Crustaceans are a type of shellfish and there are over 60,000 types of crustaceans but not all are edible. Most crustaceans are found in the oceans but there are also some which are land-based. The most popular crustacean dishes include lobsters, shrimp, crabs, and crawfish. Among these, the most consumed crustacean dish is shrimp. You will find these dishes in the supermarkets and stores all year round because they do not have a specific season.
In the past, Crustaceans dishes were mostly consumed in Asia but today they are increasingly becoming popular in other parts of the world. Some many fishermen and women are making a living through fishing and selling crustaceans and other seafood to restaurants. It is estimated that about 10 million tons of crustaceans are farmed for consumption by humans and this number is rising daily. Crustacean dishes provide many benefits to humans some of which are listed below in this article.
1. Crustacean Dishes Are Protein-rich
Crustaceans are a rich source of all essential amino acids like histidine, methionine, tryptophan, and isoleucine. Amino acids are building blocks of proteins and therefore these dishes have a high protein content. Therefore, you can get the same amount of protein or even higher protein when you consume a crustacean diet just as you would get from other protein dishes like milk and soy.
These proteins can play a big role in weight loss because they increase the level of metabolism and increase satiety. The proteins increase fullness by reducing the hormones that increase appetite and promoting the release of hormones that reduce hunger. If you are in Louisiana, you can enjoy crustacean dishes because they are so popular over there like it can be seen on lacrawfish.com, there are just plenty of recipes you can try. And also, you are one phone call away from having the crustaceans delivered to your address.
For those on the East Coast, particularly in New Jersey, there are numerous crabbing spots where you can catch your own fresh crab. Locations like the Barnegat Bay, Mantoloking Bridge, and the piers of the Jersey Shore are well-known for their abundant crabbing opportunities. Catching your own crab not only adds to the freshness of your meal but also enhances the experience of preparing a truly local, protein-packed dish.
2. Promoting Brain Health
Crustacean dishes also have high amounts of Omega-3s and vitamin B12 and these are essential nutrients for brain health. Health experts state that people who have low levels of Omega-3 have higher chances of brain aging. Therefore consuming a crustacean diet that has high levels of Omega-3 reduces the risk of mental diseases like dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinsonism. Vitamin B12 improves brain function. Therefore when you consume a crustacean diet, you improve your mental health.
3. Lowering the Risk of Developing Cancer
Experts also suggest that a crustacean diet can help to reduce the risk of some cancers. Crustacean dishes have high levels of selenium which helps to lower the risk of breast, lung, colorectal, and ovarian cancers. Omega-3 also has anticancer effects and it helps to reduce the growth of tumors as well as the spread of cancer to distant organs. Selenium also has antioxidant effects that prevent the development of diseases in the body. Prevention is always better than cure and therefore you can lower your risk of developing cancer when you consume crustacean dishes.
In summary, crustaceans are arthropods that are found in water and on land. There are more than 60.000 species of crustaceans that are in existence but not all are edible. The most popular crustacean dishes include lobsters, crawfish, shrimp, and crabs. These dishes are available in the supermarkets all year round. There are some benefits that you can get from eating crustacean dishes like improvement in your mental health, you will get more proteins and you can also lower your risk of developing some cancers like ovarian and lung cancers.
