Shellfish are sea creatures with shells such as shrimp, crayfish, crab, scallops, scallops, oysters, and mussels. These are edible food sources. It is rich in lean protein, healthy fats and minerals.
What are shellfish?
Eating shellfish regularly strengthens immunity, aids weight loss, and is beneficial for brain and heart health. But there is a danger to these creatures. Some people are allergic to shellfish. In addition, some types may contain pollutants and heavy metals.
What Are Shellfish?
Although shellfish and seafood are often used interchangeably, they are actually different concepts. Seafood is used to mean edible aquatic animals. Whereas, shellfish refers to seafood that has a shell or shell-like exoskeleton.
Crustaceans belong to the category of arthropods, all of which have a hard exoskeleton or shell, segmented body, and jointed limbs. There are more than 50.000 known species of crustaceans; some well-known crustaceans include crab, lobster, crayfish, shrimp and mussels.
Shellfishare divided into two groups: crustaceans and mollusks. Crustaceans are shrimp, crayfish, crab and lobster. The mollusks are scallops, scallops, oysters and mussels. Most shellfish live in salt water.
Shellfish Nutritional Value
Shellfish are low in calories. It is a rich source of lean protein, but also contains healthy fats and many micronutrients. Below is the nutritional content of an 85-gram serving of shellfish:
Most of the oils in shellfish are in the form of omega 3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for brain and heart health. It is rich in iron, zinc, magnesium and vitamin B12.
Shellfish Benefits
Helps to lose weight
Shellfish are low in calories. It is high in lean protein and healthy fats. With these features, they help to lose weight.
Protein-rich foods are the most beneficial food that can be consumed while losing weight, as they make you feel full.
Good for heart health
Shellfish contain essential nutrients for heart health, such as omega 3 fatty acids and vitamin B12.
Omega 3 fatty acids lower the risk of heart disease. Because it has an anti-inflammatory effect.
Good for the brain
The heart-healthy nutrients in shellfish are also vital for brain health.
Strengthens immunity
Some types of shellfish contain the immune-boosting mineral zinc.
This mineral is necessary to develop cells that make up the body's immune defense. It also acts as an antioxidant.
Shellfish Harms
Heavy metal accumulation
Shellfish can accumulate heavy metals such as mercury or cadmium.
Humans cannot excrete heavy metals. Over time, these compounds accumulate in the body, leading to organ damage and other health problems.
ContaminatedEating shellfish can cause foodborne illness. Shellfish poisoning is caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites from their environment.
Pathogens thrive in improperly cooled raw shellfish. Therefore, storing and cooking them properly prevents foodborne illness.
Pregnant and breastfeeding women, older adults, and people with compromised immune systems should avoid raw or improperly prepared shellfish.
Shellfish Allergy
Allergy to shellfish is quite common. It is one of the leading causes of food allergies in adults. It is a common cause of foodborne anaphylaxis. Allergies to shrimp, crab, lobster, oyster and mussel can occur from highest to lowest.
Shellfish allergy symptoms are triggered by antibodies produced by the immune system. The antibodies release histamine to attack the protein that causes the immune response.
Ingredients added during processing and canning of shellfish can also cause adverse reactions. All of these substances trigger reactions similar to true shellfish allergy symptoms.
A shellfish allergy is more severe than most other food allergens. Symptoms range from mild urticaria to life-threatening anaphylaxis. Shellfish allergy symptoms include:
itchy skin
Rashes like eczema
swelling of the face, lips, tongue, throat, ear, fingers or hands
Blockage
difficulty breathing
wheezing
tingling in the mouth
Abdominal pain
nausea or vomiting
Diarrhea
Dizziness
Fainting
When the excessive release of chemicals puts a person in shock, it is called an anaphylactic reaction. Anaphylaxis occurs suddenly and can progress rapidly.
Allergy is treated by avoiding shellfish. Shellfish by strengthening the immune system, as in peanut allergy.The severity of the allergy can be reduced with natural remedies.
Probiotics
Probiotic supplementation boosts immune function. It reduces the risk of developing food allergies.
Digestive enzymes
Failure to digest food proteins can cause food allergy and gastrointestinal symptoms.
Taking digestive enzymes with meals helps the digestive system break down food particles completely. It acts as a remedy for shellfish allergy.
MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane)
Researches,MSM supplementsshows that it can be effective in reducing allergies. MSM is an organic sulfur-containing compound used to improve immune function, reduce inflammation, and help restore healthy body tissue.
Vitamin B5
Vitamin B5 is beneficial for people with allergies and asthma as it supports adrenal function. It is important in relieving nasal congestion, regulating digestion and strengthening immunity.
L-glutamine
L-glutamine is the most abundant amino acid in the bloodstream. It helps people with food allergies while boosting immunity.
