How Can This Ayurvedic Food Make You Feel Great?

AYURVEDIC ANALYSIS

Rich, dense and satisfying in nature, the celebratory shrimp is a fun favorite at parties. The little crustaceans are popcorn sized for easy consumption, making an elegant hors d'oeuvres for any festive occasion.

Some of the ways we commonly enjoy shrimp is alongside a spicy horseradish cocktail sauce, in a savory white wine butter sauce or with more tropical flavors like cilantro and lime. These tiny morsels spark feelings of satisfaction and, for many, nostalgia because they so often appear at special occasions. Is it any surprise that we have such a love for shrimp?

John Immel, founder of Joyful Belly, recalls, "As a boy I used to go to "Beefsteak Charlie's" on Wednesday nights at the mall, which was kids-eat-free night. They had an all you could eat salad bar with shrimp. I used to eat 3-4 platefulls of shrimp with my dad. It is a fond memory I'll never forget. The average American consumes over 4lbs of these tiny ocean-dwellers every year, making it America's most popular fish.

Footnote: The information for this article was in part gathered from a 2019 study and survey of 22 students of Ayurveda who experimented with shrimp. During the study, students ate shrimp for 3 days and journaled the pharmacological effects. This study was sponsored by the Joyful Belly School of Ayurveda, and specifically the Mastering Ayurvedic Digestion & Nutrition certification course.

Sweet but Easy to Digest

Shrimp is sweet tasting/ One student said, "scallop and shrimp are like dessert, a little goes a long way."
They are also heavy in nature, making it a grounding, satisfying food that nourishes the body (a quality called ojas-building in Ayurveda). Another student reported, ""I like the rich flavor of the hot and gooey substance inside the head and I always suck on it feeling a fountain of nourishment."" These qualities make shrimp ideal for a person trying to rebuild their strength.

Many students reported that the shrimp was dense and some even said "fibrous". One student described shrimp as "chewy and squeaky", like biting into a "warm piece of rubber". Another said it had the consistency of organ meat, but without the fat.

Despite the richness of shrimp, it is easily digested by the body so you'll likely still feel light and energetic after eating it. Maybe that's why some people can eat plate after plate of shrimp in one sitting!

Warm, Energizing

Shrimp is known to help circulation of blood, which naturally warms the body. The heat of shrimp is slow, like warming a hearth. Their warmth radiates through the body. Some of our students saw these qualities in action, with one student extolling the pleasant effects of a "gentle increase in blood flow, with my blood moving more freely." Another said, "my chest felt comfortably warm." A third exclaimed, "I felt warmed up with a slight pulse going in my ears." Shrimp's saltiness can also increase heat in the body.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, prawns and shrimp are known for their ability to tonify qi and yang, as well as regulating blood circulation, eliminating cold and resolving phlegm. Shrimp's heat can be too warming for those of pitta dosha. Find your dosha here.

Brain Food

Shrimp is brain food. It nourishes the nervous system (majja vaha srotas) with its rich, oily, sweet qualities. It is rich in Omega 3 fatty acids and the antioxidant astaxanthin, which nourish healthy brain function. The Omega 3 fatty acids and other nutrients in shrimp feed an overstimulated, depleted Vata or Pitta brain, while its relaxing qualities improve Vata's focus.

Energizing

Shrimp builds energy and warmth while nourishing instead of depleting you. This is in contrast to foods like coffee, which only activate energy but deplete your body in the end because they do not provide the underlying fuel.

After experimenting with shrimp, some students are considering swapping it for their morning coffee! They reported, "I felt energized which naturally improved my mood and focus tremendously. It had way better effects than coffee! Shrimp has enough fire to activate, but is earthy and grounding. I felt calm and alert - my eyes feel clearer and my mood is stable and focused. I feel really good, at my optimal performance."

Another said, "Shrimp could be my jam in the morning. It kept me really satisfied and kept my blood sugar stable long into the day. I had excellent energy throughout the day." Maybe energizing satisfaction is why shrimp and grits are a new Southern breakfast favorite? What do you think, would you trade your cup of Joe for a plate of shrimp?

For one student, the energizing effects were too much, "I had vivid dreams while eating shrimp, so perhaps it is a little stimulating (rajasic in nature) for me."

Relaxing

Paradoxically, shrimp are both energizing and relaxing. One student reported, "A sense of calm and pleasure came over me and my upper body muscles relaxed," reported one student. Another said, "I feel happy & content, relaxed and slightly sleepy."

For another student the soporific effects were too much, "I feel drowsy as my brain sucks in the Omega 3 fatty acids, B12 & E and cholesterol. I could not eat this every day - I would never get anything accomplished!" Another said, "My mind felt dull like I was in a fog and I felt heavy. I feel extremely heavy and tired." Still another reported, "After eating shrimps, my head felt dull like I had woken up from a nap."

Salty & Moistening Properties of Ocean Seafood

According to Chinese medicine, foods from the ocean support healthy Kidney function. This means that the salty qualities help dry Vata types hold onto moisture. Vata's dry & cold qualities are naturally pacified by the salty, wet, and heavy qualities of ocean based seafood.

"Every year in the fall I buy a few canned oysters to reduce my Vata," testifies Joyful Belly founder John Immel, "The richness of all mollusks and crustaceans, culminating in Oysters, are ideal for Vata. They induce the kind of sleepiness and saltiness that is perfect for the scattered fall mind."

One student said, "When I see shrimp my mouth starts to salivate. Maybe it's the salt factor that makes them highly addictive for me."

High Cholesterol but Low in Calories

Shrimp are low in calories but high in protein. They also contain good levels of iron, magnesium, zinc and vitamin B12. From a nutritional standpoint, they are relatively balancing for all three doshas. However, the relaxing and warming effects make it ideal for Vata dosha

Of shrimp's oiliness, one student said, "My body felt moisturized and well lubricated like a well oiled machine". Another described shrimp as having a "greasy feel, a slight oily presence that coated my tongue."

Shrimp has been shunned by some because it is high in cholesterol. New research debunks the myth blackballing high cholesterol foods. Only 25% of the population is sensitive to dietary cholesterol. For the other 75%, a high cholesterol diet has little effect on blood cholesterol levels. Cholesterol is produced in the liver. High cholesterol foods can actually reduce the need for the liver to produce cholesterol.

One study found that shrimp boosts HDL cholesterol (good cholesterol) by 12% and reduced triglycerides by 13% - both good for heart health. It is very high in selenium, good for heart health. Shrimp is also very high in iodine which is good for thyroid health, and therefore metabolic health as well.

Antioxidants, Red Shrimp & Pink Flamingos

Shrimp are pink due to the antioxidant "Astaxanthin" found in algae. This antioxidant has been linked to reduced inflammation, healthier skin, easing joint pain, overall heart health and endurance levels.
Did you know that flamingos are pink because they eat shrimp? The Astaxanthin in shrimp acts as a red dye, giving the feathers of the flamingo their festive color!

Elimination

Overall shrimp had a great effect on students' bowels. One student says, "I had been having dry stools all week, that took a long time to come out but after eating the shrimp I had the nicest bowel movement!"

One student said her urine was more oily, frothy and cloudy. Another said her urine had a stronger smell.

Contraindications

While shrimp are a nutrient-dense, easy to digest food, there are some factors to take into account before loading your plate! Shrimp are bottom feeders so may be higher in toxins and heavy metals. They should be avoided by people with gout.

Shrimp is on the list of the top 8 most common allergens, along with fish, peanuts, tree nuts, wheat, milk and soy. After eating shrimp, one student noted, "The first night after eating shrimps, I got sick and I had very soft greenish stools the day after. The second day though, my stools were hard to pass and even made my anus bleed."

Some Pitta individuals may find shrimp too heating. They should limit or avoid these little crustaceans. Due to shrimp's heaviness, some Kapha's experience brain fog and dullness after eating them.

Summary

Shrimp pack a mighty nutritional punch for such tiny morsels! Ayurvedically, shrimp are warm, nourishing and energizing. They build the blood and feed the brain.

Oysters, mussels, clams, and prawns are just some of the crustaceans and mollusks that are heavy hitting Vata pacifying foods. Shrimp is nourishing and warm, making it an ideal food for Vata. Additionally, its saltiness moistens Vata dryness. This makes them a particularly good choice in Fall, the vata time of the year.

Shrimp's low calorie content should appeal to Kapha. However some of shrimp's relaxing qualities may be too dull for a Kapha mind. When preparing shrimp for a Kapha-dominant individual, we might look to pair them with fresh, sharp ingredients like citrus and cilantro.

BUYING & PREPARATION

Shrimp spoils quickly. Cook raw shrimp the same day you buy it.

Raw shrimp should be firm, not mushy. They should have a translucent shell without black spots or black edges. Their color should be grayish green, tannish pink or light pink. Avoid purchasing shrimp with an ammonia or strong fishy smell. The shrimp should have the mild smell of ocean only. Cooked shrimp should be firm in texture, red or pink tint.

Check the supplier. Do not purchase shrimp from a farm raised overseas with antibiotics.

COOKING SHRIMP

Browse Recipes These greens can help offset the fatty quality of shrimps: Spinach, Arugula, & Asparagus. Garlic, red chili pepper, lemongrass & ginger are spices that can help make shrimp more digestible. For a tasty salad, try a Shrimp, Cucumber, & Cilantro salad sprinkled with lime. Or, put them on a skewer and bbq them. Shrimp sauteed in garlic & ghee accentuates the oily of the shrimp.

Shrimp tastes best when cooked in the shell, because they pick up a lot of flavor from the shell. The "vein" in a shrimp is not truly a vein, but rather its digestive tract. Unless you want to eat shrimp poop, we recommend deveining the shrimp before consumption.

WHY EAT AN AYURVEDIC DIET?

Eating Ayurvedically makes you feel nourished and energized. An Ayurvedic diet is tailored to your individual body type and the specific imbalances you are working with at any given time. Ayurveda shows you your specific body type’s needs and what should be favored in your Ayurvedic menu. Watch as you eat less but feel more satisfied because what you are eating truly nourishes you. Since Ayurveda believes all disease begins in the digestive tract, food is your first medicine. By eating a healthy diet that’s ideal for your body, you experience optimal health.

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Is Shrimp Good for My Ayurvedic Diet?

Find out by taking this free, easy quiz. You'll learn your body type, and whether Shrimp is a good fit for you. Time to complete: approximately 1 minute.

AYURVEDIC MEDICINAL BIOCHARACTERISTICS

What is the biocharacteristic theory of medicine?

INCREASES Increases These Biocharacteristics (Gunas) Functional Ayurveda helps you assess imbalances through 20 main biocharacteristics (gunas). Aggravating these characteristics weakens your body and causes imbalance. By knowing which characteristics are habitually imbalanced in your body, you will be able to identify and correct imbalances before you get sick. Every characteristic has an opposite which balances it (i.e. hot balances cold). You restore balance by favoring diet and lifestyle choices that increase the opposite characteristic. Learn More	GOOEY ABOUT GOOEY BIOCHARACTERISTIC Gooey is identified by anything gelatinous (such as oatmeal), or by mucus congestion. LEARN MORE ABOUT GOOEY HEAVY ABOUT HEAVY BIOCHARACTERISTIC Heavy is identified by sedation, sluggishness, or increased weight. LEARN MORE ABOUT HEAVY OILY ABOUT OILY BIOCHARACTERISTIC Oily refers to anything fatty, or that increases fat. LEARN MORE ABOUT OILY HOT ABOUT HOT BIOCHARACTERISTIC Hot is identified by increased body temperature, metabolism, or inflammation. LEARN MORE ABOUT HOT
TASTES The 6 Tastes Taste is used to sense the most basic properties and effects of food. Each taste has a specific medicinal effect on your body. Cravings for food with certain tastes indicate your body is craving specific medicinal results from food. Taste is experienced on the tongue and represents your body's reaction to foods. Sweet taste causes physical satisfaction and attraction whereas bitter taste causes discomfort and aversion. Kapha should use less sweet taste while Vata and Pitta would benefit from using more sweet taste. One of the first signs of illness is that your taste and appetite for food changes. The six tastes are sweet, sour, salty, pungent, bitter, and astringent. Do you crave foods with any of the tastes below? Learn More	SALTY ABOUT SALTY BIOCHARACTERISTIC Salty refers to anything with salt, or high mineral content. LEARN MORE ABOUT SALTY SWEET ABOUT SWEET BIOCHARACTERISTIC Sweet refers to anything builds tissue, including macronutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins and fats. LEARN MORE ABOUT SWEET
DOSHAS The Three Doshas / Body Types According to the biocharacteristic theory of medicine, people tend to get sick, over and over again, due to habitual causes and imbalances that are unique to the person. Your body type summarizes this tendency, showing you the 'type' of conditions and imbalances that frequently challenge your health & wellness. Using body type, you can also identify remedies likely to improve your strength and resiliency. Your body type identifies physical and mental characteristics as well as your personal strengths and weaknesses. The calculation of your body type is based on your medical history. The 3 functional body types (doshas), are Catabolic (Vata), Metabolic (Pitta), and Anabolic (Kapha). Catabolic individuals tend to break down body mass into energy. Metabolic individuals tend to burn or use energy. Anabolic individuals tend to store energy as body mass. Catabolic people tend to be easily stimulated, hyperactive, underweight and dry. Metabolic people tend to be rosy-cheeked, easily irritated, focused, driven, and easily inflamed. Anabolic people are heavy, stable and grounded, but if they store too much energy, they could gain weight easily and have congestion. Learn More	PACIFIES AGGRAVATES
HAS THE FOLLOWING	EFFECT: Ojas OJAS Ojas is the essence of healthy tissue, immunity, stable energy and happiness. Substances that improve ojas are recommended after long-term illness, debility, emotional and physical trauma, and even sadness. LEARN MORE ABOUT OJAS , Rajasic RAJASIC Rajasic foods stimulate desire or nervous energy. Red meat, high protein food, garlic and onions stimulate desire. Rajasic foods include chili peppers, coffee, and anything that stimulates movement. LEARN MORE ABOUT RAJASIC TYPE: Meats CONTAINS: Allergens, Non Veg NON-VEG Shorthand for non-vegetarian referring to recipes or people who eat a diet that includes meat. Typical demarcation on the outside of a restaurant in India! LEARN MORE ABOUT NON-VEG , Shellfish ELEMENT: Earth EARTH Resembles earth (prithvi) in quality - heavy, dense, solid, stable, hard. LEARN MORE ABOUT EARTH , Fire FIRE Resembles fire (tejas) in quality - hot, sharp, penetrating, light, dry. LEARN MORE ABOUT FIRE , Water WATER Resembles water (ap) in quality - fluid, sticky, soft, heavy, stable, cool. LEARN MORE ABOUT WATER NUTRIENT: Antioxidant, Fats, Iron, Magnesium, Omega 3 Fatty Acids, Phosphorous, Selenium, Vitamin B12, Vitamin E, Zinc, Protein COLOR: Red, White NOURISHES: Fat FAT Fat tissue (Meda Dhatu) includes adipose tissue and sebum (skin oil). LEARN MORE ABOUT FAT MOVES ENERGY: Downward DOWNWARD Downward-moving (Adho Gati Marga) substances move food downward in the GI tract, settle the nervous system, and relax muscles. LEARN MORE ABOUT DOWNWARD

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES

Experiences are Personal

Experiences vary according to the person and constitution. Individual results may vary. The list of actions below has not be approved by the FDA and should not be used to treat a medical condition.

Digestion:

Warms abdomen

WARMS-ABDOMEN

Warms the muscles and organs of the abdomen, stimulating digestion and metabolism.

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Energy Vitality Strength:

Builds stamina

BUILDS-STAMINA

Promotes strength, endurance and resistance in the body. Rebuilds weak tissues after a time of depletion.

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,

Satisfies stomach

SATISFIES-STOMACH

Provides a sense of gratification and fullness in the stomach.

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Nutritive

NUTRITIVE

An herb that is strengthening and nourishing.

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Kidney & Urinary:

Kidney Tonic

KIDNEY-TONIC

An herb that strengthens the kidneys.

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Mind, Stress & Sleep:

Grounding

GROUNDING

Encourages feelings of stability and heaviness. Makes you feel settled, mentally relaxed. Mildly sedates the nervous system to ease stress. Can bring a spacey or anxious person back to earth.

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Relaxes mind

RELAXES-MIND

Reduces mental agitation, irritation, stress and racing thoughts.

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Find Your Symptom:

Warms ears

WARMS-EARS

Stimulates peripheral circulation to warm extremities, including the ears.

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Muscle-Health:

Muscle relaxant

MUSCLE-RELAXANT

Herbs that relax muscles. Helpful for chronic pain or tension as well as healing from physical trauma.

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