Even though shrimp are low in total fat and high in cholesterol, studies show that diets that include shrimp produce low ratios of HDL to LDL cholesterol. Many studies show that shrimp consumption in moderate levels is actually healthy for your heart.

The Amount of Cholesterol in Shrimp

Because there are more than 300 species of shrimp, it's impossible to give exact amounts of cholesterol for each species, especially when many species have never been tested for their cholesterol content. However, 10 medium-sized shrimp (100 grams/3.52 oz.) of a raw, mixed shrimp species includes 152 mg (.005 oz.) of cholesterol. One study indicates that 100 grams of shrimp has the same amount of cholesterol as a 60 gram (2 oz.) egg.

Standards of Cholesterol

The amount of cholesterol in shrimp is considered high by health standards. The American Heart Association recommends that "your average daily cholesterol intake [be] less than 300 milligrams."

Expert Insight

Despite shrimp being high in cholesterol, studies have shown that diets with moderate levels of shrimp intake are actually good for your cholesterol levels. A study done by the Rockefeller University in New York and Harvard showed that eating a diet with shrimp did not raise cholesterol levels to dangerous levels. In fact, eating shrimp increased the HDL cholesterol levels (the "good" cholesterol).

Theory

One possible reason why the high cholesterol in shrimp does not actually raise the dangerous LDL cholesterol levels in our bodies may be due to the fact that the low content of fat and the presence of certain proteins in shrimp may create an environment in our cells that makes it hard for our liver to absorb the cholesterol from the shrimp.

Considerations

Shrimp has a high level of healthy omega3, which helps to reduce cholesterol levels. In 100 grams (3.52 oz.) of shrimp there are 490 mg (.01 oz.) of omega3.

Source:

The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition: Effects of Shrimp Consumption on Plasma Lipoproteins

Cholesterol.com: Information about the Cholesterol in Shrimp

American Heart Assocation: Cholesterol

More Information:

Cookingfishmonger.com: Fresh Shrimp Sizing Chart