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Shrimp is very low in calories and fairly rich in protein. So is shrimp good for diabetics or not? Can a diabetic eat shrimp everyday? Does shrimp raise blood sugar? Is shrimp bad for diabetics? Let’s get to the bottom of this article to get all our answers and to understand the link between shrimp and diabetes.
Contents:
Shrimp: Nutritional Profile
100 grams of shrimp contains approximately 120 calories with about 23g of protein, making it one of the best dietary protein sources.
100 grams of shrimp contains the following nutrition:
| Calories: 120 |
| Total Fat: 1.7 g |
| Saturated Fat: 0.5 g |
| Trans Fat: 0 g |
| Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.6 g |
| Monounsaturated Fat: 0.4 g |
| Cholesterol: 211 mg |
| Sodium: 947 mg |
| Potassium: 170 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates: 1.5 g |
| Dietary Fiber: 0 g |
| Sugars: 0 g |
| Protein: 23 g |
| Vitamin A: 6% |
| Vitamin C: 0% |
| Calcium: 7% |
| Iron: 1.8% |
Advantages of Shrimp For Diabetes
Prawns and shrimp for diabetics are considered safe due to their near-zero carbohydrate and sugar content. Therefore, they don’t affect blood sugar levels. So, as compared to other seafood, shrimp is OK for diabetics. Shrimps are a good source of Omega-3 fatty acids, helpful in maintaining overall good health.
- Boosts brain health
- Prevents risks of cancer
- Aids in healthy skin
- Prevents risks of heart diseases
- Reduces joint pain and moodiness in woman
- Good for weight loss
- Improves vision
Ways To Consume Shrimp For Diabetes
You must select and cook shrimps in the right way for maximum nutrient intake. Avoid processed and canned seafood and opt for fresher varieties.
Look for wild-caught shrimps instead of farm-raised, which are very high in toxins and chemicals. Avoid deep-fried shrimps as they increase fat and cholesterol levels – never beneficial for diabetics. Aim at grilling, baking, and boiling as these ensure the shrimps remain low in fat and calories. Here are some exciting ways in which you can cook shrimp:
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Stir-fried shrimps with broccoli:
Shrimps stir-fried or sauteed with broccoli, salt, black pepper, and a knob of butter
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Diabetic shrimp scampi:
A pan-fried version of shrimp using less oil
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Cilantro shrimp salad:
Made with bell peppers, cilantro, and shrimp
Best Time To Consume Shrimp For Diabetes
You can consume shrimp during lunch or dinner with diabetic-friendly options like millets and vegetables. It is better not to exceed the limit of 150g per week of shrimp for diabetic people. A healthy shrimp recipe, twice a week, is ideal.
Risks of Over Consuming Shrimp For Diabetes
Since shrimps are very high in cholesterol, excess consumption can elevate your cholesterol, directly impacting your blood sugar. High cholesterol can aggravate other health conditions and make diabetics more susceptible to heart disease. If you have diabetes and pre-existing heart disease or high cholesterol, you might want to limit your intake. Shrimp is good for diabetes, when taken in moderation.
Other Health Benefits of Shrimp
- Shrimps contain phosphorus, vitamin D, and calcium, making them beneficial for strengthening bones. They contain antioxidants that help protect against cancer. High amounts of Omega-3 fatty acids boost immunity.
- Shrimp is rich in Vitamin B12, Choline, and selenium and contains astaxanthin, an antioxidant that reduces oxidative stress in the body. Diabetics following a management plan that entails lifestyle changes can eat shrimps to control their overall weight and BMI.
- Eye issues are a secondary fallout of diabetes. Shrimps for diabetic people can replenish essential vitamins and minerals for restoring good eye health.
Don’t Have Time To Read?
- Shrimp is low in calories, rich in protein, and high in cholesterol. Excessive amounts can raise cholesterol levels, increasing heart disease risk in diabetics.
- However, shrimps are among the best dietary protein sources, with 23g in 4 ounces. Avoid cooking shrimp with butter or oil to not increase its calorific value (120 calories).
- Shrimps are low-carb foods rich in Omega-3 fatty acids and do not affect blood sugar levels.
- Have grilled, boiled, or baked wild shrimp as cilantro shrimp salads, stir-fried shrimp with broccoli, or shrimp scampi.
- Have shrimps twice weekly for lunch or dinner, with millets and vegetables. Try not to exceed the limit of 150g per week.
- Excessive consumption can elevate cholesterol levels, impacting blood glucose, making diabetics more susceptible to heart disease risks.
- Shrimps contain vital micronutrients, vitamins, and antioxidants, making them great for eye health, strong bones, immunity, and overall physical well-being.
- Use the Phable Care App to consult India’s leading diabetologists, order medicines, book lab tests, integrate Accu-Chek instant and other devices to get real-time remote care from the comfort of your home. So let’s treat diabetes together.
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Friendly Asked Questions
This seafood is rich in protein and Omega-3 fatty acids and has almost zero carbohydrates, making shrimp good for diabetes. Thus, the body takes longer to digest it and releases glucose more slowly. Therefore, blood sugar levels remain optimum.
Prawns and shrimps’ glycemic index is zero because they contain minimal to no carbohydrates. Thus, diabetics can eat moderate amounts of shrimp without having blood sugar fluctuations or experiencing drastic insulin spikes.
With its low carbohydrate and high protein content, shrimp for diabetics is a healthier seafood option. However, it has high cholesterol. Thus, diabetics must consume it in moderation with other diabetic-friendly items, like vegetables, millets, and fruits.
Shrimp is good for a diabetic’s overall well-being when taken in moderate amounts. A diabetic can consume not more than 150g twice a week. Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation through shrimp can help reduce waist circumference for diabetics.