BY CHISOM IBEMERE
Shrimps are crustaceans with slender bodies that swims by paddling with it’s swimmers beneath their abdomens. They have thin, fragile legs used for perching.
Shrimps are abundant with thousands of species adapted widely within a range of habitat. They feed close to the seafloor on coasts and estuaries including rivers and lakes.
Shrimps can live up to seven years and may be found mostly in solitude but during the spawning season, form large schools. They have long antennae, slender legs and a compressed abdomen adapted for swimming and escape from predators.
Shrimps are rich in nutrients including vitamins, minerals, proteins, Omega 3-fatty acids etc.
Due to the high protein content contained in shrimps, and low calorie, shrimps are helpful for weight management and in maintaining a healthy, lean body mass.
Astaxanthin when combined with other healthful nutrients in shrimps are benefitial for eye health. They protect the centre of the eye from Oxidative damage.
Shrimps are rich in Phosphorus, calcium and Vitamin D which are perfect to strengthen bones and in reducing Osteoporosis and fracture of the bone.
Shrimps contain tryptophan, which triggers serotonin, a mood lifting hormone. The Omega-3 and Vitamin B12 rich Shrimps helps to improve the cognitive ability and reduces the risk of brain diseases.
The antioxidant properties of Omega 3-fatty-acids and astaxanthin helps to inhibit the growth of cancer cells. Astaxanthin is needed to improve the elasticity of the skin and also reducing the effects of Ultraviolet light and wrinkles on the skin.
Shrimps are essential food source which are benefitial for women’s health. Astaxanthin reduces hot flashes, joint pains which occurs during menopause in women.
