Shrimp is a popular staple in seafood restaurants, next to lobster and crab.

Some species of shrimp live in estuaries, where saltwater and freshwater mix. They are often confused with prawn which is commonly found in fresh or brackish water.

The recipes for shrimp are endless but a few tasty ways to cook them include pasta and shrimp, grilled shrimp, and shrimp sauce.

Here are five of their health benefits.

Anti-ageing properties

Sunlight promotes skin ageing. Without protection, even a few minutes of exposure to sunlight and UVA may lead to wrinkles, spots, or sunburn.

Shrimp contains high levels of a certain carotenoid called astaxanthin, which is a powerful antioxidant that can greatly reduce the signs of ageing in the skin related to UVA and sunlight.

Reduces cancer risk

The seafood contains carotenoids, such as astaxanthin, which may help in reducing the risk of various types of cancer.

It also contains selenium, which is a trace mineral and has been connected to lower levels of cancer, including prostate, and lung cancer.

Eases menstrual pain

It is a source of the beneficial type of cholesterol, omega-3 fatty acids.

These will balance out the negative effects of omega-6 fatty acids and aid in the alleviation of menstrual cramps for women.

Fights hair loss

One of the minerals found in shrimp is zinc. A deficiency of zinc may cause hair loss.

Zinc plays a key role in maintaining and creating new cells, including hair and skin cells, so for those who are beginning to lose their hair.

Bone health

A deficiency in dietary proteins and vitamins can lead to the deterioration of bone quality, bone mass, strength, and overall mass, which are the main symptoms of osteoporosis.

Protein and various vitamins, such as calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium, found in shrimp can effectively aid in the fight against bone degeneration.

What you eat first thing in the morning sets the tone for your day. After a night of fasting, your body is ready for the right kind of fuel to boost your energy and get your metabolism going.

However, some foods can cause discomfort, bloating, or irritation when eaten on an empty stomach—especially acidic ones that can be tough on your stomach lining.

On the flip side, starting your day with a balanced breakfast that includes protein, healthy fats, and fibre can keep your blood sugar steady, sharpen your focus, and give you energy that lasts.

Here are eight foods you should skip on an empty stomach:

1. Citrus fruits
Citrus fruits like oranges, grapefruits, and lemons are packed with vitamin C and antioxidants, making them great for your health. But when eaten on an empty stomach, their high acidity can irritate your stomach lining. This can lead to acid reflux, bloating, or even heartburn. Plus, their tangy flavour can trigger your stomach to produce too much gastric acid, which may cause discomfort. 

2. Coffee
For many, coffee is a morning ritual. However, drinking it on an empty stomach can be harsh on your digestive system. The caffeine in coffee can ramp up stomach acid production, which may cause acid reflux, heartburn, or even gastritis if there’s nothing in your stomach to balance it out. On top of that, coffee can dehydrate you, especially if it’s the first thing you drink in the morning. 

3. Spicy foods
Spicy foods like chilli or hot sauce might be delicious, but they aren’t the best idea on an empty stomach. These fiery options can increase gastric acid production, which can lead to acid reflux and heartburn. Spices can also irritate the stomach lining, leaving it more susceptible to inflammation and discomfort. 

4. Sugary foods
Sugary treats like pastries, sugary cereals, or sweetened drinks might seem like a quick way to start your day, but they can backfire. Eating them on an empty stomach causes your blood sugar to spike rapidly, giving you a short-lived energy boost followed by a crash. This crash can leave you feeling tired and cranky. Sugary foods can also disrupt digestion, causing bloating and discomfort. 

5. Yoghurt
Yoghurt is generally considered a healthy snack, but it’s not ideal for an empty stomach. The natural acidity in yoghurt can irritate sensitive stomachs and may reduce the effectiveness of the probiotics it contains. These beneficial bacteria can struggle to survive in the highly acidic environment of an empty stomach. 

6. Fried foods
Fried foods like doughnuts, French fries, or fried chicken are heavy and take longer to digest. Eating them on an empty stomach can overwhelm your digestive system, leading to bloating, indigestion, or even nausea. Their high fat content also slows down digestion, making you feel sluggish and uncomfortable. 

7. Raw vegetables

Raw vegetables are undeniably healthy, but eating them on an empty stomach can be rough on your digestive system. Their high fibre content and certain enzymes can lead to gas and bloating. Vegetables like broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower are particularly challenging because they are harder to digest when your stomach is empty.

8. Carbonated drinks
Starting your day with soda or sparkling water isn’t the best idea. The carbon dioxide in these drinks can create gas in your stomach, leaving you feeling bloated and uncomfortable. They can also irritate your stomach lining and disrupt digestion.

Conclusion
Choosing the right foods for an empty stomach is key to starting your day on the right note. Avoiding these eight foods can help you feel more comfortable and energized. Instead, reach for options that are easy on your stomach, like oatmeal, bananas, or whole-grain toast with eggs. These choices will give you a healthy and balanced start to your day.

Zainab Abdullahi, an Abuja-based nutritionist, has advised Nigerians to add fibre rich foods in their diets in order to reduce the risk of developing life-threatening illnesses.

Abdullahi told the NAN on Tuesday that consuming foods high in fibre helps combat diseases such as high blood pressure and diabetes, among others, from deteriorating.

She explained that such foods also help to prevent constipation, control sugar level, prevent stroke as well as colon cancer.

Abdullahi described fibre as a part of plant-based foods such as whole grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts and beans that passed through the body undigested thereby living the digestive system clean and healthy.

She noted that foods rich in fibre help ease bowel movements and as well aid in flushing bad cholesterol and harmful carcinogens out of the body.

The nutritionist differentiated types of fibre as soluble and insoluble fibre.

According to her, soluble fibre dissolves in water and helps control blood sugar level as well as reduces cholesterol, while the insoluble does not dissolve in water but helps prevent constipation as well as boost the immune system.

Abdullahi also said that eating foods high in fibre helps reduce the risk of inflammation of the intestine, haemorrhoids, gallstones, kidney stones and provides relief on individual with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

According to her, research has shown that diets high in fibre could help lower the risk of developing gastroesophageal reflux disorder, ulcers and some cancers.

The expert described soluble fibre as an important element for a healthy heart and also helps improve the cholesterol level as well as lower bad cholesterol.

“Consumption of foods such as tomatoes, leafy green, carrots, flaxseed, beans, watermelon and pawpaw, among others, are high in fibre and helps fight certain diseases.

“A high fibre diet helps reduce the risk of metabolic syndrome, diabetes, stroke and high blood pressure, reduce inflammation and help shed excess weight especially around the abdomen.

“Eating high fibre diets can help prevent colorectal cancer, stomach, mouth as well as helps flush toxins out of the body.

“It also aid digestion and key in maintaining healthy weight,’’ she said.

Abdullahi, therefore, urged individuals to start adding high fibre into their diets as well as increase their water intake in order to avoid uneasiness.

She, however, recommended consumption of 21 to 38 grams of fibre per day for optimal health.