QUEBEC (PasseportSanté.net) January 30, 2009 – The nutritional quality of northern shrimp, also called “Matane shrimp”, is said to be superior to that of shrimp imported from Asia.
Northern shrimp contain five times more omega-3s and twice as much protein as Asian shrimp, according to a comparative study conducted by nutritionist Louise Corneau, from the University’s Institute of Nutraceuticals and Functional Foods (INAF). Laval.
His study made it possible to establish, for the first time, the specific nutritional value of northern shrimp. She presented her results at the Santé-Mer conference, which took place in Quebec City recently.
“A 75 g (125 ml) serving of Nordic shrimp meets 60% of the long chain omega-3 fatty acid requirements (EPA and DHA), while the same portion of Asian shrimp (giant tiger and white-footed) meets 12% to 17% of needs, ”explains Louise Corneau.
This is what she observed by comparing Asian shrimp obtained on the market with samples taken in four northern shrimp processing plants located in Quebec.1.
Nordic shrimp: smaller, but …
Another observation that jumped to the eyes of the researcher: “The Asian shrimp appear larger, but it is full of water and sodium phosphate, so that once dry, it contains half the protein than the shrimp. Nordic, ”she adds.
In addition, northern shrimp contains a higher concentration of several nutrients than Asian shrimp. It is, among other things, an excellent source of selenium, phosphorus and vitamin B12, as well as a good source of niacin (or vitamin B3), according to Louise Corneau.
For the time being, the nutritional value established by Health Canada for this small seafood comes from samples of shrimp sold in Canada, regardless of their origin. However, the market is flooded with Asian shrimp.
The nutritional value of northern shrimp is also highlighted in a leaflet that the Quebec Association of the Fishing Industry (AQIP) and the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAPAQ) will distribute in various points of sale to promote consumption.
“When you buy northern shrimp, you win all the way,” says Louise Corneau. They’re a little more expensive, but they’re definitely nutritionally superior, in addition to tasting better. “
Martin LaSalle – PasseportSanté.net
1. The laboratory analyzes were carried out at the Rimouski Marine Biotechnology Research Center.
