Shrimp is a Shellfish; Should I be worried that it is high in Cholesterol?

The Shellfish Family have been known to have a reputation for being higher in cholesterol than other fish of the sea.  Shrimp does have high cholesterol levels; however, its many health benefits offset the disadvantages of the cholesterol, according to Michael Mogadam, author of "Every Heart Attack Is Preventable."

Cholesterol in Shrimp
Four ounces of shrimp contain 1g of fat and 165mg of cholesterol (55 percent of the recommended daily allowance of cholesterol for an adult). Don't throw the shrimp away yet! Shrimp are low in saturated fat, the main culprit for raising LDL, or "bad" cholesterol in the bloodstream. When the body chemistry is all said and done, the high level of dietary cholesterol in shrimp may not be dangerous, because it does not raise the blood cholesterol level as significantly as saturated fat.

Nutritional Benefits of Shrimp
Shrimp contains high levels of omega-3 fatty acids, which raise HDL, or "good" cholesterol levels. In addition, omega-3 fatty acids may reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer. Shrimp are also a good source of selenium, iodine, iron, zinc, copper and of course, protein! 

How Often to Eat Shrimp
The American Heart Association recommends eating foods that are high in omega-3 fatty acids twice a week, but shrimp may not be a good choice for those servings if you are watching your cholesterol. If you have high levels of LDL cholesterol or at risk of heart disease, look for other sources, such as Salmon, or broiled/grilled whitefish.  If you are not a fish eater, you can enjoy the benefits of omega-3 by eating peanuts, almonds, chia seeds, or healthy hemp seeds.

Consult your physician before you start adding shrimp to your meals. While shrimp is perfectly safe to consume for most people, your physician might prefer that you avoid meals that have the potential to raise your levels of LDL cholesterol. 

References:
"Every Heart Attack Is Preventable"; Michael Mogadam, M.D.; 2001

In Health, 

Zeke Samples - IFA, - IDEA Personal Trainer

Fitness and Wellness Author

Surrealbody@gmail.com