It's well-known that seafood, in general, is very beneficial for your health. Unlike some kinds of meat, seafood is almost always recommended as a part of a balanced diet. But does this mean you'll get instant weight loss if you're a seafood lover? Can shrimp, one of the most popular shellfish in the world, yield efficient weight loss? Can eating shrimp yield weight gain? This article will cover all essential facts about shrimp and its weight loss effects.
Is shrimp good for weight loss? Find a comprehensive answer below.
Nutritional Value Of Shrimp
How many calories are in shrimp? This basic question must be asked first if you need to grasp the benefits of a particular food for weight loss. If a certain product is high in calories and saturated fat while low in vitamins and minerals, it won't help you shed extra pounds. Let's consider shrimp's nutritional value.
A 100g (3.5oz) of cooked shrimp contains:
Raw shrimp contains 85 calories. Shrimp is also packed with a ton of different minerals, including сalcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, sodium, and zinc.
What is possible to say about the weight loss effects of shrimp based on this information? The first thing that catches your eye is a large amount of protein. This makes shrimp an excellent food for high protein diets. At the same time, it is very low in fat and carbohydrates, making it suitable for low-fat and low-carb diets. Plus, a variety of minerals will support your health and help you avoid any nutrient deficiencies, and this makes shrimp a win-win product for almost every possible diet. Now, let's look at the specific scientifically-proven benefits of shrimp.
What Are The Health Benefits Of Shrimp?
If any of you ever thought that all healthy food is tasteless, shrimp will refute all your expectations. If cooked properly, shrimps can be incredibly delicious.
Let's mention antioxidants to start the talk on the health benefits of shrimps. It is loaded with antioxidants, protecting your cells and preventing wrinkles. Also, selenium in shrimp may prevent certain types of cancer.
The main issue with shrimp is cholesterol. Cholesterol was previously considered the only significant problematic aspect of shrimp. However, since scientists divided cholesterol into "good" HDL and "bad" LDL, shrimps can no longer be considered harmful in this aspect. This is because the "good" cholesterol balances the "bad" cholesterol and maintains equilibrium. This balance is key to your health. Shrimps increase both cholesterol levels without changing the balance at all.
It's also worth noting that since shrimps are very low in unsaturated fat, they won't affect your cholesterol levels either. Moreover, according to the American Heart Association, these crustaceans can even lower your cholesterol levels if you cook them properly (not deep-fry and without fatty sauces). Finally, shrimps contain a load of very healthy omega-3 fatty acids.
Can Shrimps Be Harmful?
Sure, we got that shrimps are super-healthy and delicious, but are there any cases where shrimps can hurt your health and weight loss effort?
First, you may have an allergy. Unlike some other allergies, shrimp allergy develops in adulthood rather than childhood, which makes it more dangerous and unexpected. The symptoms of a shellfish allergy may range from indigestion and vomiting to loss of consciousness and life-threatening anaphylaxis. If you don't feel well after eating shrimps, contact a doctor immediately.
Another case is shrimps prepared in an unhealthy way. For example, deep-fried shrimps become very high in calories and are generally unhealthy. If you drown your shrimps in a fatty sauce filled with preservatives, you can't expect your extra pounds to disappear, either.
A final risk to mention is the overconsumption of protein. If you focus on proteins and discard carbs altogether, this may lead to certain health problems. So combine shrimps with good carb sources like vegetables, fruits, and whole grains.
Is shrimp healthier than chicken?It all depends on your cooking method. Steamed chicken breast is healthier than deep-fried shrimp, while steamed shrimp is healthier than fried chicken.
Is shrimp fried rice good for weight loss?It depends on the amount of rice you consume. A cup of shrimp fried rice contains 339 calories (238 from fried rice and 101 from shrimps), 5.4 grams of fat, of which only 1 gram is saturated fat, and 24.5 grams of protein. So, it's generally good for weight loss in moderation.
Final Thought
Is shrimp good for weight loss? Overall, shrimp is one of the best widely available diet foods. Shrimp is an excellent source of protein and is virtually free of fat and carbohydrates. High protein content, above all, helps you feel fuller and reduces hunger cravings. Besides, it contains many micronutrients that are necessary for the normal functioning of the body. Shrimp can be a great element of pretty much any dietary menu.
Consuming shrimp can only carry risks if you are allergic to shellfish. It is also important to cook your shrimp properly. If you seek to shed those extra pounds, boil or steam the shrimp instead of cooking tempura shrimp or dipping it in greasy sauces. By following these guidelines, you can make shrimp one of the healthiest and most delicious ingredients in your daily menu.
DISCLAIMER:
This article is intended for general informational purposes only and does not address individual circumstances. It is not a substitute for professional advice or help and should not be relied on to make decisions of any kind. Any action you take upon the information presented in this article is strictly at your own risk and responsibility!
Last Updated on ago by Nicky Johnson
