Living in a village near the sea is very hip since you get to watch the sunset on the beach every other evening, but the luxury of getting to eat fresh, nutritious, and delicious lagoon prawns is an even better extravagance. Let’s look into the health benefits of eating Prawns which are nutrition powerhouses packed with protein, Selenium, Zinc, Phosphorous, Copper, Magnesium, Vitamin B12, and Omega-3 fatty acids.

Good for weight loss

Because of the copious nutritional benefits, prawns are considered by a variety of health experts to be among the healthiest foods around the world. Prawns are low in calories and high in protein, and are made up of extremely healthy cholesterol, which makes them a good addition to any weight-loss diet.

They make for a great snack and can be also served as curry, soup, or teamed with boiled/stir-fried vegetables. They are also a rich source of selenium, one of the vital antioxidants at maintaining healthy cells. Read more about the nutritional facts of prawns below.

Strengthens Bones

Prawns offer several nutrients vital for maintaining bone health. Along with providing some calcium, magnesium, and selenium, prawns are an exemplary source of protein. Studies have shown a significant decrement in bone fractures related to protein intake. Adding prawns in your meals, as a lean source of protein could be especially beneficial for osteoporosis prevention in older generations.

Loaded with protein

Prawns are the most recommended food by nutritionists because of their ability to produce nearly the same amount of protein like chicken or beef while adding a lesser number of calories. Prawns contain almost 12 grams of protein per 2-ounce serving. Protein takes a long time to digest, thus burning more calories in the process and keeping you fuller for a longer time.

Low in fat

Acting as a lean source of protein, prawns are low in fat with just 0.5 grams of fat per 2-ounce serving. Prawns contain a wealthiness of unsaturated fats and healthy cholesterol, which is beneficial for overall body health. Hence making it an enticing option for someone adamant on losing a few kilos.

Rich in omega-3 fatty acids

Prawns are abundant in omega-3 fatty acids, which help to reduce inflammation and keep your heart healthy.

Improves skin health

Prawns and shellfish are surprisingly beneficial for acne patients. This is because they are rich in zinc. Zinc helps in accelerating the rate at which wounds and infections heal.

Also, Zinc can balance out oil production in skin pores. If the skin becomes too oily, then zinc will reduce the amount of oil that produces. There have been so many instances of acne healing fast once the sufferer gets enough zinc in their diet.

Can you be allergic to prawns?

Yes – A small percentage of people have a strong allergy to prawns, hence you are advised to speak to your doctor if you experience any negative reactions, or symptoms, such as a tickly throat or cough, sneezing, or an itchy tongue after consuming prawns. A strong allergic reaction called Anaphylaxis can occur in rare situations. It is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention.

Can you eat prawns when pregnant?

Are prawns safe for consumption during pregnancy? Almost all forms of seafood are best averted during pregnancy. Seafood, despite being a good source of protein fats and minerals, which are essential for the normal growth of your fetus, also come packed with harmful toxins because of the accumulation of toxic chemicals in marine life.

Cooking prawns

There are many styles of cooking prawns, around the world. The healthiest ways to cook prawns are to steam, boil, bake, make a curry, or grill them. We Sri Lankans always think about the nature of food before cooking. That’s because we believe the nature of food affects the balance of temperament of the human body, which is divided into four elements namely Earth, Water, Air, and Fire. Prawns are considered to be warm therefore we take measures to cool it down by adding Coconut milk and Drumstick (Moringa) leaves when cooking.

You can find a Sri Lankan style, healthy Spicy Prawns Masala Curry Recipe Here. Also, Prawns are a major ingredient when making Odiyal Kool: the Sri Lankan authentic Spicy Seafood Soup.