5 Nutritional Benefits of Shrimp You Should Know 🦐

Fried or deep-fried shrimp significantly increases your calorie intake, while steaming this protein-rich seafood and seasoning it with fresh lemon juice can provide you with a low-calorie yet highly nutritious meal.

One of the healthy eating habits recommended by nutritionists is the weekly consumption of seafood, including various types of fish and shrimp. However, many people believe that shrimp contains high cholesterol and should be avoided. But is this belief accurate, or is the reality something else? Beyond this concern, what are the benefits and potential drawbacks of eating shrimp regularly? Here are the key points:

1. Helps Lower Blood Pressure

Shrimp is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which help regulate blood pressure. To maximize its health benefits, it’s best to cook shrimp with minimal oil and salt. Deep frying adds unnecessary calories and can lead to weight gain—one of the factors that contributes to high blood pressure.

2. High in Selenium

Shrimp is an excellent source of selenium, a powerful antioxidant. Just 100 grams of shrimp provides about 64% of your daily selenium needs. Regular consumption of selenium-rich foods like shrimp can help lower the risk of colorectal cancer and blood-related cancers such as leukemia and Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

Additionally, for those who avoid red meat, shrimp is a valuable source of iron. A 100-gram serving covers about 19% of your daily iron requirement, making it a smart dietary choice to help prevent iron-deficiency anemia.

3. Protects Against Alzheimer’s

Thanks to its high omega-3 content, eating shrimp regularly may help prevent cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease as you age. Consuming omega-3 fatty acids—around 380 mg daily—has been shown to support brain health, and eating shrimp 2 to 3 times a week can help you meet this intake.

4. Prevents Anemia

People who don’t consume red meat are at greater risk of developing iron-deficiency anemia. Fortunately, shrimp provides 19% of the daily recommended iron intake per 100 grams, making it a great alternative protein source to keep in your diet.

5. Rich in Protein and Healthy Cholesterol

Contrary to popular belief, shrimp does not increase harmful cholesterol levels. In fact, it contains good cholesterol (HDL) and is a high-quality protein source that supports muscle health and overall wellness.

Final Tip:

To enjoy the full nutritional value of shrimp, opt for steaming or grilling instead of frying, and enhance its flavor naturally with ingredients like fresh lemon juice. This way, you’ll have a healthy, low-calorie meal that’s packed with essential nutrients.