Shrimp: benefits, weight loss, calorie content of shrimp

Shrimp Diet Requirements

If you decide to transform your figure with a weekly shrimp diet, you will need to consume 250 g of these shellfish daily. It is best to eat them boiled, seasoned with freshly squeezed lemon juice and a small amount of olive oil. If you like fried shrimp, you can afford them in this form, but not more than a third of the daily requirement. It is recommended to cook the rest.

Excellent side dishes for the main dish would be white cabbage, tomatoes, cucumbers and other non-starchy vegetables, lettuce and various greens. It is better to avoid starchy vegetables altogether or, at a minimum, significantly reduce their amount in the diet. For example, it is not forbidden to treat yourself to beets if you love them. But it is better to do this no more than once or twice in 7 days and not to eat more than 200 g per sitting. In general, the daily amount of vegetables consumed should weigh no more than 1 kg. In addition, from time to time you are allowed to snack on fruits (apples, citrus fruits, kiwi), as well as berries that you like.

It is recommended to avoid other products while following the method. It is also not advisable to allow yourself salt and sugar. You can drink hot drinks (weak coffee, tea), but empty. You can also drink juices, but freshly squeezed and without sweeteners. But remember that they are not the lowest-calorie drink option, so it is better to limit yourself to one or two glasses of juice per day. You are allowed to drink up to 250 ml of low-fat milk daily.

The shrimp diet allows you to consume any types of this seafood (royal, tiger, small, large, etc.). But know that nutrition experts recommend purchasing shrimp in the shell. Even if cleaning them takes some time, you will get a more useful product as a result. Choose shrimp with an even, smooth color and a tucked tail. If the shrimp's tail is bent, it means that it was no longer alive or was defrosted before it was frozen. If the shell has dried out, the color of the meat has turned yellow, and the legs are covered with black spots, then the shrimp is old. If the shrimp's head is black, then it is a sick specimen. Don't be afraid of green-headed clams, they are edible and tasty, they just ate a special type of plankton. And before reproduction, shrimp have brown heads, and their meat is especially useful. In general, the beneficial and taste properties are preserved as much as possible in the meat of shrimp that are frozen fresh. They have a gray-brown shell color.

Now let's dwell a little on how to cook shrimp. Thaw them slowly. First keep it in the refrigerator on the bottom shelf, then drain the water and leave the shrimp at room temperature. When cooking, you need to throw the shrimp into boiling water and after boiling, cook for 5-10 minutes (depending on the size of the shellfish). When they float to the surface and turn orange, immediately remove the pan from the stove. Overcooked shrimp have tough meat. You can, if desired, add spices and seasonings to the water. Do not remove the shrimp immediately; let them steam for 10-15 minutes. Then their meat will become juicier.

You can also cook shrimp in a double boiler (4-5 minutes). Steamed shrimp meat retains more nutrients and has a more delicate taste.

Boiled and frozen unpeeled shrimp are also sold. After defrosting, you can keep them in boiling water for a couple of minutes, you can simply pour boiling water over them, you can put them in boiling water and bring to a boil. The shrimp have already been boiled before freezing, so additional heat treatment is not a necessity, but a way to avoid intestinal problems.

Shrimp are delicious fried for 3-4 minutes in vegetable or butter, baked in the oven or grilled. And do not forget to remove the dark intestinal vein from large shrimp, otherwise the taste of the meat will be spoiled. By the way, you can peel shrimp from their shells when they are not yet completely defrosted or immediately after cooking, by immersing them in cold water for half a minute.

Compound

So, we have figured out the toxic chemical composition of shrimp, now we will study what wild crustaceans are made of, from the point of view of ordinary nutritional value. That is, what is the calorie content of shrimp, what proteins, fats and carbohydrates are present in them.

The calorie content of boiled shrimp per medium-sized piece is 7 kcal. A standard serving of such crustaceans usually contains 85 kcal. The calorie content of larger shrimp, such as tiger shrimp, is approximately 14 kcal per piece.

If you estimate the calorie content of regular shrimp per 100 grams, you get 99 kcal. For larger royals the value will be slightly higher.

The calorie content of fried shrimp is much higher and depends on how they were fried: in what oil, batter, etc.

Also, 100 grams of boiled crustaceans contains:

• 20.9 g of protein (this is the same as chicken breast);
• 347 mg of omega-3 fatty acids (just in the form needed for humans);
• 57% daily value of selenium;
• over 30% choline;
• 25% vitamin B12;
• 17% iron;
• 14% phosphorus;
• 13% niacin;
• 10% zinc and copper each;
• 8% magnesium;
• 5% potassium.

There are no carbohydrates at all. But there is the most powerful antioxidant on Earth - astaxanthin.

Also, wild shrimp are among the foods that contain iodine. 100 grams of these sea crumbs can supply the body with 27% of the daily requirement of this trace element.

Since these crustaceans come in different types and sizes, their composition may differ slightly from what is listed. In addition, farmed crustaceans usually contain fewer beneficial vitamins and minerals.

Advantages of the shrimp diet

1. Due to the fact that this technique involves a large number of vegetables, you are not in danger of acute hunger. The range of permitted products is quite diverse. This allows you to choose the food that suits your taste.
2. Undoubtedly, it is worth dwelling on the main beneficial properties of shrimp meat. It is rich in various microelements (calcium, magnesium, potassium, iodine, zinc). Shrimp meat contains a large abundance of vitamins E, which prevent premature aging of the skin and promote its natural healing.
3. Consumption of shrimp helps strengthen the body's defenses and maintains healthy hormonal levels. As numerous scientific studies have demonstrated, substances in shrimp can help the body resist various viruses and colds. In this regard, this seafood is recommended for consumption by people who are susceptible to frequent attacks of sore throat, bronchitis and other similar diseases.
4. The regenerating properties of the meat of these mollusks are also excellent. Regular consumption of it promotes the renewal of body tissues at the cellular level, and this helps us stay young and healthy longer. These properties are due to the presence of caratenoids in shrimp, a pigment that gives them a red color and has numerous antioxidant properties.
5. Shrimp meat is also good because its presence in the diet reduces the risk of allergic reactions and the development of sensitivity to various foods.
6. Omega 3 acids, which are also abundant in shrimp, normalize the functioning of the cardiovascular system and improve the appearance of hair and nails.
7. Shrimp, like many other seafood, has a beneficial effect on mental activity, improves memory and concentration.

The dangers of farm products

Shrimp is the most popular seafood in the world.
Therefore, since the 70s of the last century, they have been actively grown on farms located along the coasts of Thailand, Indonesia, Ecuador, China, Mexico, and Vietnam. And if wild crustaceans are useful. Farmed shrimp are often harmful and dangerous. And that's why. Crustaceans can be contaminated with antibiotics, antiseptics and pesticides. According to the rules for growing crustaceans on farms, their biomass should be 200 kg per 4000 square meters. But in pursuit of super-profits, the owners of many shrimp farms achieve a population of crustaceans of 89,000 per 4,000 m2. Since shrimp die in a state of such wild crowding, the water is saturated with antibiotics and pesticides in order to prevent mass loss of products.

The harm of farmed shrimp is that they contain:

• up to 47 types of antibiotics [1], many of which are used to treat humans, and therefore can lead to antibiotic resistance, which can be life-threatening in the event of serious illness;
• malachite green is a fungicidal drug with carcinogenic activity;
• rotenone - increases the likelihood of Parkinson's disease;
• organotin compounds with estrogen-like effects;
• various pesticides with strong carcinogenic properties;
• organophosphates, substances toxic to the nervous system (farmed shrimp are especially dangerous during pregnancy, since organophosphates block the normal development of the fetus and can lead to its death and severe birth defects);
• 4-hexylresorcinol, which has estrogenic properties and is associated with an increased risk of breast, kidney, pancreatic and brain cancer.

Wild shrimp have beneficial properties, but farmed products can be poisonous. Not right away, unless it's rotten. But if consumed regularly, it can cause significant harm to health.

Disadvantages of the shrimp diet

• It is worth paying attention to the fact that the shrimp diet is quite low in calories. In this regard, “meetings” with weakness, increased fatigue and other not the most pleasant sensations are possible. In addition, this diet significantly limits carbohydrates, and a long absence of them in the diet can cause various problems.
• Therefore, experts strongly do not recommend sticking to the diet for more than one week, no matter how easy it may be for you. Of course, it is worth paying attention to the fact that shrimp are not the cheapest food pleasure. It is not surprising that many people who want to lose weight choose more budget-friendly weight loss options that do not require the purchase of “elite” products.

Beneficial features

Now let's talk about the fun part. About the theoretical benefits of shrimp for women, men and children. Theoretically, because the lion's share of crustaceans present on the shelves of our stores is grown on farms that do not comply with the rules for their breeding. Therefore, it does not have the listed benefits, but can cause harm.

1. Prevention and treatment of anemia. Shrimp are rich in iron and protein. In addition, they are very high in vitamin B12, which makes it possible to prevent the development of B12 deficiency anemia.
2. These tiny crustaceans are a good source of omega-3 fatty acids of animal origin, that is, those that are especially beneficial for the human body. These compounds have diverse biological effects that cannot be described in a nutshell. Why you need to take omega-3 acids, you can read HERE.
3. Maintaining thyroid health. This is the special benefit of shrimp for the women’s body. After all, the weaker sex is much more likely than the stronger sex to have problems with the thyroid gland, which are associated with insufficient iodine intake into the body. Seafood compensates for this shortage.
4. Shrimp can and should be eaten (only wild ones) if you are low on sugar. Since they are completely devoid of carbohydrates. But it contains antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids, which are so necessary for diabetics.
5. The beneficial properties of shrimp are associated with the presence in their composition of a large amount of selenium - a microelement, without which the work of some strong antioxidants, for example, glutathione, is impossible. And also with the presence of such a powerful antioxidant as astaxanthin.

Glutathione and astaxanthin are necessary to fight free radicals and prevent many serious diseases: cancer, atherosclerosis, neurodegenerative diseases (Alzheimer's disease, etc.), blindness. The compounds help prolong the youth of the skin and the entire body as a whole.

However, only natural astaxanthin has such properties. When screwing on farms, they use a synthetic analogue that does not have any healing effect.

Calorie content

Whether you can eat shrimp while losing weight depends on how high this indicator is. This type of arthropod has very low calorie content, so the product is considered dietary.

It is difficult to say how many calories are in one shrimp, since they differ in size. They focus on the indicator depending on the cooking method.

• Boiled without salt per 100 g gain approximately 110 kcal.
• Fried in the usual way are the most nutritious - up to 135 kcal per 100 g. Alternatively, marinate them first in lime juice, and then fry them in a dry frying pan. Then it will be up to 100 kcal.
• Shrimp in batter for weight loss is not the best option; it contains up to 200 kcal.

Therefore, nutritionists recommend the boiled option as the best for those who want to lose weight.

Effect on weight loss

Shrimp are good for weight loss. But again, only wild ones. Since artificially grown ones contain compounds that make them gain weight rather than lose weight. But wild crustaceans really have the ability to help lose weight.

1. The calorie content of shrimp is low, and their nutritional value is significant due to their high protein content. Protein nutrition is essential for sustainable healthy weight loss. Because proteins normalize the production of nutritional hormones, increase metabolic rate and help maintain muscle tissue.
2. Despite its low calorie content, seafood is one of the foods that gives you energy and allows you to lead a more active life. For people losing weight, this means they can burn more calories throughout the day.
3. Wild crustaceans contain a lot of astaxanthin and selenium. Astaxanthin itself is a powerful antioxidant. Selenium ensures the functioning of another antioxidant – glutathione. Substances with antioxidant activity fight chronic inflammation, which is always present in the body of people who are overweight.
4. If you are on a diet, you can eat boiled shrimp at night. For many people this is a delicacy. Some people perceive a shrimp meal in the same way as lard, that is, as something sweet. For many people losing weight, such psychological support when giving up genuine sweets is extremely important.

Low-calorie salad recipes

An important rule that you remember right away: consume no more than 250 g of shrimp per day. An excess will be difficult for the stomach to digest and will be difficult to digest.

Advantages

Eating seafood on the menu has many advantages:

• The shrimp diet consists mainly of vegetables. There are at least 1.5 kg of them per day. Combine in various versions, in the form of a salad, steamed, stewed, etc. The fiber in their composition saturates the stomach and the feeling of hunger is practically absent during the diet. There are a lot of permitted products. This will allow you to choose the ones you like and spend your diet time with pleasure.
• Arthropod meat is rich in various minerals and vitamins. These include: calcium, zinc, iodine, magnesium, potassium. Of the entire set of vitamins, the largest share falls on vitamin E. This is a source of health and youth, renews skin cells and gives a healthy complexion.
• Shrimp in the diet has a positive effect on hormonal levels. They have an immune-strengthening effect. Beneficial substances contained in arthropods help resist colds. They also protect against viruses. They are recommended as food for people suffering from bronchial asthma, tonsillitis and similar diseases.
• Shellfish meat contains a useful substance - caratenoid. This is the pigment that gives them their salmon color. It promotes skin regeneration and organ cell renewal. It has a rejuvenating effect on the entire body, promotes the removal of harmful substances. Promotes a youthful and healthy appearance when losing weight.
• Reduce the risk of developing allergies. Sensitivity to food products decreases, the body becomes more resilient.
• Contains fatty acids. Omega-3 has a beneficial effect on the skeletal system and blood vessels. Normalizes heart rate, relieves pain and muscle spasms. Hair, nails and teeth become stronger and look healthy.
• Seafood can have a positive effect on the state of the brain. A person becomes smarter, memory and concentration improve. There is an increased attention to detail.

Flaws

Despite all the advantages, there are also small disadvantages:

• For those who are just starting to lose weight, the shrimp diet menu may seem too low in calories. You can calculate your individual consumption rate of BJU per day yourself. And supplement the menu with more nutrients, increase the number of meals per day. This will eliminate possible fatigue. The nervous system will return to normal and dizziness will be eliminated. Anyone who is faced with a shortage and its consequences needs to add calories.
• When asked whether shrimp can be eaten on a diet, experts answer unequivocally - yes. But it is important to diversify the menu with healthy carbohydrates and vegetable fats. Even if it is easy to maintain such a diet, you should not indulge in it for longer than 1 week without introducing additional energy-rich foods. Shrimp are not a cheap product; the diet based on them is considered almost elite. Therefore, many people choose alternative products with a similar effect.

How to replace shrimp in your diet: mussels, scallops, crab meat.

Gifts from the oceans and seas are traditionally considered to be the most balanced products that compensate for the lack of beneficial vitamins and nutrients in the human body. Low calorie content makes seafood an ideal dish for people who strictly control changes in their weight.

One of the main advantages of this delicacy is its chemical composition. It contains:

• easily digestible proteins;
• fatty amino acids;
• iodine;
• B vitamins;
• nicotinic and ascorbic acids;
• tocopherol;
• calcium;
• copper;
• zinc;
• phosphorus.

Seafood dishes are recommended for everyone who wants to speed up metabolism, normalize the digestive system and maintain a slim figure.

However, this is far from the only benefit of seafood. Iodine, a large amount of which is contained in squid, will improve hormonal levels and improve the functioning of the endocrine system.

Magnesium has a beneficial effect on nerve cells, prevents stress and protects against depression and excessive irritability. In tandem with folic acid, it stimulates the secretion of serotonin (the happiness hormone), elevating mood and improving morale.

Men benefit from selenium and zinc, which are so rich in seafood. These nutrients can increase testosterone levels and increase male libido. Mussels, the edible shellfish with the highest selenium content, are considered a strong aphrodisiac for a reason.

Crab meat is a source of taurine, an amino acid responsible for the tone of the retina. This substance is often found in eye drops and ointments.

Shrimp contain a large amount of folic acid, which is necessary for pregnant women. Retinol and tocopherol in these crustaceans help maintain skin elasticity, hair health and shine.

The place where seafood is grown or caught is also of great importance. Inhabitants of oceans and seas are capable of absorbing toxins and radioactive substances in their habitats. Squid may contain arsenic, and mussels may contain saxitoxin, an alkaloid that can cause muscle paralysis.

Another feature of seafood is its short shelf life. When choosing a product, you should pay attention not only to what is written on the label, but also to the appearance of the product. A thick layer of ice and an incomprehensible lump of seafood is evidence of re-freezing. Plaque and dark spots are a signal that the product is not fresh.

Proper nutrition implies freshness, but this does not apply to the inhabitants of the seas, as they can be infected with parasites. This dish should not be included in the diet of children under 3 years of age. And, of course, we should not forget about the possibility of a severe allergic reaction to chitin and other substances contained in seafood.

Be sure to check out:

Seafood is used in recipes for a wide variety of dishes. They are used to cook soups, prepare main courses, and use them to prepare light and satisfying salads. The latter are especially popular with everyone who watches their weight.

Green salad

One of the lowest calorie salads with a minimum set of ingredients.

1. Iceberg salad – 500 gr.
2. Shrimp – 500 gr.
3. Olive oil – 30 ml.
4. Dry basil.
5. Fresh dill – 20 gr.
6. Spices.

Step-by-step instruction:

1. Wash the salad and tear it with your hands.
2. Boil the shrimp by throwing them into boiling water for 3-4 minutes.
3. After cooling, peel and cut into pieces.
4. Mix lettuce and shrimp in a bowl, add spices, chopped dill and sprinkle everything with olive oil.

Calorie content – ​​69 kcal/100 grams.

1. Shrimp (small) – 200 gr.
2. Fresh cucumber – 1 pc.
3. Natural yogurt – 100 ml.
4. Dill – 40 gr.
5. Spices.

1. Boil shrimp in slightly salted water.
2. Peel and cut the cucumber into strips, chop the dill.
3. Mix all ingredients, season and top with yogurt.

Calorie content – ​​50 kcal/100 grams.

A hearty and light salad with the piquant flavor of French cheese.

1. Cucumber – 2 pcs.
2. Shrimp (boiled) – 500 gr.
3. Lemon juice – 20 ml.
4. Lettuce – 50 gr.
5. Green olives – 50 gr.
6. Parmesan – 50 gr.
7. Spices.
8. Olive oil – 30 ml.

1. Rinse the vegetables.
2. Peel and chop the cucumber into strips, tear the salad with your hands.
3. Make a dressing from oil, spices and lemon juice.
4. Mix all the salad ingredients, season with sauce and sprinkle with finely grated Parmesan.

Calorie content – ​​88 kcal/100 grams.

With pineapple

This holiday salad will not add up to extra pounds.

1. Shrimp (boiled) – 300 gr.
2. Canned pineapple – 100 gr.
3. Olive oil – 20 ml.
4. Wine vinegar – 20 ml.
5. Sour cream 15% – 30 gr.
6. Romano salad – 50 gr.
7. Parsley – 30 gr.

1. Mix shrimp with sour cream, season and let steep for 15-20 minutes.
2. Wash the salad and tear it into a bowl with your hands.
3. Mix with chopped pineapple and chopped parsley.
4. Make a dressing from oil and vinegar and pour this sauce over the vegetable part of the dish.
5. Mix shrimp and vegetables and let simmer for 3-5 minutes.

Calorie content – ​​102 kcal/100 grams.

With sweet pepper

1. Frize salad – 50 gr.
2. Tiger shrimp (boiled) – 10 pcs.
3. Sweet pepper – 2 pcs.
4. Fresh cucumber – 1 pc.
5. Olive oil – 20 ml.
6. Lemon juice – 20 ml.

1. Wash the vegetables and cut into strips.
2. Whisk lemon juice and butter and mix with spices and vegetables.
3. Add peeled shrimp and torn lettuce.

Calorie content – ​​85 kcal/100 grams.

The largest black tiger shrimp can reach a weight of 500-600 grams (1 piece).

With apple

This recipe can be used when creating a lunch menu.

1. Shrimp (boiled and peeled) – 150 gr.
2. Boiled potatoes – 30 gr.
3. Canned peas – 30 gr.
4. Cucumber (small) – 1 pc.
5. Apples – 50 gr.
6. Olive oil – 20 ml.
7. Green onions and herbs.

1. Cut the potatoes into cubes, finely chop the greens and onions.
2. Cut the apple into thin strips or grate it on a coarse grater.
3. Peel the cucumber and cut into cubes.
4. Mix all ingredients, season and add oil.

Calorie content – ​​104 kcal/100 grams.

With arugula

A beautiful and bright salad can be quickly made for the arrival of guests or for a holiday.

1. Arugula – 100 gr.
2. Shrimp (boiled) – 500 gr.
3. Parmesan – 50 gr.
4. Balsamic vinegar – 20 ml.
5. Olive oil – 20 ml.
6. Cherry tomatoes – 350 gr.
7. Spices.
8. Seasoning "Italian herbs".

1. Wash the arugula and dry it with a paper towel, cut the shrimp.
2. Grate the cheese.
3. Cut the tomatoes into quarters.
4. Make a dressing from spices, dried herbs, oil and vinegar.
5. Mix all ingredients and season with butter sauce.

Calorie content – ​​93 kcal/100 grams.

1. Quail eggs – 8 pcs.
2. Sweet pepper – 3 pcs.
3. Tomatoes – 3 pcs.
4. Peeled mussels – 500 gr.
5. Onion – 1 pc.
6. Cilantro and dill - 1 bunch each.
7. Garlic – 2 cloves.
8. Fresh basil – 5-6 leaves.
9. Dry white wine – 100 ml.
10. Olive oil – 20 ml.
11. Lemon juice – 20 ml.
12. Spices.

1. Chop the onion and garlic and fry everything in a frying pan until golden-transparent.
2. Add mussels and dry wine and cook for 7-8 minutes. Cool.
3. Boil quail eggs, cut them into 2 halves.
4. Wash the pepper, remove the seeds and chop into strips or small cubes; do the same with the tomatoes.
5. Chop all the greens, mix with oil, citrus juice and spices.
6. Place all ingredients in a salad bowl. Season with herb sauce and garnish with a couple of basil leaves and one quail egg.

Contraindications

• You cannot resort to a shrimp diet for help if you have diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, cardiovascular and excretory systems.
• Consultation with a doctor will not be superfluous in any case.

An important question is whether everyone can eat shrimp on a diet. There are a number of diseases and features that do not allow the presence of this product in the diet:

• in case of individual intolerance to the product;
• if an allergic reaction occurs;
• in the presence of acute gastrointestinal diseases, problems with blood vessels and heart;
• dysfunction of the thyroid gland;
• liver diseases.

What can replace shrimp in the diet in this case: tuna, squid, salmon (lightly salted), crab meat. If you are allergic to seafood: boiled tongue, chicken.

The main thing, sticking to a menu with arthropods in the lead role, is to choose a quality product, free of chemicals and diseases. It is better to buy sea reptiles in specialized stores or sealed in thick plastic packaging.

Reviews and results of the shrimp diet indicate that they lose from 1.5 to 7 kg on it. At the same time, there is absolutely no feeling of hunger, the skin, hair and nails feel great. In addition to the main course, you choose foods according to your own preferences and do not force yourself to eat something that tastes bad. For women, it is a particularly pleasant fact that their appearance improves, their skin takes on a radiant and healthy appearance.

How to choose?

Since all types have the same effect on the body, you need to choose based on your own preferences. Let's determine which shrimp you can eat on a diet and whether they are all safe.

The first thing you need to pay attention to is the chitinous shell. It is used to determine what the arthropods suffered in their short life. You should not buy peeled shrimp, as bacteria settle on them.

High-quality freezing is done while they are still alive. The shell should be smooth and without damage. The tail is bent into a ring. Color may vary depending on the specific species. If the body is straight, this is a bad sign, as is a dry shell.

You can diet those shrimp that have a brown head, they were ready to reproduce. These are the healthiest, filled with nutrients. The main thing is not to confuse it with black. Such a head indicates the presence of a disease. A green head is considered a good sign, which means the individual was healthy.

The legs should be of uniform color, without dark spots.