Shrimp lovers rejoice! Medium shrimp, at 3 oz (85 g) portion size, is a great addition to a healthy diet. And with just 100 calories per serving, this lean protein source won't weigh you down.

Not only is shrimp low in calories, it's also packed with essential nutrients that your body needs to function at its best. Keep reading for more information on why you should add shrimp to your weekly meal plan.

In this article, we'll explore the nutritional benefits of shrimp, how to use shrimp in your cooking, and the environmental impact of consuming shrimp.

Shrimp can be part of a healthy diet

Shrimp is a great option for those who are looking to incorporate more healthy foods into their diet. It's low in calories, high in protein, and packed with essential nutrients that are good for your body. Shrimp is also a good source of selenium, an important mineral that plays a key role in the body's immune system and overall health. So if you want to eat healthy while still enjoying delicious, flavorful food, shrimp is definitely worth considering.

Shrimp is a low-calorie protein source

If you're looking for a lean protein source that won't add too many calories to your diet, shrimp is an excellent choice. In fact, a 3 oz (85 g) serving of shrimp contains just 100 calories, making it a great option for those who are watching their weight. But even though shrimp is low in calories, it's still packed with protein - in fact, that same 3 oz (85 g) serving contains a whopping 18 grams of protein. So if you're looking for a filling, protein-packed snack or meal, shrimp is definitely an option to consider.

Shrimp is rich in nutrients

Shrimp is not only a low-calorie protein source, it's also packed with essential nutrients that your body needs to function properly. For example, shrimp is a good source of vitamin B12, which is important for maintaining healthy nerve cells and formations of red blood cells. Shrimp also contains vitamin D, which helps the body absorb calcium and maintain healthy bones. Additionally, it's a good source of phosphorus, which plays a key role in many cellular functions. So if you're looking to improve your overall health and well-being, incorporating shrimp into your diet is a great way to get more essential nutrients.

Shrimp contains omega-3 fatty acids

Omega-3 fatty acids are important for many functions in the body, such as reducing inflammation, improving heart health, and promoting brain health. And lucky for us, shrimp is a good source of these essential fatty acids. In fact, a 3 oz (85 g) serving of shrimp contains about 200 mg of omega-3 fatty acids, which is about 50% of the recommended daily intake for adults. So if you're looking to boost your intake of omega-3 fatty acids, adding shrimp to your diet is a great way to do so.

Shrimp is low in saturated fat

Saturated fat is often associated with increased cholesterol levels and risk of heart disease. That's why it's important to choose lean protein sources that are low in saturated fat - like shrimp. A 3 oz (85 g) serving of shrimp contains just 0.5 grams of saturated fat, making it a heart-healthy choice for those who are looking to reduce their intake of unhealthy fats. So if you're looking to improve your heart health, adding shrimp to your diet is a smart choice.

Shrimp may help promote heart health

In addition to being low in saturated fat, shrimp may actually help promote heart health in other ways too. Shrimp contains antioxidants like astaxanthin, which can help improve cholesterol levels and reduce inflammation - both of which are important for maintaining a healthy heart. So if you want to keep your heart healthy and reduce your risk of heart disease, consider adding shrimp to your diet.

Shrimp is versatile in cooking

Not only is shrimp healthy and packed with essential nutrients - it's also incredibly versatile in cooking. You can use shrimp in a variety of different dishes, from stir-fries and salads to pasta dishes and soups. And because of its mild, slightly sweet flavor, it pairs well with many different flavors and ingredients. So if you're looking to mix up your weekly meal plan and try some new recipes, incorporating shrimp into your cooking is a great way to do so.

Shrimp is a good source of selenium

Selenium is an important mineral that your body needs to function properly. It plays a key role in your immune system, and can also help protect against chronic diseases like cancer. And lucky for us, shrimp is a good source of selenium. In fact, a 3 oz (85 g) serving of shrimp contains about 45% of the recommended daily intake of this important mineral. So if you're looking to improve your overall health and well-being, adding shrimp to your diet is a great way to get more selenium.

Shrimp is high in cholesterol

One potential downside to shrimp is that it's high in cholesterol. A 3 oz (85 g) serving of shrimp contains about 179 mg of cholesterol - which is more than half of the recommended daily intake. However, the cholesterol in shrimp is of the 'good' kind - meaning it's not likely to have a negative impact on your heart health. In fact, some studies have even suggested that the cholesterol in shrimp may actually help improve cholesterol levels in the body. So while it's important to be mindful of your cholesterol intake, there's no need to avoid shrimp if you're looking to maintain a healthy diet.

Shrimp can be sustainable seafood

Finally, it's important to consider the environmental impact of consuming seafood - including shrimp. Luckily, there are ways to ensure that the shrimp you're eating is sustainably sourced. Look for labels like 'certified sustainable seafood' or 'Best Aquaculture Practices Certified' to ensure that the shrimp you're consuming was produced in an environmentally-friendly way. By choosing sustainably sourced shrimp, you can help protect our oceans and ensure that future generations can continue to enjoy this delicious and nutritious seafood.