1. Home
  2. Food & Drink
  3. Low Fat Cooking

Can I Eat Shrimp as Part of a Low Fat Diet?

By Fiona Haynes, About.com

Shrimp, Edamame and Artichoke Salad

Shrimp, Edamame and Artichoke Salad

Fiona Haynes
Question: Can I Eat Shrimp as Part of a Low Fat Diet?

Shrimp are one of our most loved seafoods but given their high cholesterol content, should we limit our intake?

Answer: Many people steer clear of shrimp because of their high cholesterol content. Yet unlike other high-cholesterol foods, shrimp are actually low in saturated fat and total fat. Recent research suggests that foods that are high in dietary cholesterol alone don’t raise blood cholesterol levels as much as foods that are high in saturated fat—in the case of shrimp, this is possibly due to the protective properties of omega-3 fatty acids.

So go ahead and enjoy eating shrimp. If you're concerned about fat and cholesterol, avoid deep-fried shrimp or shrimp cooked in creamy sauces. And don't follow your shrimp appetizer with a big juicy burger or steak.

Low Fat Shrimp Recipes

More Low Fat Cooking Q&A

Explore Low Fat Cooking

About.com Special Features

Conquering High Cholesterol

Learn how you can reduce your your numbers with these nutrition and exercise tips. More >

Mornings Made Easy

Reclaim the morning and your sanity with these easy recipes, tips, and timesaving ideas. More >

  1. Home
  2. Food & Drink
  3. Low Fat Cooking
  4. Fish and Seafood
  5. Shrimp Recipes
  6. Shrimp as Part of a Low Fat Diet

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.