Shrimp is Good Food

You've heard the news - eating seafood twice a week can help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. So what are you waiting for? Read on for the latest shrimp and seafood nutrition information and find out the benefits of including more seafood in your diet.

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

Servings of Seafood

We know we should eat seafood twice per week, but how much should we eat per serving? According to the Mayo Clinic, each serving should be about 3 ounces. That’s 6-8 shrimp, one salmon burger, or one crab cake. But you can certainly have more! And remember that seafood is just one part of a healthy diet - maintain balance with vegetables, whole grains, and other sources of protein.

Salmon and Tuna – Tasty Faves That Are High in Omega-3’s

Shrimp is a surprisingly good source of omega-3’s and is great for your health. But what about other seafood? Well, if you’re a fish lover, you’ll be happy to hear that salmon and tuna are both high in omega-3’s, the “good” fatty acids that can help keep your heart healthy. Including salmon and/or tuna in your diet twice per week will put you on the road to great cardiovascular health!

The ABC's of Omega-3's

You've heard you should get more Omega-3's in your diet, and that seafood is a good source. But just to be sure you've got the latest info, here's the low-down on cholesterol-lowering omega-3 fatty acids:

• Omega-3 is an essential fatty acid found naturally in shrimp and seafood, as well as certain plant oils.
• Your body cannot produce Omega-3 on its own so you need to get it from the foods you eat. It is recommended to have 500 mg per day, though most Americans consume only 100 mg per day.
• Omega-3 helps maintain a healthy cardiovascular system and may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease.

So for good nutrition and great taste, be sure to include seafood in your weekly diet!

Seafood is a No-Brainer

According to AboutSeafood.com, eating seafood can help reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s and cognitive decline. That’s something worth thinking about! The Alzheimer’s Association recommends eating “protective” foods that are high in omega-3’s, such as shrimp and salmon, so be sure to include plenty of seafood in your diet.

Small in Size, Huge in Taste and Health Appeal

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

Heart-Healthy Habits

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 and seafood serve as a heart-healthy brain booster and can decrease triglyceride levels, thereby, reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Low Cholesterol for All

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.

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. Learn More >