From Luxury Seafood Dining to sudden Death: The Dark side of Eating too Many Shrimp and Shellfish

Shrimp - image Source: Freepik

The fact that shrimp is a popular seafood worldwide cannot be overstated. However, what many individuals are not aware of is that consuming too many shrimp can potentially result in high cholesterol levels. Understanding why this happens can help you regulate your shrimp intake and manage your overall dietary health.

To understand how eating too many shrimp and other shellfish- such as lobster, mussels, crabs, oysters, scallops and crawfish, leads to high cholesterol, it's important to understand what cholesterol is. Cholesterol is a fat-like substance that human bodies need for proper cell functioning, production of hormones, vitamin D, and substances that work to digest fatty foods. However, having too much of it can cause plaque to build up in the arteries, leading to heart disease. Shrimp, much as they are a great source of protein and are low in calories, also have a dark side; they are quite high in cholesterol. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), a 3-ounce serving of shrimp provides about 166 milligrams of cholesterol. This represents about 55% of the daily recommended intake of 300 milligrams. As such, incorporating a significant amount of shrimp in your diet can significantly increase your overall cholesterol intake. When this cholesterol combines with other substances in your blood, it can form a hard, thick deposit that narrows the arteries and makes them less flexible, a condition known as atherosclerosis. This could potentially increase your risk of heart attacks and strokes. It is worth mentioning, however, that dietary cholesterol - the cholesterol you consume through your diet - is not the primary factor that raises your blood cholesterol levels. Saturated and trans fats are typically the culprits behind increased blood cholesterol. Shrimp has a relatively low level of these harmful fats. This means that while the cholesterol in shrimp may increase your cholesterol intake, it won't necessarily increase your blood cholesterol levels to the same extent as foods high in saturated and trans fats. To balance the high cholesterol levels from shrimp, you can pair it with heart-healthy foods. Foods that are rich in soluble fiber like fruits, vegetables, beans, and oats can reduce your absorption of cholesterol. Including omega-3 fatty acids in your diet - which are found in fatty fish, walnuts, chia seeds, and flaxseeds - can also help lower cholesterol levels. Moreover, adopting an active lifestyle by including regular physical activities can significantly lower the risk of high cholesterol.

Shellfish- Image Source: Pexels 

Remember, moderation is key. You can enjoy the taste and benefits of shrimp and shellfish, just be mindful of your portion size and frequency of intake. Furthermore, regular health checks, specifically cholesterol levels, can help in detecting any significant change in your health, providing you with a clear perspective on what to include and what to limit in your diet. With the right approach, it's entirely possible to enjoy shrimp while maintaining a healthy cholesterol level.