How Healthy is Shrimp?

Shrimp make a bite-sized, protein-packed addition to any lunch, dinner, or even cocktail party, but are those tasty tidbits good for you? Read on to find out if eating shrimp is healthy or if you should pass on these little pink crustaceans. 

Health Benefits of Shrimp

There’s plenty to love about shrimp! Not only are they very high in protein, but they’re also low in calories and rich in nutrients. Shrimp also contain antioxidants that promote brain and heart health! The vitamins and minerals shrimp contain include: 

• Selenium
• Vitamin B12
• Iron
• Phosphorus
• Niacin
• Zinc
• Magnesium
• Iodine
• Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids

Health Drawbacks of Shrimp

Shrimp often gets a bad rap because they’re high in cholesterol. However, studies have shown that dietary cholesterol doesn’t impact blood cholesterol levels in the majority of people. Yep – you heard that right!. 

Additionally, farmed shrimp from foreign countries can be of lower quality than U.S. farmed shrimp. Choose wild-caught shrimp or shrimp raised in FDA-approved farms to lower the risk of antibiotic contamination and prevent health complications. We love using the Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch website and app to find the best, most sustainable choices for seafood.

Shellfish are also one of the most common allergens, which is an unfortunate drawback to shrimp that some people just can’t workaround.

How Cook and Eat Shrimp

Hot Shrimp Dishes

Dozens of cultural dishes from seafaring and coastal nations around the world incorporate shrimp. Here are a few of our favorites:

• Grilled shrimp chimichurri (Argentina)
• Shrimp toast (China)
• Mangalorean fried shrimp (India)
• Shrimp pasta (Italy)
• Cilantro lime shrimp (Mexico)
• Aleppo pepper shrimp (North Africa)
• Pancit bihon (Philippines)
• Paella (Spain)
• Coconut shrimp curry (Thailand)
• Lemongrass shrimp (Vietnam)

Not sure where to start when it comes to cooking shrimp? Practice your grilling skills and build confidence with delicious recipes like these!

Cold Shrimp Dishes

Cold shrimp are easy to enjoy as a salad topping or with some cocktail sauce, but you can also try making Vietnamese shrimp summer rolls or Peruvian shrimp ceviche! 

Do you have a favorite shrimp recipe you didn’t see listed here? Let us know how to make it in the comments!