Shrimp is one of the best food choices a diabetic can make. Here are some of the main reasons:
Shrimp have LOTS of Omega-3s (omega-3 fatty acids) and this is extremely important for diabetics
Diabetics have damaged cell membranes. They are “insulin resistant,” meaning they don’t normally respond to insulin when it tells the cell to take up glucose. Glucose cannot pass through these damaged membranes at the normal rate, and therefore this sugar builds up in your bloodstream wreaking havoc in your body.
Repairing these membranes involves removing certain things from your diet, especially trans fats that are substituted in cell membranes where healthy omega-3s should go. This damages the cell membranes and makes them too “rigid”. Even if you eliminate trans fats, if you don’t get enough omega-3s, you won’t be able to repair or maintain those damaged cell membranes. Shrimp is one of the best sources of omega-3.
Shrimp has the best type of omega-3
There are several different types of omega-3s.
First of all, there is a difference between omega-3s of plant origin (ALA) and omega-3s of animal origin (DHA and EPA). Humans cannot use the plant version (ALA) without first converting it and we can only convert about 10% of what we eat. The rest is wasted. Also, diabetics and older people convert at an even slower rate. Therefore, it is best to eat the animal form of omega-3 that we can use more easily.
Second, the omega-3 in shrimp and other crustaceans (a type of arthropod) is bound to a phospholipid molecule. This is exactly what is found in the membranes of humans and is easier for the body to absorb than when bound to a triglyceride molecule like the one found in fish.
Shrimp are very high in protein, very low in fat, and contain virtually no carbohydrates.
Every bite of succulent shrimp is packed with protein and almost no fat. In addition, it has practically no carbohydrates. Since diabetics need to reduce their carbohydrate intake and increase their protein intake, this makes the composition of shrimp meat perfect for diabetics.
You don’t need to worry about cholesterol
Shrimp get a very undeserved bad rap when it comes to cholesterol. Yes, it is true that shrimp meat contains cholesterol, BUT it is extremely low in saturated fat, which is what increases cholesterol in humans. In fact, eating shrimp actually raises your good cholesterol.
The shrimp taste great, what a treat!
Most diabetics have to give up or at least drastically cut back on some of their favorite foods. However, here is a food that tastes simply wonderful and is almost always considered a treat that is simply perfect for diabetics to eat. Thank you mother nature!
