Despite being low on the food chain, shrimp have many natural predators, including large sea creatures like crabs and starfish. Shrimp’s color also varies according to its habitat, with brightly colored shrimp found in tropical waters and brown ones in muddy river beds. In this article, we’ll cover the health benefits of shrimp and some of the most common types. Read on to find out more! Besides being delicious, shrimp are rich in vitamins and minerals such as selenium, choline, and omega 3 fatty acids.
Selenium, choline, omega 3 fatty acids, and vitamin B12
A serving of three ounces of shrimp contains about 77 percent of the daily value (DV) of selenium, an essential mineral in the body that promotes thyroid health and protects against infection and oxidative stress. While most Americans do not consume enough selenium, research suggests that it may be linked to age-related declines in brain function. Studies also suggest that an excessive intake of selenium may lead to negative mood and depressive symptoms in young adults.
Saltwater shrimp are small
Regardless of their size, saltwater shrimp require a high quality diet in order to thrive. They will not survive if you fail to provide them with high-quality live foods, so look for sinking varieties. If you cannot obtain live foods, frozen shrimp are another good option. Saltwater shrimp also need specific elements in their diets, so they can’t eat frozen fish bones. There are several specialized saltwater shrimp, and you can find one that matches your hobby.
Sweet
You can get some tasty sweet shrimp by eating them right after they are hatched! These delicious creatures spend their early years as a male and then change to female as they grow older. The sweet shrimp is not the only animal to go through this transformation – many marine creatures do too! Here are five benefits of shrimp that will make you want to eat more of them! Also known as brine shrimp, these creatures are rich in iron and calcium.
Light-colored
Light-colored shrimp are highly sought-after in the market. The color of their shells and flesh is a vital factor in market valuation. Black-pigmented shrimp can develop in the flesh and shells because of polyphenoloxidase enzymes that remain active in the tissues after harvest. While ice at harvest can prevent polyphenoloxidases from working, it isn’t always sufficient. This enzyme deactivator is sodium bisulfite. Many shrimp farms dip their shrimp in bisulfite solutions to keep them from developing black spots.
Resistant to drought
Scientists have discovered that fairy shrimp can survive several years without water. These creatures lay their eggs in potholes and overwinter in the dried sediment. Once the pothole fills with rainwater, the fairy shrimp hatch out. Fairy shrimp are resistant to drought because their eggs can survive temperature variations of up to 40°C. Fairy shrimp eggs are resistant to time too; researchers have shown that fairy shrimp eggs can survive up to 15 years in the laboratory.
Exoskeleton
The exoskeleton of shrimp is composed of a network of microstructures called chitins. The chitins are composed of calcite and phosphate, and they are organized in layers reminiscent of a spiral staircase. The surface shrimp exoskeleton is 10 times stronger than its deep-sea counterpart, and is less stable after compaction. The exact mechanisms of how the exoskeletons form are not yet fully understood.
Movement
A recent study in Thailand found that freshwater shrimp make a synchronous mass movement on land each year, possibly as a result of the rainy season. These movements may be caused by competition for limited food and space, as well as time spent protecting their territory. This migration may help understand the distribution of stream shrimps. It also provides information on the genetic structure of a species. While the reasons for shrimp movement vary from species to species, some are more complex than others.