Shrimp contains cholesterol but is less dangerous than you think
There are about 161mg of cholesterol in 85g of shrimp, a fairly high level. This has made many people afraid, thinking that eating shrimp will increase bad cholesterol (LDL) and cause blood vessel blockage.
According to Dr. Sohaib Imtiaz, MD, a UK health expert, shrimp not only increases LDL but can also increase good cholesterol (HDL). HDL helps remove LDL from the blood, reducing the risk of heart disease. Its important to balance HDL and LDL, not just look at the amount of cholesterol in food, he stressed.
The human body also has the ability to regulate itself. When you eat more cholesterol, the liver will produce less and the digestive system will absorb less. Thanks to that, blood cholesterol levels do not increase as many people are still worried. A 2019 report even said that cholesterol in food is no longer considered a major cause of heart disease.
How to eat shrimp for good cardiovascular health
In fact, shrimp is very rich in nutrients. A small serving provides a lot of lean, low-calorie protein, along with omega-3, selenium and the antioxidant astaxanthin, which help reduce inflammation and protect blood vessels.
The key is the way to prepare it. Shrimp is low in saturated fat, almost all of which are unsaturated and heart-healthy. However, if you fry them in oil or stir-fry them with a lot of butter, you will consume more bad fat and lose the nutritional benefits.
To be beneficial for heart health, choose cooking methods such as steaming, boiling or baking. This is a way to retain nutrients while avoiding unnecessary fat," Dr Imtiaz recommends.
Some evidence shows that people who eat shrimp regularly have more stable blood pressure, less plaque in the arteries and a lower risk of heart disease than those who do not eat.
Who needs to limit shrimp?
Most people who eat shrimp are not affected by negative blood cholesterol. However, there are some special cases. People with family hypercholesterolemia, genetic disorders that make it difficult for the body to control cholesterol, can be more sensitive and need to consult a doctor before eating a lot of shrimp.
In addition, about 2% of the population is allergic to shrimp, with manifestations ranging from itching, discomfort to life-threatening anaphylactic shock. When there are signs of difficulty breathing, swollen throat, immediate emergency care is needed.
Shrimp is true to contain a lot of cholesterol, but it does not mean a high risk of cardiovascular disease. If prepared properly and eaten in moderation, shrimp can be a part of a heart-healthy diet.
