You aren't a bonafide Nigerian if you do not know what crayfish is. It is very popular in the kitchen of Nigerians. Nigerians would sometimes incorporate ground crayfish as a spice into the first solid foods of their babies because of the high level of nutrients it contains. It can be added to virtually all Nigerian meals. Rice, beans, eggs, stew-just name it.
Even home away from home, the minds of Nigerians would always long for this delicious spice. The smell is tantalizing and the taste always takes your food to the next level.
Also,
the nutrients contained in crayfish make it good for everyday diets, as it contains essential nutrients needed by the body. Crayfish is usually dried and can be eaten raw without any need for further cooking
Today, I want to let you in on the very important nutrients available in the consumption of crayfish.
WHAT ARE THE HEALTH BENEFITS OF CRAYFISH?
1. CRAYFISH HELPS TO DEVELOP STRONGER BONES
Crayfish is very rich in calcium and magnesium and these are two minerals that help to make the bones stronger. It also increases bone density and prevents bone-related issues.
2. CRAYFISH HELPS IN BALANCING THE BODY FLUID
Crayfish contains sodium and potassium. Sodium, when consumed in a moderate proportion is well-known for maintaining and balancing the body’s fluid while the presence of potassium helps the blood vessels to relax and maintain normal pressure. Potassium also helps to decrease blood pressure by removing sodium. So, basically, potassium helps to balance the work of sodium.
3. IT PROMOTES HEALTHY SKIN
For healthier and better skin, eat crayfish. This is because it contains Omega-3 fatty acids, which protect the skin from harsh sunlight and ultraviolet rays. This also means it removes spots and blemishes, giving you all-around skin radiance.
4. IT CONTAINS IODINE
Seafood is rich in iodine and this plays a major role in the proper functioning of the thyroid gland. The iodine present in this seafood helps in increasing the level of energy in the body and is also of great help in maintaining the body's immune system. However, excess intake of iodine-rich foods can cause the thyroid to inflame and might even lead to cancer, while its deficiency leads to goiter, so it is safer to consume crayfish in moderation.
5. IT IMPROVES METABOLISM THEREBY HELPING WITH WEIGHT LOSS
Eating crayfish can also help improve your body’s metabolism. It contains a lot of essential nutrients as well as Omega-3 fatty acids, which would reduce the risks of diseases by helping to promote the function of the immune system. Instead of cooking with many processed seasons, which contain a lot of artificial components, cook with crayfish. You can even substitute your regular fish or meat for crayfish to help you lose weight faster. To improve your body metabolism, eat crayfish regularly.
READ 5 REASONS STEAMED FOODS ARE THE HEALTHIEST
6. IT DEVELOPS THE BRAIN
Crayfish contains omega-3 acids which help greatly in developing the functions of the brain and provide more energy to the brain. Constant intake of crayfish can help to prevent the chance of Alzheimer’s disease.
Crayfish is good seafood for growing children because it will help in developing their brains. Right from when you introduce solid foods to them, try to incorporate ground crayfish into their foods. The omega-3 acids present in seafood also aid in promoting the cognitive functions of developing kids.
7. IT IMPROVES THE HEART HEALTH
Another thing crayfish helps to do is to keep the heart very healthy. The Omega-3 fatty acids help to protect the heart against diseases like stroke and heart attack. It also helps to reduce bad cholesterol levels and improves the intake of good cholesterol, hence creating a healthy balance.
8. IT HELPS TO REGENERATE LOST CELLS
Crayfish is a good source of protein which helps greatly in body cell restoration, thereby repairing the broken cells and also building new cells; body organs work perfectly when the body cells are regenerated.
9. IT PROMOTES EYE HEALTH
The omega-3 fatty acid contained in crayfish helps in promoting eyesight by decreasing the risks of loss of vision. For those suffering from eye problems, crayfish can go a long way to reduce them. Crayfish meals, when processed with green vegetables and carrots, will give more vitamin A to the eyes.
10. IT HELPS IN PREVENTING DEPRESSION
Crayfish can aid in the prevention of depression because of the omega-3 fatty acids contained in it, which helps in boosting the mental health of the body system. Constant consumption of crayfish can therefore help in dealing with depression. People suffering from depression are usually advised to always eat enough of this seafood regularly because it will really be of great help to them in combating stress and depression.
11. IT HELPS IN TREATING INFLAMMATION
Crayfish is a portion of healthy food for the treatment of inflammatory diseases like allergies, asthma, autoimmune diseases, coeliac disease, and many others.
Due to the presence of protein and other vitamins contained in the crayfish, it really helps to treat inflammation in the body.
12. IT HELPS TO BOOST FERTILITY
Selenium which is in crayfish serves as a great help in improving the reproductive system. Crayfish is therefore a very essential food for couples because it aids in enhancing fertility- especially for women.
ROUNDING OFF....
Crayfish is one of the healthiest, most available, and widely acceptable seafood in Nigeria. As you have seen, it is naturally packed with minerals, vitamins, and other nutrients which are beneficial to health. The nutrients present in crayfish play a great role in developing the overall body system. If you can incorporate crayfish in your meals in moderation, y
ou will gain all the essential nutrients it contains.
