Despite being low in calories, shrimp contains many nutrients, including iodine and antioxidants, that may offer health benefits. It is one of the most commonly consumed types of shellfish, and high in cholesterol.
Shrimp is low in calories yet rich in nutrients. It provide only 84 calories in a 3-ounce serving.
Additionally, the same serving size provides more than 9 different vitamins and minerals.
Shrimp nutrition
Here’s an overview of the nutrients in a 3-ounce (85-gram) serving of shrimp:
- Calories: 84.2
- Protein: 20.4 g
- Iron: 0.433 mg
- Phosphorus: 201 mg
- Potassium: 220 mg
- Zinc: 1.39 mg
- Magnesium: 33.2 mg
- Sodium: 94.4 mg
Shrimp is also one of the best food sources of iodine, an important mineral that many people are deficient in. Iodine is required for proper thyroid function and brain health. Shrimp is also a good source of omega-3 fatty acids.
Shrimp is high in cholesterol
Shrimp often gets a bad rap for its high cholesterol content.
A 3-ounce (85-gram) serving contains 161 mg of cholesterol.
Many people fear foods that are high in cholesterol due to the belief that they increase the cholesterol in the blood, and promote heart disease.
However, research shows this may not be the case for most people, as only a quarter of the population is sensitive to dietary cholesterol. For the rest, dietary cholesterol may only have a small impact on blood cholesterol levels.
This is because most of the cholesterol in the blood is produced by the liver, and when eating foods that are high in cholesterol, the liver produces less.
Fatty acids
What’s more, shrimp contains several nutrients that may actually boost health, such as omega-3 fatty acids.
Studies suggest that, while most foods rich in cholesterol are also high in saturated fats, shrimp is an exception.
Although more research is needed to explore shrimp’s role in heart health, it has a variety of beneficial properties that may outweigh its cholesterol content.
The primary type of antioxidant in shrimp is a carotenoid called astaxanthin.
Astaxanthin is a component of algae, which is consumed by shrimp. For this reason, shrimp is a major source of astaxanthin. In fact, this antioxidant is responsible for the reddish color of shrimp cells.
When consuming astaxanthin, it may help protect against inflammation by preventing free radicals from damaging the body’s cells. It’s been studied for its role in reducing the risk of several chronic diseases.
Heart and brain health
Many studies have found that astaxanthin may help strengthen arteries, which may also reduce the risk of heart attacks. It may also help increase levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL), or “good” cholesterol, an important factor in heart health.
In addition, astaxanthin may be beneficial for brain health. Its anti-inflammatory properties may prevent damage to your brain cells that often leads to memory loss and neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s.
Despite these findings, more human research is needed to determine the overall role that the astaxanthin in shrimp may have on overall health.
It’s important to choose high quality, fresh shrimp that isn’t damaged, infected, or contaminated from Janel Stores.
When purchasing raw shrimp, make sure they’re firm. The shells should be translucent and grayish-green, pinkish tan, or light pink in color. Blackened edges or black spots on the shells may indicate quality loss.
Additionally, raw and cooked shrimp should have a mild, “ocean-like” or salty smell. Shrimp with an overwhelming “fishy” or ammonia-like odor is likely spoiled and unsafe to consume.
You should purchase shrimp from a knowledgeable and reputable supplier who can answer your questions about the shrimp’s country of origin and handling practices.
How to cook shrimp
Sign up here if you are interested in learning how to prepare and cook Shrimps.
You will ensure your cooked shrimp is firm in texture, and white with a slight red or pink tint.
Shrimp can be prepared as an appetizer or in a dish, like curries or stir-fries. It can be covered in breadcrumbs or cooked on kebab sticks.
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