Although there are many health benefits of eating crawfish, for many in Houston it has become part of tradition that is incorporated at holidays, special occasions, game weekends, and anytime gatherings of family and friends. Still, in a world where so many of the foods Americans enjoy are processed and fried, it is refreshing to know that having boiled crawfish could actually be good for you.
The Nutritional Profile of Crawfish
Seafood in general is a fantastic source of lean protein that can be better for you when it is not fried. Here are some of the health benefits of enjoying boiled crawfish:
- High Protein. It is estimated that a single serving or crawfish contains fourteen grams of protein, which makes for one deliciously satiating meal.
- Low Fat. Fortunately, crawfish are low in unhealthy fats with just a trace of saturated fats. This is particularly good for those hoping to decrease fat intake in their diets.
- Low Calorie. A single serving of crawfish contains roughly seventy-five calories and no carbohydrates, making it a favorite for those on Keto or low carb diets.
- High in Vitamins and Minerals. Crawfish are also good sources of vitamin B, riboflavin, and thiamin, as well as minerals such as zinc, iron, magnesium, calcium, and phosphorous.
As impressive as these advantages are for consumers, they are not the only health benefits of eating crawfish.
Health Benefits of Eating Crawfish
Houstonians who love eating crawfish can take heart in knowing that there may be additional health benefits of eating crawfish beyond those listed above.
For example, some research shows that the consumption of seafood like boiled crawfish by some individuals can decrease the risk of obesity, hypertension, stroke, and heart attack. This is believed primarily to be due to the fact that crawfish and other types of seafood are high in omega-3 fatty acids and low in saturated fat.
The vitamins and nutrients in crawfish do more than just help you meet your nutritional goals. The high calcium content in crawfish may also contribute to building stronger bones in the body as well as assisting with increasing bone density. The Omega-3 fatty acids may be effective in helping protect the skin from the sun and giving the skin a healthy glow, while also helping to develop various functions and energy in the brain.
With crawfish being a natural food, it has the capacity to offer more health benefits to consumers than their more processed counterparts.
Pro-Tips for Keeping It Healthy at a Crawfish Boil
While the health benefits of eating crawfish that are boiled is a fantastic start, crawfish are seldom the only item present at a seafood boil. They come with sides that can be delicious, fried and heavy in salt. For that reason, here are four steps to keeping it healthy at the next crawfish boil you attend:
- Choose to eat the healthiest side options available at the crawfish boil. This may be corn on the cob, a side salad, or even coleslaw. No matter what the sides are, you can always make a choice to consume the healthiest option on the table or skip the sides altogether and enjoy more crawfish.
- Use a small dinner plate to control portion size. The bigger the plates we have, the more we feel the need to fill them. By using a smaller plate, it may be possible to enjoy all of our favorite foods, but on a much smaller scale.
- Avoid alcohol consumption. While alcohol is commonly featured at seafood boils, try to limit yourself to one or maybe two alcoholic drinks (if you are of age and it is safe for you to drink) and be sure to follow it up with some water.
- Drink plenty of water before, during and after the boil. Drinking water helps flush out high sodium levels that can be hard on the body.
Healthier Options for Your Next Crawfish Boil
While there are many seafood restaurants across Houston that will offer delicious, mouthwatering boiled crawfish on site, it is important to find one that also offers takeout services. This is an incredible convenience for those who want to enjoy the atmosphere and fixings of a crawfish boil without all the work in the kitchen.
If you are trying to eat healthier at the crawfish boil, the first step is to avoid consuming fried foods. This means skipping the French fries, sweet potato fries, hush puppies, and boudin balls. However, some potentially healthier sides Houstonians can choose from may be coleslaw, a house salad, corn on the cob, red potatoes, rice, or toast. If you are watching your sodium intake, it may be a good idea to skip on any flavorful dips that come with the entrée or sides.
The health benefits of eating crawfish will be great news for many Houstonians. What could be better than eating food that can be good for you? Whether you are taking the family out or getting ready to have a party at home, consider ordering crawfish from 7Spice Cajun Seafood for your next seafood boil.