Shrimp, a food rich in cholesterol but not harmful to the heart
Shrimp has about 161 mg of cholesterol in a 3-ounce serving (about 85 g), but current research shows that foods rich in cholesterol do not necessarily increase blood cholesterol levels. According to Dr. Sohaib Imtiaz, Cardiologist at Johns Hopkins University Hospital, USA, eating shrimp can increase good HDL cholesterol, helping the body eliminate bad LDL cholesterol. For most people, shrimp does not increase the risk of heart disease.
The body has a mechanism to self-regulate cholesterol absorption and production based on consumption. When absorbing cholesterol from shrimp, the liver will produce less cholesterol and increase breakdown, helping to maintain blood balance.
Proper processing to optimize health benefits
Shrimp is almost unsaturated (only about 1g in a 3-ounce serving), mostly heart-healthy unsaturated fats. Replacing foods rich in saturated fat such as butter, red meat or fried foods with steamed, boiled or grilled shrimp can help reduce LDL and stabilize cholesterol. In contrast, frying shrimp in oil or butter will lose this benefit.
Shrimp is also rich in protein, omega-3 fatty acids, selenium, and the antioxidant astaxanthin, which help reduce inflammation, improve heart health, and can help stabilize blood pressure. However, people with family hypercholesterolemia need to closely monitor their blood cholesterol levels when eating shrimp and consult a doctor.
Safety and reasonable portion sizes
When choosing shrimp, you should choose firm, clear shells, few or no dark spots. If shrimp has a fishy or am world smell, you should not eat it. In addition, about 2% of the population may be allergic to shrimp, ranging from mild to anaphylactic shock, requiring timely medical treatment.
Eating shrimp regularly and properly not only does not increase bad cholesterol but also brings many cardiovascular benefits thanks to its high protein and essential nutrient content. The key is to choose fresh shrimp and process it scientifically to protect health.
