Is it okay to eat the heads and shells of shrimp?

Cooks should consider keeping the shells and heads of shrimp as they enhance the flavor of the dish and offer several health benefits.

Shrimp is a nutritious food. It contains more than 9 different vitamins and minerals.

According to the health website Healthline (USA), 85g of shrimp contains 20.4g of protein, 0.433mg of iron, 201mg of phosphorus, 220mg of potassium, 1.39mg of zinc, 33.2mg of magnesium, and 94.4mg of sodium. Shrimp is also one of the food sources of iodine - a mineral essential for thyroid function and brain health.

Cooks should consider keeping the shrimp shells and heads.

Pexels

When preparing shrimp, many people choose to remove the shells and heads to make the dish look more appealing and easier to eat. However, according to Tasting Table , cooks should consider keeping the shells and heads of shrimp when cooking.

Accordingly, shrimp shells contain certain ribonucleotide molecules. Cooking shrimp with the shell on allows this substance to penetrate the meat, enhancing its flavor. Furthermore, when using high-temperature cooking methods, leaving the shell on creates a protective barrier, keeping the shrimp meat intact.

Additionally, shrimp shells and heads contain chitin, which can stimulate the growth of healthy gut bacteria. When these bacteria are healthy, they can aid digestion and boost the body's immune system.

A scientific study also showed that the heads of some shrimp species contain lipids that may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Additionally, according to the US National Institutes of Health , shrimp heads are rich in protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants such as astaxanthin and selenium, which help protect body cells.

Despite its nutritional value, experts recommend that people with seafood allergies, high cholesterol levels, coughs, asthma, or digestive problems should limit their shrimp consumption.

The chewy texture of shrimp shells is mainly due to the moisture they contain. Therefore, to make the shells crispy and easier to eat, cooks should use high heat to remove some of the moisture. One of these methods is frying. Additionally, to easily eat the shells, consumers should choose shrimp of medium size, according to americastestkitchen .

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/co-nen-an-dau-va-vo-tom-185240313152754909.htm