5 Things You Should Know About Shrimp
If you’re a seafood lover, you probably have a few favorite recipes and dishes that you enjoy. It’s likely that lobster, haddock, and perhaps even scallops make the top of your list. However, shrimp are a bit more mysterious as far as seafood goes, and if you want to get the most out of them for your culinary creations, there are a few things you need to know. Check out five things you should know about shrimp below.
1. They’ve Got Lots of Protein
For gym-goers and other people on protein-heavy diets, shrimp is an excellent option. Weight for weight, the protein in shrimp rivals that of chicken, with around 20 grams per three ounces of cooked shrimp.
2. They’re Low-Calorie
Not only are shrimp a great source of protein, but they’re also very low in calories. Specifically, a medium-sized shrimp contains fewer than ten calories. That means you can eat ten of them and still consume only one hundred calories. This makes shrimp an ideal snack during the day. The low calories combined with the high amount of protein means you’ll feel full longer without feeling sluggish.
3. They’re Packed With Nutrients
And if you didn’t think it could get any better for shrimp lovers, these crustaceans are also packed with other nutrients our bodies need. Vitamin B12, phosphorous, choline, copper, and iodine are all present in moderately high amounts, which allows our bodies to function at their best.
In addition to the vitamins and minerals, shrimp also features two antioxidants. When consumed, these antioxidants fight off free radicals – tiny particles that cause damage to cells and DNA, often leading to disease and cancer. One specific antioxidant, astaxanthin, fights off inflammation and can reduce premature aging.
4. You Might Be Allergic
With all of these great benefits, it’s also important to keep in mind that shellfish are some of the top allergy offenders, sitting alongside peanuts, eggs, wheat, and more. Reactions may be mild, with sneezing, tingling, or a stuffy nose as common symptoms. However, a severe reaction could lead to throat or facial swelling and anaphylaxis. Interestingly, shellfish allergies are among those that can appear at any point in a person’s life and/or disappear just as suddenly. So, if you’ll be serving this dish to guests, it’s important to be aware of any shellfish allergies.
5. They’re the Subject of Fraud
Yes, shrimp fraud exists. Usually, this occurs when vendors represent their farmed shrimp as wild shrimp. Wild shrimp may still contain a few mild contaminants, but farmed shrimp are subject to chemicals like fungicides and antibiotics. You should always know where your shrimp comes from, so take the time to check out labels on packaging and company websites.
Try our Shrimp Dishes at Summer Shack
Cooking seafood, especially shrimp, at home is a challenge, especially considering how delicate the meat is. If you want to enjoy some incredible seafood dishes in Boston, check out Summer Shack. Our classic Shrimp Scampi Linguini and Grilled Gulf Shrimp are both fan favorites. With everything from shellfish, to oysters, lobster, and beyond on the menu, freshly caught and prepared seafood is what we do! Book a reservation or order takeout online today.