SmartBites The skinny on healthy eating

Is Shrimp Good For You?

If you’re watching your cholesterol, you may be wary of eating shrimp. Next to squid, shrimp has more cholesterol than any other seafood, which depending on your intake can put a serious dent in your recommended amount. We’re talking up to 200 milligrams per average serving. Although I have high cholesterol, I continue to eat shrimp, maybe three or four times a month, swayed by the research from Harvard School of Public Health, which asserts that the biggest influence on blood cholesterol levels is the mix of fats and carbs in your diet — not the amount of cholesterol you eat from food. While some foods do earn cholesterol red flags — think high-fat baked goods, meats high in saturated fats, deep-fried foods — shrimp does not.

That’s because shrimp contains minimal saturated fats and negligible carbs. (Of course, red flags go up whenever shrimp is fried or served with a rich sauce.) Experts agree, however, that it remains important to monitor the amount of cholesterol you eat, especially if you have heart disease, diabetes or “respond” to dietary cholesterol in a way that most people don’t. So, is America’s most popular seafood healthy? Yes, says the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, shrimp teems with beneficial nutrients. When it comes to low-calorie protein, shrimp is a superstar, with an average serving delivering about 25 grams of protein for only 135 calories. A workhorse nutrient, protein is an essential for tissue repair, muscle building, weight maintenance, and more. What’s more, shrimp boasts a unique mix of nutrients that supports brain health. From its omega-3s to its antioxidants to its vitamin B12, all contribute to keeping our memories sharp, our moods bright, and our thinking clear. Lastly, this sweet crustacean is one of the best food sources of iodine, an important mineral for proper thyroid function and brain health.

Healthy Grilled Shrimp

Adapted from deliciousmeetshealthy.com Serves 6

1 lb. raw shrimp, peeled and cleaned

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 teaspoon minced garlic

1 teaspoon regular or smoked paprika

1 teaspoon cumin

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon kosher salt

½ teaspoon coarse black pepper pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

1.Thaw shrimp in a bowl of cold water for 20 minutes.

2. Mix together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic and spices in a large bowl. Add shrimp, mix until coated, and let shrimp sit for 30 minutes.

3. Preheat the grill to medium-high; oil the grates.

4. Thread the shrimp on skewers and grill for 2 to 3 minutes per side, until shrimp are opaque. Serve immediately.

Anne Palumbo is a lifestyle columnist, food guru, and seasoned cook, who has perfected the art of preparing nutritious, calorie-conscious dishes. She is hungry for your questions and comments about SmartBites, so be in touch with Anne at avpalumbo@aol.com.

Helpful Tips

Fresh? Frozen? Farmed? Wild? Selecting the freshest, safest shrimp can be daunting! But here’s what the experts say: Unless you’re absolutely sure that the “fresh” shrimp at the counter are truly fresh-off-the boat, frozen shrimp are a better bet. Since there’s no way to know how long the “fresh” shrimp on display have been allowed to thaw, you’re better off buying frozen and thawing them at home. If you’re concerned about antibiotics in shrimp, it’s best to select wild-caught shrimp, which is never treated with antibiotics. Rest assured that shrimp caught and prepared in the United States does not contain antibiotics.