A press release issued today says wild-caught American shrimp are "a good source of cardio- protective omega-3 fatty acids, a three-ounce serving supplies nearly 18 grams of protein, almost a third of the adult daily requirement".
"Wild American shrimp is a great low-fat choice for those looking to cut down on their carbohydrate consumption, with just 84 calories, less than one gram of fat and less than one gram of carbohydrates," said Knight.
While the cholesterol content is similar to lean red meat, 166 milligrams in three ounces, a study at The Rockefeller University found that steamed shrimp do not adversely affect the lipoprotein profile in people with normal cholesterol levels.
In the study, shrimp's high levels of beneficial unsaturated fatty acids raised the HDL (the "good" cholesterol) levels more than it increased the levels of LDL ("bad" cholesterol), and the resulting HDL to LDL ratio was favorable. "In fact," said Dr. Elizabeth De Oliveira e Silva, one study author, "if shrimp are substituted for beef or other high fat foods, we predict even more favorable effects."
Studies have found that shrimp are an excellent source of vitamin D as well as niacin and iron. Other nutritional benefits from the George Mateljan Foundation ( www.whfoods.com ) include:
- selenium, which exhibits anti-cancer properties and according to
research, may promote DNA repair and synthesis in damaged cells,
inhibit the proliferation of cancer cells, and cause abnormal cells to
self-destruct.
- vitamins B12 and B6, which are needed to maintain low levels of
homocysteine, a molecule that can directly damage blood vessel walls
and is considered a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
Wild American shrimp have their own certification mark, guaranteeing a product that is caught in the wild and certified to meet consistent quality standards.
Related stories:
Southern Shrimp Alliance roles out marketing campaign (09/29/2004)
