Shrimp are the “small fry” that deliver a big nutritional bite. Delicious in pastas, stir-fries, salads or just on their own (and at a mere 25 calories per ounce) shrimp offers healthy amounts of protein and fat, making it a nutritious, low-calorie option for any meal. On top of it being a nutritious option, like other forms of seafood, shrimp offers a boost to brain health, serving up generous doses of vitamin B12 and Omega-3 fatty acids. Various studies show that as our brains age they need more protection, with increased fish consumption, including the Omega-3s they provide, that added brain protection is achieved. Some research has focused on one of the three types of Omega-3s — DHA, short for docosahexaenoic acid — which research chair in brain metabolism and cognition during aging at the University of Sherbrooke in Quebec, Stephen C. Cunnane, says could be part of the answer. “The brain absolutely needs DHA. I don’t think anyone can give you a truly simple, direct, clear answer to ‘What does DHA do?’ It’s present in large amounts in the brain. It’s present at the points where brain cells talk to each other, called synapses. But what it does there is not clear, and how it gets there isn’t clear,” he says. Cunnane adds that the topic is “a field of intense interest to a lot of people around the world.”

Consuming whole foods is often more health effective than supplementing a single nutrient via pill, not to mention tastier. This only adds to the reasons why shrimp and other sea foods make great meal options. Cunnane — who writes in his book Survival of the Fattest that seafood may have been a key component of human brain evolution millions of years ago — says that there could be something else in these food items that complements the nutrients or helps our bodies absorb their goodness, making them more effective than a pill. Or maybe people who regularly eat seafood make other smart health decisions too. In any case, Stephen C. Cunnane says what we eat is just one healthy piece of the jigsaw puzzle that is our brain. He insists that we must also include moderate physical activity and a healthy social network.

We at Big Wave Shrimp pride ourselves on delicious and savory plates that will keep you coming back for more! Whether you visit us for the nutritional benefits of our shrimp or for the mouthwatering treat that will feed your cravings, we look forward to seeing your beautiful faces on the north side of Oahu and don’t forget to Eat Ono, Hawaii!