Seafood 101:
6 Health Benefits Of Eating Shrimp

Is Shrimp Good for You?

The short answer to this question is yes! Shrimp is good for you. Shrimp is full of nutrients and supports brain health and thyroid function while also serving as a source of omega-3 fatty acids. Whether you’re looking to add shrimp to your diet to lead a healthier life or are simply looking to maintain a healthy weight, shrimp has many positive health benefits that are discussed in further detail below.

View our menu to see some of the healthy shrimp dishes we have at Aqua Seafood & Caviar Restaurant.

Shrimp Nutrition Benefits

If you’re curious about the nutritional benefits of shrimp, look no further. Your average 3-ounce serving of shrimp consists of the following:

• Calories: 84.2
• Protein: 20.4 g
• Total fat: 0 g
• Carbs: 0 g
• Iron: 0.433 mg
• Phosphorus: 201 mg
• Potassium: 220 mg
• Zinc: 1.39 mg
• Magnesium: 33.2 mg
• Sodium: 94.4 mg

If you’re looking for a nutritious, low-calorie meal, shrimp might just be your answer. 

Health Benefits of Eating Shrimp?

Not surprisingly, the impressive nutrition label of shrimp offers many health benefits to those who eat it. The benefits range from improving heart health to being a substantial source of protein. There is so much to be gained from implementing shrimp into your diet. Below are some of the most notable health benefits of this delicious seafood:

Fatty Acids 

In addition to the low-calorie, high nutrition of shrimp, this seafood is also known for the health benefits provided by fatty acids. The omega-3 fatty acids offer many potential heart health benefits.

Protein

Shrimp is also an excellent source of protein. The 20 grams of protein found in 3 ounces of shrimp amounts to 40 percent of the recommended daily value of protein consumption. For some people, incorporating healthy proteins into everyday diets can be difficult. Whether you’re seeking to incorporate more protein to build muscle or are trying to shy away from sugar-heavy protein bars, shrimp is a great way to establish a healthier protein intake.

Minerals

In addition to low calories and high protein, shrimp’s nutrition label has an impressive amount of minerals such as zinc, magnesium, iodine, and phosphorus. These minerals are where a majority of shrimp’s health benefits stem from. 

Magnesium, for example, is beneficial for a range of reasons, from blood pressure to bone health. Phosphorus is necessary for balancing the minerals your body intakes. The iodine and selenium in shrimp are beneficial for individuals who struggle with thyroid disease, as these minerals help thyroid function.

Cognitive Health

One of the antioxidants found in shrimp, astaxanthin, has been shown to have an impressive amount of health benefits. Some benefits of this antioxidant include decreasing the risk of cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases while also helping manage other diseases.

Heart Health

Studies at the Mayo Clinic have shown that consuming shrimp may have some heart health benefits, such as reducing heart disease and improving lipid panels. These benefits come from the omega-3 fatty acids present in shrimp, which are known for their heart benefits.

Because it Tastes Good!

While shrimp may not directly have an impact on your mental health, eating foods that taste good can only make you happier, so why not indulge yourself in this healthy seafood? It’s so delicious and good for your body that it will only do wonders for your mental health as well!

What Does Shrimp Do for Your Body?

Overall, shrimp provides many wonders for your body — especially for anyone who is trying to lose some weight. The low calorie, low carbohydrates, and high protein value make it the perfect snack for dieting. Shrimp can also be consumed for the sake of maintaining a healthy lifestyle and feeling better on a daily basis. Next time you’re enjoying the shrimp cocktail platter at a dinner party, remind yourself of the wonderful benefits of this seafood, and don’t hold back!

Is There Anything Unhealthy About Shrimp?

It’s important to note that, despite all of the benefits shrimp has to offer, there are some concerns about whether shrimp is healthy to eat. One of the main concerns people express toward eating shrimp is that shrimp is high in cholesterol. Those who are concerned with their heart health or blood pressure may avoid eating shrimp because of dietary cholesterol and high saturated fat; however, this is not something that should deter anyone from eating shrimp. 

Dietary cholesterol is often misunderstood, and if you’re concerned about whether to avoid shrimp or include it in your diet, it is unlikely to be a concern — but it’s always best to double-check these issues with your healthcare professional!

Like everything, shrimp can stop being healthy for you if it’s cooked in an unhealthy way, such as deep frying or being covered in a heavy sauce. As long as it’s prepared in a healthy manner, shrimp will continue to be good for your consumption.  

Best Ways to Eat Shrimp

Now that you’ve learned how healthy shrimp is, try to incorporate this delicious seafood into your diet. Shrimp can be prepared in a plethora of ways, such as grilling, boiling, steaming, and more. Here are just some great shrimp recipes to try:

• Shrimp cocktail
• Shrimp dip
• Grilled shrimp skewers
• Shrimp stir-fry
• Shrimp scampi
• Shrimp pasta
• Shrimp alfredo
• Paella
• Shrimp tacos
• Pesto shrimp
• Shrimp fajitas
• Coconut shrimp

Whether you’re savvy in the kitchen or prefer to eat at the best Las Vegas seafood restaurants, these shrimp dishes are a must-try. However, these recipes aren’t the only ways to eat shrimp. The more you explore this delicious seafood, the more amazing options you are sure to discover.