A Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Explains
Shrimp is a throw in of shellfish typically found in oceans.
Some shrimp species are also found in freshwater lakes, streams, and rivers.
Shrimp are a major source of seafood worldwide.
Evgeniia Rusinova / Getty Images
They are touted for their nutritional value, but concerns about their cholesterol content exist.
Evgeniia Rusinova / Getty Images
What Is Shrimp?
They are related to crabs, lobsters, and other shellfish.
In the culinary world, shrimp are incredibly versatile due to their mild flavor and firm texture.
They’re often found in Mediterranean, Caribbean, and Asian dishes.
Wild shrimp can be found in oceans and freshwater bodies worldwide.
Shrimp are also commonly farmed in many countries, including the United States.
you might recognize shrimp by their small but long bodies and translucent appearance.
Typically, shrimp are pink, gray, red, or brown.
There are over 2,000 known species of shrimp.
Nutrition
Like many other types of seafood, shrimp is nutrient-dense.
Specifically, shrimp are a source ofmacronutrients, vitamins, minerals, and bioactive substances, like antioxidants.
As an antioxidant, astaxanthin is thought to be a potent free radical scavenger.
In fact, astaxanthin’s antioxidant potential is said to be ten times greater than othercarotenoids.
Importantly, shrimp containsomega-3 fatty acidsand iodine, two nutrients that are not widespread in foods.
Iodineis a mineral essential to normal thyroid function.
Glucosamineis an aminomonosaccharidefound in shrimp and other crustaceans.
It is a popular dietary supplement due to its role in cartilage repair.
Is Shrimp Good for You?
Shrimp is low in calories and high in nutrition, making it a health-conscious choice for most people.
Possible shrimp benefits range from heart health to inflammation management.
Studies have linked omega-3s as well as astaxanthin to health benefits.
While omega-3 fatty acids are known to be heart-healthy, astaxanthin is afree radicalscavenger.
One lab study examined the effects of omega-3 fatty acids and astaxanthin in shrimp.
Observational studies have shown a correlation between seafood intake and better health outcomes, especially regarding heart health.
This is thought to be partly due to the omega-3s found in many types of seafood, including shrimp.
However, some research results have been conflicting.
Is the Cholesterol Content a Concern?
Many people wonder about the health effects ofshrimp’s cholesterol content.
There are 161 mg of cholesterol in a typical three-ounce serving of shrimp.
However, this recommendation has since been revoked since the updated 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans.
It’s worth noting that some people may be more sensitive to dietary cholesterol than others.
Astaxanthinis a carotenoid that gives shrimp and other seafood its red color.
Studies show that compared to other types of carotenoids, includingbeta-carotene, astaxanthin has 100-500 times more antioxidant activity.
Other research has focused on astaxanthin for ocular diseases.
Also, studies have looked at astaxanthin in general rather than astaxanthin extracted from shrimp specifically.
Is Wild Caught or Farmed Shrimp Better for Me?
You’re typically given two options when shopping for shrimp: wild-caught or farmed.
While both options are nutrient-rich shrimp, there are distinct differences worth considering.
Wild-caught shrimp has been sourced straight from oceans and freshwater sources.
Therefore, it’s recommended that you purchase farmed shrimp sourced in the U.S.
It’s also a good idea to look for wild-caught shrimp, which is never treated with antibiotics.
Who Should Avoid Shrimp?
Some people may need to limit how much shrimp they eat or avoid it altogether.
A shellfish allergy is one of the mostcommon food allergiesin the world.
You should avoid shrimp if you have a shellfish allergy.
You must seek immediate attention if you have a severe allergic reaction known asanaphylaxis.
Symptoms include itching, hives, swelling, trouble breathing, and shortness of breath.
Shrimp is not thought to interact with any medications.
Before you cook shrimp, though, you’ll need to know what to look for while shopping.
it’s possible for you to find numerous shrimp recipes online using these and other cooking methods.
Boiling shrimp may be one of the quickest ways to get a meal on the table.
However, many people wonder how long it takes to boil shrimp.
Other cooking methods may take a bit longer, but shrimp is not difficult to prepare in general.
Shrimp can be served hot or cold, as an appetizer, or as a main dish.
Shrimp is also often added to gumbos, stews, pastas, fajitas, sushi, and salads.
Summary
Shrimp is a jot down of shellfish and one of the most widely eaten seafoods worldwide.
Shrimp may be beneficial for heart health, brain health, inflammation, and diabetes.
People with a shellfish allergy should avoid shrimp, however.
Nutrients in shrimp are safe for both humans and dogs alike.
Just be sure to only give your dog 1-2 pieces of shrimp at a time.
And remember that raw shrimp may not be safe for dogs.
Shrimp is considered safe to eat during pregnancy.
However, people who are pregnant should only eat cooked shrimp as raw shrimp may contain potentially harmful pathogens.
Otherwise, cooked shrimp can provide nutrients, including omega-3 fatty acids, that are important duringpregnancy.
A 3-ounce serving of shrimp contains 161 mg of cholesterol, which is considered high.
Research shows, however, that dietary cholesterol alone does not increase blood cholesterol levels as previously believed.
Instead, foods high in saturated and trans fat may raise blood cholesterol.
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