Shrimp Nutrition Information

If you are looking for low fat, high in minerals and vitamins food of animal origin that is rich in flavor and easy to cook you have found it: shrimp. Shrimp, those tiny pinky sea animals can be prepared steamed, broiled, or fried. Let's look at the shrimp nutrition information

Shrimp has a high mineral content and in addition it has healthy omega-3 fatty acids, those that are catalogued as good fat as opposed to bad saturated fat. Not only that, but shrimp is actually a low-fat, low carbohydrate, and low energy food that can be enjoyed in many ways. They are an excellent source of protein.

A serving of shrimp (4 ounces) has a caloric content of 112 calories. Even when compared to a low-calorie meat such as chicken breast, this is a very low calorie portion for an excellent source of protein and good fats. So if you are looking to lose weight by limiting your calorie intake, a 4 ounce of shrimp, even 8 ounces is a good choice for a satisfying lunch or dinner meal.

The same 4 ounce of shrimp has also 2.5 grams of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. These good fats are involved in healing processes all across your body. Omega-3 fatty acids of sea origin are needed for good skin and eye health and for proper brain and nervous system functioning.

Shrimp is also an excellent and abundant source of micronutrients: minerals and vitamins. It is an excellent source of vitamin B12, which is involved in processes related to the prevention of cardiovascular diseases and hypertension. The nervous system will also benefit from a high intake of vitamin B12.

Shrimp is also a very good source of vitamin D. This vitamin is involved in the uptake of calcium and phosphorus. Eight ounces of shrimp will give almost all the daily vitamin D you need.

Shrimp is rich in tryptophan, an aminoacid involved in the transmition of electrical signals from/to your brain through the nervous system. Tryptophan deficiencies are said to cause depression and other mental ailments.

Regarding minerals, shrimp is rich in copper, iron, magnesium, zinc, and phosphorus. Selenium, one of the most powerful antioxidants known is present in high quantities in shrimp. One and a half serving of shrimp will give you all the selenium you need for one day.

In conclusion, shrimp is high protein, low fat, low carbohydrate, low calories food product. IT is rich in good fat omega-3 fatty acids and rich in the selenium antioxidants. It has a good quantity content of vitamins B12 and vitamin D, and rich in iron, copper, and many other micronutrients. Overall and excellent source for nutrition.

References

Art Ulene, CyberSoft, Inc. (2001). The NutriBase nutrition facts desk reference.