Prawn - A healthy Sea food

BY CHINELO NWAGBO

PRAWN is the most popular seafood in the world and the varieties range from pink to gray, brown and yellow. The most commonly found type is the deep-water or pink prawn. Once cooked, the flesh of these crustaceans becomes opaque and orange in colour.

The firm, translucent flesh of raw prawn is low in calories and saturated fat. It is an excellent source of protein and selenium, which is a very good source of vitamin D, vitamin B₁₂, iron, phosphorus, omega-3 fatty acids, niacin, zinc, copper and magnesium.
Just as with any seafood, it is best to purchase prawns from a store and to keep it cold since seafood is very sensitive to temperature. Fresh and frozen prawn is available throughout the year and have many medicinal and health benefits.

Uses and preparation of prawn

Boiled / cooked/ fried
Prawn can be boiled, cooked or fried.

Culinary purposes
It is available on the menu of most seafood restaurant in many countries.

Health Benefits / healing power of prawn

Good for proper brain development: The vitamin B₁₂ in prawn is important for proper brain functioning. It is also essential for the formation and maturation of blood cells. It is ideal to add the enough ground prawn to baby’s food for their proper brain development and for good academic performance.


Prevents and lowers the risk of developing cancer (Cancer-Protection): Prawn is an excellent source of selenium, which neutralises the injurious effects of free radicals, the main cause of cancer and other degenerative diseases. It is also an excellent source of Omega-3 fatty acid, which greatly reduces risk of colorectal cancer.

Essential for healthy teeth and bones: Intake of prawn provides the body with vitamin D. This vitamin regulates the absorption of calcium and phosphorus, which is essential for strong teeth and bones.

Prevents and reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular disease: It is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, which reduce the risk of cardiovascular problems. It also contains B_12, one of the essential nutrients for a healthy heart.

Improves mood and reduces depression
Both depression and stress can be prevented or reduced by increased in consumption of foods that are rich in omega-3 fatty acid and prawns are good sources of this.

chineloeby@yahoo.con