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Calories in Prawns

Ujwal Deshmukh
Apart from being delicious, which is an understatement, prawns are also a healthy form of food. In this Story, you will learn about prawns calories, its nutritional information, and also the various health benefits it provides.
You have a lot of options when it comes to cooking prawns; they can be boiled, baked, deep-fried, grilled, steamed, sautéed, barbecued, etc. Enjoy their health benefits by having them raw, cooked, peeled; simply in any type of your choice.
Many people have now realized the importance of a healthy lifestyle, and are looking for healthier food options that would lower their calorie intake, and also prove beneficial in many other ways. Your interest in this article shows that you also are one of them, and are interested in knowing the calories in prawns and health benefits of the same.

Prawn Calories

Prawns are listed among one of the healthiest foods as they contain high amounts of proteins. At the same time, they also contain other essential minerals like zinc, potassium, selenium, etc. However, many people are curious to know about the calorie content in prawns.
Type - Quantity  - Calories
  • Uncooked Prawns - 100 gms - 120 cals
  • Peeled and Cooked Prawns - 100 gms - 72 cals
  • Shelled and Raw Prawns - 1 cup - 167 cals
  • Cooked Prawns - 1 ounce - 40 cals
  • Steamed/Boiled Prawns - 100 grams - 98 cals
  • Fried Prawns - 100 grams - 242 cals
  • Shelled Prawns - 1 small - 17 cals
  • Shelled Prawns - 1 medium - 32 cals
  • Shelled Prawns - 1 large - 49 cals
  • Shelled Prawns - 1 extra-large - 72 cals
  • Shelled Prawns - 1 jumbo - 86 cals
From the point of view of the nutrition facts of prawns, it is said to be rich in proteins, various vitamins and minerals. The following is nutritional value for every 100 grams of prawns. The fat content in prawns is about 1.75 grams; and the protein content is about 20 - 24 grams.
It is also rich in minerals. Some of the mineral contents present in 100 grams of prawns have been listed below.
  • Iron: 2.40 mg
  • Sodium: 148 - 150 mg
  • Potassium: 185 - 186 mg
  • Zinc: 1.11 - 1.12 mg
  • Calcium: 52 mg
Prawns are also good sources of vitamin C, and contain 2 - 3 mg of the same in 100 grams quantity. Apart from this, the carbohydrate content in prawns is around 0.90 - 0.91 gram, and selenium content is about 38 - 39 micrograms. They are very low in sugar content (sugar is almost absent in prawns).
Health Benefits of Prawns
  • Prawns are a fairly good source of protein, which helps in the proper growth and development of the body.
  • Prawns are also a rich source of selenium. Selenium is believed to prevent the growth of cancer cells in the body, thereby protecting the person from life-threatening diseases such as cancer.
  • The omega 3 content in prawns has been associated with the prevention, and also in reduction of Alzheimer's disease and dementia.
  • Today, cardiovascular health is one of the biggest health concerns. However, the high content of vitamin B12 and low cholesterol content in prawns, helps in protecting the walls of the blood vessels, and therefore contributes to the betterment of the cardiovascular health of the person.
  • Moreover, the presence of minerals such as calcium, makes prawns beneficial for maintaining healthy teeth and bones.
Calorie content in prawns is low as compared to the calories in meat and beef. Also, the other nutritional contents in prawns make it a tastier and healthier option over many other foodstuffs. Prawns might form a small part of your diet, but it brings in a lot of health benefits with it.