Selamat Datang, welcome~~ Hope you enjoy your visit ^^
Here, we are going to find out more about Penang Prawn Mee.
So, let’s start the journey!
In Malaysia, Prawn Mee was originated from Penang. It is named Hokkien Mee in the Penang, but outside
It is basically a spicy prawn-based soup of yellow noodles and rice noodles, garnished with sliced prawn, sliced boiled eggs, water spinach (Kangkung), bean sprouts (taugeh), fried shallot, and serve with chili paste.
To taste this delicious local dish, my partner and I had visited a food stall that selling Penang Prawn Mee nearby our area. This food stall is located at 33 KOPITIAM, the address is:
Nutritional Values of
Below is an interview we did with a nutritionist, Siau Fun, from Vitalife Sdn Bhd.
1. What are the nutritional values of the ingredients of prawn mee?
Siau Fun: Shrimp and prawn are good source of protein, yet are very low in fat and calories. They also contain high levels of vitamin B12, zinc, iodine, phosphorous, potassium, selenium and iron.
Pork is important source of iron, zinc and protein. It is also rich in B vitamins, such as B1, B6 and B12.
Egg is rich in protein and it also provides significant amounts of vitamin A, B, D and E. It also contains iron, selenium, calcium, phosphorous, potassium, riboflavin, sodium and magnesium.
Kangkung is rich in Iron, fiber, Vitamin A and C.
Bean sprout contains high fiber, Vitamin A, B, C, and E and calcium, iron and potassium.
Yellow noodle is rich in carbohydrates.
Siau Fun: Yes. Shrimps heads and prawns itself do have high cholesterol content;
however, they are low in saturated fat, which is the fat that raises cholesterol levels in the body. Recent research also has discovered that the level of cholesterol contained in food has little significance to the amount of cholesterol in one’s blood. Thus, the soup which prepare from shrimp shells and shrimp head will not contribute to high cholesterol level in one person.
3. What is the possible metabolism involved in our body after we consumed the prawn mee?
Siau Fun: After food is eaten, digestive enzymes will break proteins down into amino acids, fats into fatty acids, and carbohydrates into simple sugars (e.g., glucose). In addition to sugar, both amino acids and fatty acids can be used as energy sources by the body when needed. These compounds are absorbed into the blood, which transports them to the cells. After they enter the cells, other enzymes act to speed up or regulate the chemical reactions involved with "metabolizing" these compounds. During these processes, the energy will be released for use by the body or stored in body tissues, especially the liver, muscles, and body fat.
4. The metabolism involved can bring what physiological benefits in our body?
Siau Fun: The two metabolism processes involved are anabolism and catabolism. Anabolism supports the growth of new cells, the maintenance of body tissues, and the storage of energy for use in the future. During anabolism, small molecules are converted into larger, more complex molecules of carbohydrate, protein, and fat. Catabolism is the process that produces the energy required for all activity in the cells. In this process, cells break down large molecules (mostly carbohydrates and fats) to release energy. This energy release provides fuel for anabolism, heats the body, and enables the muscles to contract and the body to move.
5. Do u think there is any adverse effect from this food if we consume regularly?
Siau Fun: Yes. We might develop nutrient deficiency if we consume certain food regularly because no single food can provide all the nutrients that needed by our body. Besides that, certain foods e.g fatty food will contribute to adverse effects (e.g. cardiovascular disease) if we consume it regularly. Thus, we should consume variety food in moderation in order to meet our body nutrient requirement.
Does Prawns Increase Cholesterol Level In Our Body?
Prawns have virtually no saturated fat, so as long as we have them grilled, barbequed, steamed or cooked with a good unsaturated fat like olive oil they should not cause any problem in our body.
Metabolism Pathway Involved
Carbohydrate Metabolism
The yellow noodles in
Fat Metabolism
Fat obtained from the consumption of
1.Change the egg to Omega 3 eggs. Omega-3 enriched eggs are produced by changing the diet of the hens so that it contains 10-20% ground flax seed. Flax seed contains higher amounts of the Omega-3 fatty acid Alpha-Linolenic Acid or ALA.
References
2. Hardy J. K., 1998. Energy Metabolism of Glucose [Online]. Available from: <http://ull.chemistry.uakron.edu/biochem/15/> [Accesse 21 February 2009].
3. Ophardt C. E., 2003. Overview of Carbohydrate Metabolism [Online]. Available from: <http://www.elmhurst.edu/~chm/vchembook/600glycolysis.html> [Accessed 20 February 2009].
4. Paul, 2006, Healthy reader: Omega-3 egg. Available from: <http://www.healthyreader.com/2006/05/31/omega-3-eggs/ > [Accessed 20 February 2009]
5. Patel G., 2008. Metabolism [Online]. Available from: <http://www.faqs.org/nutrition/Met-Obe/Metabolism.html
Done by Lim Zhi Hui (1000715349) & Chia Chee Chuan (1000716187)
26 February 2009