Do you know Prawns can help you lose weight!

Prawns come only from freshwater and are larger and meatier than the commonly available shrimp. Because of their tons of nutritional benefits, prawns are a hit among health experts. They are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which keep your heart healthy. They make for a great snack, and even serve as a wonderful option for mains when teamed with boiled or stir-fried vegetables. Prawns are low in calories and high in protein, which makes them a good addition to any weight-loss plan. Read below to know more about it:

Loaded with protein, vitamin D, vitamin B3, and zinc, prawns are an excellent carbohydrate-free food for those who are trying to lose weight. The high levels of zinc are also beneficial since zinc is one way to increase the levels of circulating leptin in the body. Leptin is a hormone that plays a key role in regulating the body's fat storage, appetite, and energy expenditure in the body. Insufficient leptin levels are the primary cause of food cravings and overeating. It also has high levels of iodine, which helps in controlling the basal metabolic rate(the rate at which the body consumes energy at rest). Iodine deficiency can result in sluggish thyroid activity which in turn can lead to weight gain.

Prawns contain vitamins and minerals like calcium, phosphorous, potassium, vitamin A, vitamin E, etc. They are packed with significant amounts of vitamin B12, B6 and niacin. They are also a rich source of iron that helps in boosting the production of red blood cells.

Prawns are the most recommended food amongst nutritionists because of their ability to provide approximately the same amount of protein as a similar amount of chicken or beef while adding lesser number of calories. Prawns contain nearly 12 grams of protein per 2-ounce serving. A diet high in protein helps with weight loss and weight management. Protein increases the amount of energy in your body and takes very long to digest, thus burning more calories and making you feeling fuller for long. By keeping you satiated, it increases levels of hormones that reduce appetite like GLP-1, PYY and CCK, while also lowering the levels of hunger hormone ghrelin. Thus, curbing your hunger and aid in weight loss.

Being a lean source of protein, prawns are low in fat with only 0.5 grams of fat per 2-ounce serving. Prawns are a rich source of unsaturated fats, which can improve your overall health. If you are trying to lose weight, prawns are the perfect low-fat food choice.

Prawns are very low in calories. 100 grams of prawns contain only about 115 calories. Team them up with other low-calorie vegetables and you are good-to-go!

Prawns are also an extremely rich source of omega-3 fatty acids. If consumed regularly these fatty acids can help reduce inflammation and reduce body fat.

Low fat cooking methods, such as steaming, broiling, poaching or grilling are used to preserve the nutrient value of prawns. Prawns are usually cooked quickly, so high heat cooking methods like broiling and grilling are used which makes them even more healthier. The tender texture of prawns is preserved when steamed or broiled.