Shrimp is Good Food

Shrimp may be small in size, but they're huge in taste and health appeal! This favored crustacean ranks as the #1 selling seafood in America today, and for good reason. Shrimp are high in protein, low in carbohydrates, and is a good source of heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids.

Shrimp's most-favored-meal status was recently spotlighted in a media update from the National Fisheries Institute.

Here's the news in a "sea" shell:

• The omega-3 fatty acids (i.e. "good fat") in shrimp serve as a heart-healthy brain booster and can decrease triglyceride levels, thereby reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease.


• The cholesterol content of most fish and shellfish is less than 100 mg per standard three-ounce serving. That's just one-third of the 300 mg daily recommendation.


• With little to no saturated fat and zero trans fat, shrimp is a lean source of protein.

Heart Healthy

The American Heart Association suggests that healthy diets (including yours!) include shrimp and other seafood at least twice a week. The omega-3 fatty acids (i.e. "good fat") in shrimp serve as a heart-healthy brain booster and can decrease triglyceride levels, thereby, reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Low in Cholesterol

For those shrimp lovers who are concerned about shrimp and its reputation for being high in cholesterol, the news is good! A study at Rockefeller University Hospital, co-sponsored by the Harvard School of Public Health, confirmed in 1996 that the cholesterol content of shrimp was no longer an alarming concern. The research results revealed that a shrimp diet raises levels of HDL, or "good" cholesterol, and decreases levels of LDL, or "bad" cholesterol. Lowering LDL in the bloodstream significantly reduces susceptibility to heart disease.

The cholesterol content of most fish and shellfish is less than 100 mg per standard three-ounce serving. That's just one-third of the 300 mg daily recommendation. Check out what our friends over at eatshrimp.com have to say about it.

A Lean Source of Protein

Did you know that shrimp has little to no saturated fat and zero trans fat? According to the USDA, shrimp is a lean source of protein - perfect for anyone who is calorie and diet conscious or just wants to make a delicious, nutritious meal for their family.

Shrimp Q and A

Below are general questions and answers related to shrimp and seafood. If you are looking for product-specific FAQ's, please visit our FAQ page.

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Not at all. Some small-size shrimp are not deveined and experts agree this doesn't affect the taste.

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Canned tuna used to be America's favorite but today, shrimp is the most-consumed seafood in the United States. According to the National Fisheries Institute, the average American ate 4.2 pounds of shrimp in 2004, up from 2.2 pounds in 1990. You go, shrimp!

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You'll be relieved to know that for most people, the mercury in fish and shellfish is not a health concern. Young children, pregnant and nursing women, and women who might become pregnant should follow mercury-related seafood advisories, especially for high-mercury fish such as shark, swordfish, king mackerel, tilefish, and to a lesser degree - albacore tuna.

Shrimp, canned light tuna, salmon, pollock and catfish are among the five most commonly eaten fish that are low in mercury. Among popular shellfish, shrimp and crab are low in mercury. Lobster is a little higher but is still not risky. For more info about mercury, see realmercuryfacts.org.

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Definitely! Shrimp is a great way to meet your twice-a-week seafood goal. You'll find links to some interesting articles on this topic at the Shrimp Council's eatshrimp.com "Nutrition & Health" page. Or, see the latest dietary guidelines and create your own healthy food pyramid at mypyramid.gov.

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No, but that's a common misconception about shrimp. Physicians and dieticians tell us it is primarily the saturated fat content of foods, as opposed to cholesterol content, that causes an elevation in blood cholesterol. Shrimp are low in calories and saturated fat. Plus, shrimp contains a healthy dose of omega-3 fats, which have been shown to decrease heart disease risk by lowering triglyceride levels, reducing blood pressure, inhibiting blood clots, and raising good (HDL) cholesterol.

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You may be pleasantly surprised - kids like shrimp's taste and firm texture and most get a kick out of having bite-sized treats on their plates. Popcorn shrimp are a fun and easy introduction, or use grilled shrimp as a cheese pizza topper. If your kids like to crunch, try our yummy Popcorn Shrimp BBQ'd Nachos (but leave the jalapeños for the grownups at the table.)

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Right here at seapak.com! Visit us often - we're your 'one-stop-shrimp-site' for updates on products, delicious shrimp recipe ideas, prep and serving tips, shrimp nutrition and a lot more. We're adding more new features all the time so keep our site bookmarked. Or if you can't find what you're looking for here, you can check out eatshrimp.com or aboutseafood.com. They're both excellent resources and provide links to shrimp nutrition information, cooking tips and industry news.