During the holidays, the increase in consumption of shrimp and prawns brings the health risks of consuming their heads back into the spotlight. A nutritionist reminds us why it is better to avoid it
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It has long been known that some apparently harmless eating habits can hide dangers for our health. Among these, there is the consumption of prawn and shrimp heads. Returning to this theme, not surprisingly during the holiday period, when the consumption of shellfish increases significantly, is the Professor Andrea Calderón, nutritionist at the European University reminding you of potential risks.
Prawns and prawns are known to be a source of minerals, vitamins and omega-3 fatty acids but, as pointed out by the expert, not all parts of these crustaceans are safe to consume. The nutritionist, interviewed by Europa Press, explained:
The shrimp and prawn heads accumulate some compounds that can be harmful since in this area heavy metals are concentrated, especially cadmium or mercury, as well as environmental toxins.
The Spanish Agency for Food Safety (AESAN) has already recommended for a long time (it was 2011) to avoid sucking the heads of prawnsprecisely because of the high concentration of cadmiuma heavy metal that could have harmful long-term health effects.
While occasional consumption does not pose a significant risk, Calderón warned that frequent habit or consumption in large quantities could cause safety limits to be exceeded, with harmful effects on organs such as the liver and kidneys, as well as compromising bone health:
This cumulative exposure could affect long-term, especially vulnerable people such as children, pregnant women and people with kidney disease – he explained.
What to do to reduce risks
Calderón suggested some measures to reduce the concentration of contaminants in shellfish. For example, boiling shrimp and prawns may release some of the heavy metals into the cooking water, while grilling may concentrate the fats and, with them, fat-soluble substances, including some contaminants.
If you decide to consume shellfish, it is essential to do so in a balanced and conscious way, respecting gastronomic tradition but always in moderation. Food must be not only pleasant, but also safe – concluded the expert.
However, let’s remember that, even behind prawns and prawns, there is a market made up of farms in which truly inhumane methods are used and which put biodiversity at risk. In this regard you can read:
