Dried shrimp are rich in nutrients and are known as a "calcium warehouse". Regular consumption of dried shrimp offers many benefits, including preventing osteoporosis, promoting lactation, lowering cholesterol, controlling blood pressure, and fighting cancer.
The nutritional value of dried shrimp is rich
Dried shrimp are actually mainly processed from a small shrimp called Acetes. The nutritional value of dried shrimp is very high. Taking protein content, which is used to measure the nutritional value, as an example, every 100 grams of dried shrimp contains 39.3 grams of protein. This amount is much higher than that of aquatic products such as large yellow croaker, rice-field eel, prawn, hairtail, and pomfret, as well as meat products such as beef, pork, and chicken.
Another major characteristic of dried shrimp is the abundance and variety of minerals. In addition to containing iodine, which is lacking in terrestrial and freshwater organisms, the content of iron, calcium, and phosphorus is also very rich. Every 100 grams of dried shrimp contains 991 milligrams of calcium and 582 milligrams of phosphorus. Therefore, dried shrimp are known as a "calcium warehouse".
Dried shrimp also contain another important nutrient—astaxanthin. Astaxanthin is the strongest antioxidant ever discovered, also known as super vitamin E. The redder the dried shrimp, the higher the astaxanthin content. The astaxanthin content in dried shrimp is about 400-800 ppm.
Regular consumption of dried shrimp has many benefits
Prevention of gestational hypertension
Pregnant women are the most susceptible to calcium deficiency. The third trimester is a critical stage for the development of the fetus's bones, teeth, and nervous system. Once calcium is deficient, it can easily lead to osteomalacia, hypocalcemic convulsions, pregnancy fatigue and hypertension syndrome, as well as premature delivery or low birth weight in the fetus. Dried shrimp are high in calcium, so eating more of them during this time can help expectant mothers supplement nutrients and prevent gestational hypertension!
Prevention of osteoporosis
Regular consumption of dried shrimp can prevent osteoporosis caused by calcium deficiency; adding some dried shrimp to the meals of the elderly is very beneficial for improving appetite and strengthening the body.
Lowering cholesterol, controlling blood pressure, and anti-cancer
Dried shrimp are rich in magnesium. Magnesium plays an important regulatory role in heart activity, can well protect the cardiovascular system, and can reduce the cholesterol content in the blood, which has a certain effect on preventing arteriosclerosis, hypertension, and myocardial infarction.
Research results show that there is a negative correlation between blood pressure and calcium content. For some patients, supplementing with calcium-rich dried shrimp can control blood pressure without any medication, just by increasing calcium intake. The U.S. National Center for Health Statistics has reached the same conclusion through research. Several studies have also shown that calcium helps to lower blood cholesterol and improve premenstrual syndrome in women. Furthermore, according to a report in the British magazine "New Scientist", supplementing calcium in the diet can directly inhibit the proliferation of colon cancer cells and can cause cells to return to normal within 2-3 months.
Promoting lactation
Dried shrimp have a strong effect in promoting lactation and are rich in phosphorus and calcium, which are particularly beneficial for children and pregnant women.
Two recommended dried shrimp recipes