Wild Pacific Cold Water Shrimp
Indulge in the irresistible flavor and health benefits of wild-caught cold water shrimp, a true delicacy of the sea. At Northwest Wild Foods, we prioritize sustainability in every bite. Our Pacific Cold Water shrimp are harvested off the pristine shores of the Oregon coast, ensuring both exquisite taste and eco-conscious sourcing. By choosing wild-caught shrimp, you not only savor the delectable flavor but also support sustainable fishing practices that safeguard marine ecosystems for generations to come.
Hand-picked and carefully peeled, our shrimp boast a luscious sweetness and tender texture that's simply unmatched. With their vibrant pink hue, they add a pop of color and flavor to any dish. Whether you are crafting a classic shrimp cocktail, a refreshing salad, or a hearty casserole, our shrimp elevate every meal with their versatility and premium quality.
More than just a culinary delight, our sustainably harvested shrimp represent a commitment to preserving the ocean's bounty. With each bite, you're contributing to the preservation of biodiversity and the livelihoods of coastal communities. Its low calorie and low fat content, along with high levels of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants make it a nutritious choice for maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Nutritional Benefits
Low in Calories, Fat and Carbohydrates: Three ounces of our cooked shrimp contain only 84 calories, making them a good choice for those watching their calorie intake. They also contain less than one gram of fat per serving, and happily, most of the fat in shrimp comes from beneficial omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health. A 3 oz. serving contains less than one gram of carbohydrates.
Abundant Protein: Shrimp are an excellent source of high-quality protein, providing all the essential amino acids. Per 3 ounces of cooked shrimp, you get an amazing 20 grams of protein, which is 40 percent of the recommended daily intake value (DV).
Rich in Micronutrients: The same 3 oz. serving of our wild Pacific Cold Water shrimp contributes significant amounts of many important vitamins and minerals. These include high percentages of recommended daily intake for several B vitamins, including B12, B3 and Niacin, as well as vitamins D and E.
Minerals in abundance include Selenium, Phosphorus, Iron, Copper, Magnesium, Zinc, Potassium, Calcium, Iodine, and Manganese. Each of these contribute numerous important health benefits, from the maintenance of heart, brain and bone health to the prevention of chronic diseases, to weight control.
Rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids: While not as high in omega-3 fatty acids as fatty fish like salmon, shrimp still contain a significant amount. Omega-3s have anti-inflammatory properties and are important for brain health and reducing the risk of heart disease.
Antioxidants: The primary type of antioxidant in shrimp is astaxanthin. This antioxidant is responsible for the reddish color of shrimp. It helps protect against inflammation by preventing free radicals from damaging your cells. It’s been studied for its role in reducing the risk of several chronic diseases including diabetes, gastrointestinal, renal, and skin and eye diseases. That’s a lot of disease-fighting potential, all in one food!
Low Mercury Content: Almost all seafood is an impressive source of nutrients, but mercury contamination is a common concern with seafood. However, shrimp have one of the very lowest mercury concentrations of all seafood. Furthermore, shrimp contain a high ratio of selenium compared to mercury. Research suggests that selenium has a role in “mitigating the toxicity of mercury.” This is especially important for protecting pregnancies.
This rich nutritional profile provides numerous health benefits. Current dietary guidelines recommend Americans eat two seafood-based meals per week. Wild Coldwater Pacific shrimp is a great option to achieve this. Here are some of the health benefits you can gain by ordering shrimp more often.
Health Benefits
Promotes Heart Health: A study published in 2021 found that people who eat shrimp had lower rates of high blood pressure and cholesterol and a lower risk of heart disease and stroke than those who did not. Although shrimp contain cholesterol, it is nearly devoid of saturated fat. Newer research suggests that it is the saturated fat in food, not dietary cholesterol, that increases the risk of heart disease.
Consuming shrimp also provides the anti-inflammatory and heart healthy omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) Increasing your intake of these omega-3s can significantly help reduce the risk of heart disease risk.
May Boost Cognitive Health: Shrimp provides a number of nutrients that can protect the brain and preserve cognitive function. A 3-ounce serving of cooked shrimp provides 77 percent of the daily requirement (DV) for selenium, an essential trace mineral that plays a critical role in protection from oxidative damage and infection.
A deficiency in this nutrient is associated with age-related declines in brain function, possibly due to reduced levels of selenium's antioxidant activity. Selenium protects the body from oxidative damage through glutathione peroxidase, a key antioxidant enzyme that functions best at certain selenium concentrations. Oxidative damage to the brain and nervous system may contribute to the development of depression.
Shrimp also provide significant levels of vitamin B12, which our bodies need to make red blood cells and carry out other essential functions. A B12 deficiency is common in older adults, per a March 2015 review in the Hong Kong Medical Journal. This deficiency is linked to cognitive difficulties, such as trouble thinking and reasoning or memory loss. The body cannot make B12 on its own, and this vitamin only naturally occurs in animal products such as shrimp.
Choline, an essential nutrient, is also present in shrimp. It's needed to produce acetylcholine, an important neurotransmitter for mood, memory, muscle control and other brain and nervous system functions. Although the research is limited, choline is being considered in treating dementia and neurological damage for stroke patients.
Another one of the top shrimp benefits? The antioxidant astaxanthin, which can lower risk of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
Strengthens Bones: Shrimp offers several nutrients involved in maintaining bone health. Besides providing calcium, magnesium, and selenium, shrimp is an excellent source of protein. Extensive studies show significant reductions in bone fractures related to protein intake.
Including a lean source of protein from foods like shrimp are especially beneficial for osteoporosis prevention in older adults. Including a protein source packed with bone-supporting nutrients like calcium and magnesium increases these benefits.
Supports Immune Health: Shrimp is a good source of zinc, which supports a strong immune system and aids in wound healing. Shrimp also provides vitamin E, an antioxidant that helps our immune system fend off infection. Vitamin E protects against cell damage, and might decrease the risk of illnesses like cancer, heart disease, and stroke.
Maintains Thyroid Health: Shrimp is a healthy food for individuals with thyroid disease, as it provides iodine and selenium, two minerals needed for normal thyroid function.
Supports a Healthy Pregnancy: Shrimp is in the “best choices” category of seafood for women who are trying to get pregnant, are pregnant, or are breastfeeding, as well as young children, in the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s “Advice About Fish” guide.
Unlike most seafood, shrimp contains almost no mercury, making it a safer option for women looking to gain the health benefits of seafood during pregnancy. Furthermore, shrimp provides many vital nutrients beneficial in pregnancy, like iron, B12, calcium, zinc, choline, and protein. These nutrients help prevent anemia and bone loss for pregnant people while supporting tissue and brain formation for the fetus.
Shrimp provides other nutrients as well, such as iodine, that support fetal brain development. Three ounces of cooked shrimp provides 9% of the daily value (DV) for iodine.
Appetite Control and Weight Management
While shrimp is packed with nutrients and protein, it is low in calories, which could help you attain or maintain a healthy weight when eaten as part of a healthy diet. A 3-ounce serving of our cooked shrimp contains just 84 calories, but you'll feel satiated after eating it since protein takes more energy for your body to digest than, for example, refined carbohydrates, and helps you feel full for longer.
Studies show that protein impacts multiple appetite hormone pathways, making it easier to avoid regaining weight that's been lost.
A meal pattern that is higher in protein improves satiety and supports muscle maintenance during weight loss efforts. Keeping your muscle mass help counteract potential the metabolism slow-down that can occur during weight loss.
In Conclusion
Northwest Wild Food’s Pacific Coldwater shrimp is not only a culinary delight but also a nutritious and sustainable seafood choice. Its health benefits, from omega-3 fatty acids to essential nutrients, make it an excellent addition to a well-rounded diet.
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Resources Used for NWWF Blog #29: Wild Pacific Cold Water Shrimp
https://www.livestrong.com/article/262296-what-is-the-nutritional-value-of-shrimp/
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/is-shrimp-healthy#high-in-cholesterol
https://www.nutritionadvance.com/shrimp-nutrition-benefits/
https://www.verywellhealth.com/shrimp-benefits-nutrition-8612508