Latest news with #shrimp
CBC
6 days ago
- Climate
- CBC
Rare black iceberg spotted off Labrador coast could be 100,000 years old, prof says
A rare black iceberg spotted off the coast of Labrador is making a splash on social media after a fish harvester living in Carbonear, N.L., took a photo of it while fishing for shrimp last month. Originally from the Faroe Islands, Hallur Antoniussen was working with a crew on board the Saputi factory freezer trawler off the coast of Labrador in mid-May. He'd never seen an iceberg like this one before. "I have seen icebergs that are rolled, what they say have rolled in the beach with some rocks in it. This one here is completely different. It's not only that he is all black. He is almost ... in a diamond shape," Antoniussen said in an interview with CBC Radio's Labrador Morning. He spotted the berg after going up the ship's crane when they were more than 100 kilometres offshore in the Hopedale channel, located between Nain and Hopedale. A crew member had counted 47 icebergs in the area just the day before. Antoniussen doesn't think it's a berg that tipped over — or rolled on the beach — picking up dirt and rocks after getting grounded. He's seen a lot of icebergs over his 50 years of fishing off of Greenland, and more recently off the Labrador coast since 1989. The 64-year-old said it was hard to estimate the size of the iceberg at sea but figured it was at least three times the size of a regular bungalow. He took a picture from roughly six kilometres away. "It's something you don't see very often, and a camera is not something I run around [with] when I'm working. So, I just ran to my room and took my phone and snapped this picture," he said. Antoniussen said the berg looked like a rock with lots of really dark greys and black veins in it, and quickly ruled out that a shadow was being cast on it. He took the photo to show other crew members on the fishing boat. Then Antoniussen posted it on Facebook, and it soon took off, garnering hundreds of comments after being shared around. Commenters have mused about everything from aliens to precious metals, and even dinosaurs being hidden in the ice. "It's an Oil Berg," said one poster. "Looks like a giant [woolly] mammoth!" exclaimed another. Antoniessen is clear: this is a real photo. Other people wondered if the iceberg has volcanic ash in it, a result of some ancient eruption. An impressive iceberg Lev Tarasov, a Memorial University professor of physical oceanography, doesn't rule that last theory out completely. Tarasov says there are volcanoes beneath the ice caps of Iceland, and while he's not exactly sure about volcanoes in Greenland, he added that scientists have measured hotspots in the landmass's central region. Like Antoniussen, he hasn't seen an iceberg quite like this one before. Tarasov observed smaller versions of the black iceberg during his fieldwork on the Kangerlussuaq Fjord in Greenland last summer -— just not as impressive, he said. He guesses it could be between 1,000 and 2,000 years old, but could also contain ice that's older than 100,000 years old. Tarasov said ice from all over Greenland is slowly converging toward its coastline, and when it gets there, it breaks off to form icebergs. Those icebergs can take one to three years before reaching the Newfoundland and Labrador coastline. A terrestrial journey Tarasov says it's a reminder just how dynamic ice can be. Ice streams, also known as outlet glaciers, move much faster than other parts of the ice sheet; they carry ice from the interior, traveling through deep valleys or channels out to the coast. They pick up rocks and dirt along the way. "There's parts of the ice that are actually flowing up to 20 kilometres per year, which would mean that ... the ice is moving maybe a few metres every hour," Tarasov said. The bottom of the ice grinds against the earth's crust, he explained. There's a whole lot of churning, turning all that rock and sediment into a powder that then spreads up through columns of ice. It would take a long time for that ground-up rock to spread so uniformly throughout the ice, Tarasov said. Tip of the iceberg Tarasov theorizes that the black berg was probably part of a much larger chunk of ice before it broke off into the water. "Over time, as it travels around Baffin Bay and down the coast of Labrador, it's melting away. So I think a lot of that ice is melted away. Maybe the part that's clean is underneath, right? Again, 90 per cent of the ice is underneath the water. So we're only seeing the tip of the iceberg on top," he said. Tarasov thinks the iceberg rolled over at some point, and is now showing its underbelly. He also offers another possible explanation for the iceberg's intriguing colour. There is strong evidence showing that an asteroid struck the northwest corner of Greenland some 12,000 years ago, he said. The iceberg could have some dust from that meteorite strike if it came from the area. No matter what, the ice likely isn't new: it's quite possible the dirt on the iceberg may not have seen the "light of day for hundreds of thousands of years," Tarasov said.
Yahoo
26-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Shrimp gets a bad rap when it comes to cholesterol. It can still be good for you.
When it comes to shrimp, people seem to land firmly in two camps: those who adore its sweet, delicate flavor and those who steer clear, often due to concerns about cholesterol. If you're in the latter group, I have good news for you. You may be able to enjoy some shrimp after all. So, here's the deal. Yes, shrimp contains cholesterol — about 189 milligrams per 3-ounce serving. For some perspective, that's more than half of the 300-milligram daily limit that used to be recommended for dietary cholesterol. Notice I said "used to." That's because health guidelines around dietary cholesterol have evolved quite a bit in recent years. Experts now recognize that for most people, dietary cholesterol (the cholesterol you get from foods) doesn't have as big an impact on blood cholesterol levels as once thought. The real culprits behind elevated LDL, or 'bad' cholesterol, tend to be certain saturated and trans fats, which shrimp happens to be quite low in. (It's worth noting that certain studies question whether saturated fat alone significantly contributes to cardiovascular issues, and if certain types of saturated fats affect our health differently than others.) A 3-ounce serving of shrimp contains less than 0.1 gram of saturated fat. That's so small it's almost not even worth mentioning. Translation? For the majority of people, eating shrimp in moderation won't send cholesterol levels into some sort of shellfish-fueled spiral. However, if you have specific cholesterol concerns or conditions like familial hypercholesterolemia, it's always a good idea to consult with your health care provider or a dietitian before making shrimp a regular menu item. If you enjoy shrimp, you will love this news: A serving or two of shrimp per week, around 3 to 6 ounces total, fits nicely into a heart-healthy diet. That means shrimp could easily make an appearance at your weekend barbecue or a date night dinner without raising any red flags. Try to pair it with plenty of veggies, whole grains and other nutrient-dense foods to round out your meal and keep things balanced. Just reconsider drowning your shrimp in a creamy butter sauce or frying it in vats of oil. Grilled shrimp, shrimp sautéed with olive oil and garlic, or even chilled shrimp with a zesty squeeze of lemon are all fantastic, lighter ways to enjoy this delicious seafood. Shrimp may be small, but they're packed with nutrients. They're an excellent source of lean protein: A 3-ounce serving of shrimp packs about 20 grams of protein, all with fewer than 100 calories, which is a dream for anyone looking for a low-calorie, high-protein option. Shrimp also provide essential nutrients like: Omega-3 fatty acids: These heart-healthy fats are known for reducing inflammation, supporting brain health and improving cardiovascular function. While shrimp isn't as rich in omega-3s as fatty fish like salmon, it still offers a nice amount. And since most Americans are under-consuming important omega-3s found in fish and shellfish, any little bit helps. Selenium: Shrimp also shines in the selenium department, with a 3-ounce serving covering about 48% of your daily needs. Selenium acts as a powerful antioxidant, helping to fight off oxidative stress and support healthy thyroid function. Vitamin B12: If you're looking to boost your energy levels, shrimp has you covered. It's an excellent source of vitamin B12, which plays a key role in energy production, brain health and red blood cell formation. Astaxanthin: Ever wonder where shrimp gets that pinkish hue when cooked? That's due to astaxanthin, a carotenoid with antioxidant qualities. It's been linked to reducing inflammation and promoting skin health. Shrimp can be enjoyed grilled, steamed or sautéed with a range of seasoning options to suit your taste. Incorporating shrimp into a balanced diet, alongside plenty of vegetables and whole grains, ensures you're getting a variety of nutrients. For a healthier preparation, avoid heavy breading or frying, and opt for olive oil or lemon-based sauces instead. Here are some delicious ways to enjoy shrimp when you get your next hankering: This citrus shrimp and zoodles sheet pan meal makes for a balanced, simple weeknight dinner that is packed with veggies. Shrimp burrito bowls are a delicious dish to try to kick a burrito craving while also supporting your health. Blackened shrimp and veggie taco salad is a shrimp-forward dish that is jam-packed with veggies and other nutritious ingredients. On pasta night, try creamy spinach pasta with shrimp. Want a shrimp appetizer instead of a full meal? Enjoy lime shrimp with tomato salsa. When eaten as part of an overall balanced diet, shrimp can be a heart-healthy, nutrient-packed addition to your meals. Just remember to keep portions reasonable and steer clear of preparations that pile on excessive saturated fats and calories. Of course, you should always defer to the advice of your health care provider. If your doctor or dietitian told you to avoid shrimp, lean on their guidance. Lauren Manaker is a dietitian and author.
Yahoo
26-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Shrimp gets a bad rap when it comes to cholesterol. It can still be good for you.
When it comes to shrimp, people seem to land firmly in two camps: those who adore its sweet, delicate flavor and those who steer clear, often due to concerns about cholesterol. If you're in the latter group, I have good news for you. You may be able to enjoy some shrimp after all. So, here's the deal. Yes, shrimp contains cholesterol — about 189 milligrams per 3-ounce serving. For some perspective, that's more than half of the 300-milligram daily limit that used to be recommended for dietary cholesterol. Notice I said "used to." That's because health guidelines around dietary cholesterol have evolved quite a bit in recent years. Experts now recognize that for most people, dietary cholesterol (the cholesterol you get from foods) doesn't have as big an impact on blood cholesterol levels as once thought. The real culprits behind elevated LDL, or 'bad' cholesterol, tend to be certain saturated and trans fats, which shrimp happens to be quite low in. (It's worth noting that certain studies question whether saturated fat alone significantly contributes to cardiovascular issues, and if certain types of saturated fats affect our health differently than others.) A 3-ounce serving of shrimp contains less than 0.1 gram of saturated fat. That's so small it's almost not even worth mentioning. Translation? For the majority of people, eating shrimp in moderation won't send cholesterol levels into some sort of shellfish-fueled spiral. However, if you have specific cholesterol concerns or conditions like familial hypercholesterolemia, it's always a good idea to consult with your health care provider or a dietitian before making shrimp a regular menu item. If you enjoy shrimp, you will love this news: A serving or two of shrimp per week, around 3 to 6 ounces total, fits nicely into a heart-healthy diet. That means shrimp could easily make an appearance at your weekend barbecue or a date night dinner without raising any red flags. Try to pair it with plenty of veggies, whole grains and other nutrient-dense foods to round out your meal and keep things balanced. Just reconsider drowning your shrimp in a creamy butter sauce or frying it in vats of oil. Grilled shrimp, shrimp sautéed with olive oil and garlic, or even chilled shrimp with a zesty squeeze of lemon are all fantastic, lighter ways to enjoy this delicious seafood. Shrimp may be small, but they're packed with nutrients. They're an excellent source of lean protein: A 3-ounce serving of shrimp packs about 20 grams of protein, all with fewer than 100 calories, which is a dream for anyone looking for a low-calorie, high-protein option. Shrimp also provide essential nutrients like: Omega-3 fatty acids: These heart-healthy fats are known for reducing inflammation, supporting brain health and improving cardiovascular function. While shrimp isn't as rich in omega-3s as fatty fish like salmon, it still offers a nice amount. And since most Americans are under-consuming important omega-3s found in fish and shellfish, any little bit helps. Selenium: Shrimp also shines in the selenium department, with a 3-ounce serving covering about 48% of your daily needs. Selenium acts as a powerful antioxidant, helping to fight off oxidative stress and support healthy thyroid function. Vitamin B12: If you're looking to boost your energy levels, shrimp has you covered. It's an excellent source of vitamin B12, which plays a key role in energy production, brain health and red blood cell formation. Astaxanthin: Ever wonder where shrimp gets that pinkish hue when cooked? That's due to astaxanthin, a carotenoid with antioxidant qualities. It's been linked to reducing inflammation and promoting skin health. Shrimp can be enjoyed grilled, steamed or sautéed with a range of seasoning options to suit your taste. Incorporating shrimp into a balanced diet, alongside plenty of vegetables and whole grains, ensures you're getting a variety of nutrients. For a healthier preparation, avoid heavy breading or frying, and opt for olive oil or lemon-based sauces instead. Here are some delicious ways to enjoy shrimp when you get your next hankering: This citrus shrimp and zoodles sheet pan meal makes for a balanced, simple weeknight dinner that is packed with veggies. Shrimp burrito bowls are a delicious dish to try to kick a burrito craving while also supporting your health. Blackened shrimp and veggie taco salad is a shrimp-forward dish that is jam-packed with veggies and other nutritious ingredients. On pasta night, try creamy spinach pasta with shrimp. Want a shrimp appetizer instead of a full meal? Enjoy lime shrimp with tomato salsa. When eaten as part of an overall balanced diet, shrimp can be a heart-healthy, nutrient-packed addition to your meals. Just remember to keep portions reasonable and steer clear of preparations that pile on excessive saturated fats and calories. Of course, you should always defer to the advice of your health care provider. If your doctor or dietitian told you to avoid shrimp, lean on their guidance. Lauren Manaker is a dietitian and author.
