Nutrition
Lobster is a low-calorie food, rich in vitamins and minerals.
A serving of 1 cup (145 g) cooked lobster provides :
- Calories: 128
- Protein: 27 grams
- Fat: 1.2 grams
- Carbohydrates: 0 grams
- Copper: 198% of the Daily Value (DV)
- Selenium: 190% of the DV
- Zinc: 53% of the DV
- Vitamin B12: 51% of the DV
As you can see, lobster is a source of lean protein-it contains a lot of protein and minimal fat.
However, cholesterol content has nothing to do with fat content. A serving of lobster provides 70% of the DV cholesterol.
It also provides 280 mg of a combination of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).
EPA and DHA are two omega-3 fatty acids that can protect heart health by lowering blood cholesterol levels. The American Dietary Guidelines recommend an intake of approximately 250 mg of EPA and DHA per day.
Lobster is also a special source of trace elements copper and selenium.
Although copper is involved in the production of energy and DNA, selenium can act as an anticancer agent and can prevent chronic degenerative diseases.
How does it compare to other crustaceans?
Most crustaceans, including lobsters, have fairly similar nutrients.
This is a comparison of the nutritional content of 1 cup (145 grams) of lobster, shrimp, crab and crayfish.
Calories | protein | Fat | cholesterol | EPA and DHA | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
lobster | 128 | 27 grams | 1.2g | 70% of DV | 280 mg |
Shrimp | 307 | 22 grams | 16.8 g | 71% of DV | 186 mg |
Crab | 97 | 21 grams | 0.8 g | 62% of the DV | 197 mg |
crayfish | 113 | 23.3 g | 1.7 g | 38% of DV | 231 mg |
Although lobsters provide more protein per serving than other crustaceans, they are all protein-rich foods. In fact, their protein content is higher than that of finfish.
Another difference between these crustaceans is the fat content of shrimp, which is significantly higher than other crustaceans, which also explains the higher calorie content of shrimp.
However, despite the higher fat content of shrimp, the cholesterol content of shrimp and lobster is almost the same. In contrast, crayfish and crabs are low in content.
Finally, although they are rich in EPA and DHA, the content of shrimp, crayfish and crab is lower than that of lobster.
GeneralizeLobster is a lean protein food that contains a lot of omega-3 fatty acids that are good for heart health. It also contains vitamins and minerals necessary for optimal health.
Lobster's high-quality nutrients give it many health benefits.
Rich in protein
Lobster is high in protein .
It is also rich in all essential amino acids-the building blocks of protein. This means that the quality of the protein lobster provided may be equal to or better than milk, red meat or soy.
In addition, studies have shown that high-protein foods can help or promote weight loss by promoting metabolism and increasing satiety.
In fact, your body burns more calories when processing protein than when processing carbohydrates and fat.
Protein is also more effective than carbohydrates or fats in increasing satiety. It does this by reducing appetite-stimulating hormones and increasing hunger-reducing hormone levels. Therefore, eating protein may help control appetite.
May promote brain and mental health
Omega-3s and vitamin B12 play an important role in brain and mental health.
For example, DHA is an important component of brain cells and is necessary for cell membrane function. Studies have found that omega-3 deficiency may accelerate brain aging.
Studies have shown that people who consume a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids have a lower risk of stroke, depression, dementia, and Alzheimer's disease.
Similarly, research shows that low vitamin B12 levels are associated with dementia, Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. Reduce the risk of dementia by 20% and improve brain function in the elderly.
Therefore, adding lobster to your diet may be beneficial to your brain and mental health.
Can prevent heart disease
In the United States, heart disease is the leading cause of death. To help prevent this, public health initiatives recommend regular consumption of fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids.
Studies have repeatedly shown that long-chain omega-3s, such as EPA and DHA, have protective effects against heart disease. Fish and seafood species that provide large amounts of both—such as lobster—seem to be the most protective.
EPA and DHA can reduce the risk of heart disease in many ways.
Studies have shown that they may lower blood cholesterol levels and blood pressure. They can also reduce inflammation to help prevent atherosclerosis , the buildup of arterial plaque, which is a risk factor for stroke.
In order to reduce the risk of heart disease by 37%.
In a 2010 study, participants consumed up to 234 mg of EPA and DHA per day. Researchers reported that the participants with the highest intake had a 49% lower risk of heart disease. The risk of death was reduced by 62%.
May have anti-cancer effects
Omega-3s and selenium may have anticancer effects on lobster.
Studies have shown that a diet rich in EPA, DHA, and selenium may have a protective effect on a variety of cancers, including breast, colorectal, prostate, lung, stomach, liver, and ovarian cancers.
Test tube and animal studies have found that the anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer effects of omega-3 reduce the growth and spread of tumors, and lead to the death of cancer cells.
However, additional research on human subjects is required.
In addition, DHA seems to enhance the effect of cisplatin, a common chemotherapy drug, on tumor spread and death. It may also help reduce side effects caused by medications.
Studies have also shown that the antioxidant capacity of selenium may play a role in its potential anti-cancer effects. Studies have shown that selenium may promote tumor death and help prevent cancer from spreading.
Other potential benefits
Adding lobster to your diet may have some additional health benefits, thanks to the selenium it contains.
The high selenium content of lobster may be beneficial to humans and autoimmune thyroid diseases, such as Hashimoto's thyroiditis.
Selenium may also help boost immunity, because this nutrient participates in biological processes that ensure the normal cell function required for a healthy immune response.
Although research on certain nutrients in lobster seems promising, it is important to note that no research directly reflects the benefits of eating lobster.