Everyone knows that it’s important to eat healthy food with good nutritional content, but sometimes it can be hard to tell which ones they are. If you regularly enjoy eating crawfish, you will be pleased to know that these crustaceans provide a lot of nutrition and are a healthy option to select when you choose to go out for a meal.
The Macronutrients of Crawfish
Crawfish have very low carbohydrate content, and only trace amounts will be found in a serving. Many people find large amounts of carbohydrates cause them to bloat, so try to cut down on their intake. When you select crawfish from the menu, you won’t need to worry about the amount of carbs you’re consuming.
The major macronutrient in crawfish is protein. You’ll get around 30% of your recommended daily allowance of protein from just one serving of crawfish, which contains about 14.9 grams of protein in each portion. Protein helps your body to repair and build tissues such as muscle, and your hair and nails are mostly constructed from it, so you should always consume your recommended daily allowance. It’s important to keep your intake high as your body doesn’t store proteins, and there won’t be any to draw on if your consumption drops. Fish and meat are a high source of protein, which is why it’s such a good thing to eat crawfish when you can.
Essential B Vitamins
Everyone needs vitamin B12, which plays an important role in the functioning of the immune system and brain. You cannot produce this vitamin naturally, so it must be consumed with the food you eat. Crawfish has 30% of your recommended intake of vitamin B12 for one day, so it’s a good idea to include regular servings in your diet.
Another B vitamin significantly present in crawfish is Niacin, which is thought to generally improve a person’s health. It’s a vital vitamin used in turning food into glucose, the fuel for the body. One serving of crawfish also contains around 9% of your recommended daily allowance of folate, another B vitamin. Your body needs folate to create DNA and other genetic material, and it also aids in digestion and energy production.
The Importance of Phosphorus
Phosphorus is the most common mineral in your body, and up to 1% of your body weight consists of the substance. You need phosphorus to filter out waste and repair cells and tissues, so you should ensure you’re always ingesting enough of this mineral. One serving of crawfish contains 25% of your recommended daily allowance of phosphorus, which is a great way to keep your intake at a high level.
Crawfish are a plentiful source of important nutrients, vitamins and minerals for your body. Eat this tasty crustacean regularly to ensure you’re getting many of the things you need to live a healthy life.
Sources: How Nutritious is Crawfish, HealthyEating.SFGate.com , The Benefits of Protein, WebMD.com