Shrimp are one of the best foods a diabetic can take. Here are some of the main reasons:
Shrimp have LOTS of omega-3 (omega-3 fatty acids) and this is extremely important for diabetics
Diabetics have damaged cell membranes. They’re “insulin resistant,” meaning they don’t respond normally to insulin when it signals the cell to take up glucose. Glucose cannot cross these damaged membranes at its normal rate, and so this sugar builds up in the bloodstream and wreaks havoc in your body.
In order to repair these membranes, certain things need to be eliminated from your diet, particularly trans fats, which get incorporated into your cell membranes where the healthy omega-3 fatty acids should go. This damages your cell membranes and makes them too “stiff”. Even if you eliminate trans fats, you cannot repair and maintain those damaged cell membranes if you don’t get enough omega-3 fatty acids. Shrimp are one of the best sources of omega-3.
Shrimp have the best kind of omega-3
There are different types of omega-3.
First, there is a difference between plant-based omega-3 (ALA) and animal-based omega-3 (DHA and EPA). Humans cannot use the plant-based version (ALA) without first converting it, and we can only convert about 10% of what we eat. The rest is wasted. Also, diabetics and the elderly convert at an even lower rate. Therefore, it is best to eat the animal form of omega-3, which is easier for us to utilize.
Second, in shrimp and other crustaceans (a type of arthropod) the omega-3 is attached 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 attached to triglyceride molecules like you find 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 low in fat. In addition, it contains practically no carbohydrates. Because diabetics need to lower their carbohydrate intake and increase their protein intake, the composition of shrimp meat is perfect for diabetics.
You don’t have to worry about the cholesterol thing
Shrimp have a very undeserved bad reputation for cholesterol. Yes, it is true that shrimp meat contains cholesterol, BUT it is extremely low in saturated fat, which actually increases cholesterol levels in humans. In fact, eating shrimp increases good cholesterol.
Shrimp taste great – what a treat!
Most diabetics have to give up or at least drastically reduce some of their favorite foods. However, here is a food that tastes just wonderful and is almost always considered quite a treat that is just perfect for diabetics. Thank you Mother Nature!
Thanks to Maxine Fox
