. In case, the shrimp gives off a mild saltwater smell and not that of ammonia, then it can be purchased.

• Avoid buying shrimps that have rings or black spots as indicate the breaking down of its flesh. Also, do not purchase shrimps that have been peeled before freezing.

• It is best to buy frozen shrimps and defrost them yourself in the refrigerator.

Shrimp Storage Tips

• Shrimps that have been commercially frozen, last longer in the freezer as they are flash-frozen with little handling as compared to fresh raw shrimps.

• Raw frozen shrimps can be stored in the freezer for up to 6 months while the cooked ones must be consumed within 2 months.

• You can freeze both cooked and raw shrimps, although frozen raw shrimps have a better flavour.

• Whether you store raw shrimps with or without the shell, make sure that the heads are removed before freezing.

• Cooked shrimp lasts for about 4 days, when stored in a re-sealable plastic bag, preferably in the coolest part of the refrigerator.