How Shrimp Help Promote a Healthy Lifestyle
Nutrient Content (3 oz)
Vitamins
Excellent Source of:
- Vitamin B12- 46%
- Vitamina D – 37%
- Vitamina B6 – 27%
Good Source of:
- Vitamin E- 15%
- Pantothenic Acid- 13%
- Thiamine- 12%
Also a Source of:
- Riboflavin- 8%
- Folate- 6%
- Vitamin C- 5%
Minerals
Excellent Source of:
- Selenium- 29%
- Phosphorus- 20%
Also a Source of:
- Potassium- 9%
- Magnesium- 6%
Other
Excellent Source of:
- Omega 3 Fatty Acids
Also a Source of:
- Antioxidants – Astaxanthia
*All nutritional Info From (1)
How Shrimp Prevent Chronic Disease
Shrimp and Alzheimer's
The exact cause of alzheimer’s disease remains unknown, but the disease is believed to be impacted by both genetic and lifestyle factors. One gene that is strongly linked to increased risk is the APOE4 gene. About 25% of Americans are believed to have a mutation of this gene–this mutation can increase your risk of alzheimer’s by 2-3x the normal rate. Consumption of omega 3 fatty acids from seafood sources effectively reduces risk of alzheimer’s in those with this mutation by preventing build up of amyloid plaques, a bio marker of alzheimer’s. (2)
Shrimp and Cancer
The unique omega 3 fatty acids and the antioxidant astaxanthin found in shrimp are believed to possess cancer preventing properties. Unlike a number of fish recommended for consumption, shrimp contain less heavy metals, making shrimp more reliable for avoiding mercury poisoning, for example.
- Astaxanthin is the antioxidant that give shrimp their red color when cooked. This antioxidant falls under the class of antioxidants known as carotenoids, which have been shown to limit cancer development. (4)
- Seafoods, like shrimp, have been shown to limit colorectal cancers with increased consumption, but more research is needed to corroborate these findings. You should stick to the recommended guidelines of 2 servings of seafood per week to avoid over consumption of the cholesterol found in fish. (5)
How Shrimp Prevent Cardiovascular Disease
There is a lot of controversy regarding shrimp and their effect on cardiovascular health due to their high cholesterol levels. Recent research seems to indicate that shrimp do not negatively affect cholesterol levels due to their ability to raise HDL as well as LDL cholesterol. In one study, shrimp consumption also lowered overall triglyceride levels. Due to their healthy omega 3s and their impact on triglycerides, shrimp are heart healthy when consumed at the proper amount (2 servings of seafood a week). (6)
Shrimp and Diabetes
Substituting seafood for servings of other, terrestrial animals has shown to improve markers of insulin resistance, a prediabetic condition. The benefit is believed to come from the increased intake of good unsaturated fats apart from saturated fat sources like red meat. (7)
Shrimp Promote a Number of Health Benefits
How Shrimp Promote Bone Health
Population metrics of different regions around the world showed that increased seafood intake is linked to improved bone mineral density and reduced risk of osteoporosis. (8)
How Shrimp Promote Healthy Aging
Astaxanthin has been shown to be great for skin health by preventing wrinkles through powerful antioxidant activity. It inhibits proteins that destroy skin tissue and protects against sun damage. (9)