Are Shrimps high in Cholesterol?

Is shrimp bad to eat for people with high cholesterol?

Study shows that shrimps has a very high cholesterol content. One serving of a dozen large shrimp has approximately 130 mg of cholesterol. However this is not really a problem because shrimp is a good source of highly unsaturated fatty acids which produce high density lipids (HDL) or good cholesterol. A high level of good cholesterol can counter the effect of LDL or bad cholesterol in the blood. In addition eating shrimps can potentially lower bad cholesterol levels.

Studies show that the high percentage of good fats in shrimp reduces the impact of cholesterol. Most people can eat shrimp as part of their balanced diet. Cholesterol from food only has a negative impact if it is absorbed. While saturated fat seems to aid in this absorption, unsaturated fats do not. Food such as meat and diary products are high in saturated fats while for shrimp which do not have saturated fat.

A four-ounce serving of shrimp, will give you 28.2% of the daily allowance of vitamin B12. Vitamin B12 is one of the nutrients that keep levels of homocysteine low. Homocysteine is a molecule that can cause damage to blood vessel walls, and it is also deemed a significant risk factor for heart disease.

Shrimp are also an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are known for their anti-inflammatory properties and their ability to stop blood clots from forming. Four ounces of shrimp have 14.8% of your daily need of Omega 3.

It has been thought - and the debate still goes on - that shrimp was a bad food for those with high cholesterol when actually the opposite is true. If you are a shrimp lover, feel safe to eat your shrimp. As studies progress you may find that shrimps is indeed a healthy and tasty food that can be a part of your low cholesterol diet.