Q: Are snails, crabs and prawns healthy to eat?

A: Sea food is generally healthy containing a good amount of protein and Omega 3 fatty acids which are very heart healthy. They are also rich in a lot of minerals and vitamins like Zinc, Vitamin B12, Selenium etc and they are low in calories. However, snails, crabs, prawns and shrimps are also pretty high in cholesterol and so should be taken as an occasional treat by people who have high cholesterol.

Other issues to note include:
Shrimps, prawns and crabs are best taken fresh rather than frozen. When frozen, they have a whole lot more sodium…probably from the salt used as a preservative. This could increase blood pressure.

Avoid raw, under-cooked and uncooked seafood and shellfish especially when pregnant. Make sure prawns and shrimps are a milk white colour when cooked.

Generally, when pregnant, the main concern is the amount of mercury in the fish or sea food. Large mackerel, Swordfish,Tile fish and Shark contain a large amount of Mercury that could cause defects in the baby’s developing nervous system.

So, all you sushi lovers…give it a rest when pregnant especially if it is made with and of the fishes listed above 😀

Here’s to a healthier you!