Shrimp is a type of seafood that is rich in nutrients and a lower calorie option. This low-carb food contains a wide variety of vitamins, minerals, proteins, and omega-3 fatty acids. The benefits of shrimp are numerous, and they range from aiding weight loss and reducing the risk of heart disease to slowing down premature aging. It is also high in iodine, which is a mineral that is hard to find in many other foods. Also, shrimp contains an antioxidant that can help reduce inflammation and plays a key role in reducing the risk of several chronic diseases.
Help Fight Inflammation
Chronic inflammation by oxidative stress can increase the risk of neurodegeneration, cancer, and skin damage. Astaxanthin, as stated, reduces oxidative stress and may help treat inflammatory skin disorders like psoriasis and atopic dermatitis. Glycosaminoglycan, a bioactive compound found in shrimp, has anti-inflammatory properties and helps significantly reduce the influx of inflammatory cells to the injury site. They also contain an anti-inflammatory peptide (a short chain of amino acids) called shrimp anti-lipopolysaccharide factor (SALF), which is used as a drug to potentially treat urethral, vaginal, cervical, and pelvic inflammatory diseases
Have Anti-Aging And Skin And Hair Protective Properties
The minerals found in shrimp can also contribute to the health of our hair! A deficiency of zinc may cause hair loss. Zinc plays a key role in maintaining and creating new cells, including hair and skin cells, so for those who are beginning to lose their hair, or at least are seeing a decrease in hair growth, it can work against that embarrassing reality, keeping you looking younger for longer! Studies suggest that shrimp may contain a heparin-like compound that may help in treating neovascular AMD. The astaxanthin found in shrimp might also relieve eye fatigue, especially for those who use computers for long durations in their personal or professional lives
Improve Gastrointestinal Health
The astaxanthin found in shrimp shows antimicrobial activity against H. pylori, a type of bacteria that causes stomach infections. The pathogen can damage the stomach and intestinal tissue. This was shown in research, where oral administration of astaxanthin was found to protect against ethanol-induced gastric lesions.
Enhance Brain Function
Shrimp have high levels of iron, which is a key mineral component in the bonding process with oxygen in hemoglobin. With additional iron in the system, increased oxygen flow can occur to the muscles, providing strength and endurance, while also increasing the oxygen flow to the brain, which is shown to improve comprehension, memory, and concentration.
Promotes Heart Health
Fermented shrimp paste, which is a popular manipulation of the food, may contain a fibrinolytic enzyme that can be used for thrombolytic therapy. Thrombolytic therapy is a way of breaking up dangerous blood clots within a person’s blood vessels. This enzyme found in shrimp paste can be a powerful tool against the dangers of cardiovascular disease, which afflicts so many people throughout the world. Also, the possibly high levels of omega-3 fatty acid found in it eliminate damaging cholesterol in the bloodstream, which can further reduce the chance of heart attacks and strokes.
Assists In Weight Loss
Shrimp may be a great source of protein and vitamin D, without adding carbohydrates to your daily intake, so for people determined to lose weight, this simple form of seafood can be a popular option. The possibly high levels of zinc are also beneficial since zinc is one way that can increase leptin levels in the body. Leptin is a hormone and is an integral part of the body’s regulation of fat storage, appetite, and overall energy use in the body. By increasing the levels of leptin in the body, people can avoid common issues like overeating, inexplicable cravings for food after being “full”, and a similar problem for weight-conscious individuals.
Protects Vision
AMD, age-related macular degeneration, is the leading cause of severe vision loss among those over 60 years. Shrimp heparinoid has anti-angiogenic, preventing the formation of new blood vessels, anti-inflammatory, and anticoagulant (blood thinner) properties. It may help treat neovascular AMD and other angioproliferative diseases, conditions involving rapid blood vessel growth.
Decrease Menstrual Pain
Shrimp can be a good source of the beneficial type of cholesterol, omega-3 fatty acids. These may balance out the well-studied negative effects of omega-6 fatty acids, and aid in the alleviation of menstrual cramps for women, as well as promote healthier blood flow to the reproductive organs by reducing other damaging forms of cholesterol in the bloodstream.
Improve Bone Health
Protein and various vitamins, such as calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium, which are probably found in high quantities in shrimp, can effectively aid in the fight against bone degeneration. A deficiency in dietary proteins and vitamins can cause the deterioration of bone quality, bone mass, strength, and overall mass, which are the main symptoms of osteoporosis. Adding it to your daily or weekly regimen of food can slow the effects of aging bones to keep you stronger for longer.
