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Healthy Diet Plans >>  Calories >>  Shrimp Calories

Shrimp Calories

Shrimp is probably one of the most popular varieties of seafood around the world, coming in second only to fish. There are several different types of shrimp, some of the most common ones being pink shrimp, jumbo prawns, king prawns, tiger prawns and giant tiger prawns. Moreover, shrimp is easily available in different sizes and colors. In the raw form, it is possible for prawns to be pink, grayish, yellowish or brownish. However, when cooked, the flesh of the shrimp usually become opaque and takes on an orange tinge.
In most parts of the United States, it is very easy to get frozen shrimp during the year; fresh shrimp is also usually available quite easily. Because of their distinctive flavor and firm texture shrimp is one of the favorite ingredients all over the world. In addition to the taste, there are many people who make it a point to include shrimp in their diets, because of its nutrient content. Nutritionists claim that shrimp is a good source of selenium and protein. Other nutrients that can be found in shrimp are magnesium, zinc, omega 3 fatty acids, iron, Vitamin D, copper, niacin, phosphorus and B complex Vitamins. However, in spite of the fact that shrimp is very high in nutrient density, there are several people who avoid eating it, mainly because they are on a low fat diet and they believe that shrimp calories are very high. In fact, studies indicate that there is a lot of confusion among people about shrimp calories and fat, as well as the nutritional content in it.


Shrimp calories nutrition


Shrimp is one of the few foods that is high is Vitamin D. In addition to that, many health institutions claim that shrimp can be qualified as a good source of selenium, which is also low in fat and calories. However, in spite of the fact that shrimp is low in total fat, it has a high cholesterol content. This may be one of the reasons that many people avoid eating shrimp. Nevertheless, weight watchers who do not have high levels of cholesterol need not stay away from this delicacy, as the number of shrimp calories per shrimp is relatively low, as compared to several other types of food.

Shrimp calories count

The number of calories in one shrimp may vary, based on its size and weight.

Given below is the caloric and nutritional count of different types and sizes of shrimp:

1 Small shrimp, weighing 5 grams

• Calories: 5
• Calories from fat: 1
• Saturated fat: 0%
• Cholesterol: 8 mg or 3%
• Protein: 1 g

1 Medium shrimp, weighing 6 grams

• Calories: 6
• Calories from fat: 1
• Saturated fat: 0%
• Cholesterol: 9 mg or 3%
• Protein: 1 g

10 small shrimps

• Calories: 30
• Calories from fat: 4
• Saturated fat: 0%
• Cholesterol: 43 mg or 14%
• Protein: 6 g

3 ounces or 85 grams of shrimp

• Calories: 90
• Calories from fat: 14
• Saturated fat: 0%
• Poly unsaturated fat: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 126 mg or 43%
• Protein: 17 g

Shrimp calories in one 1 cup (cooked)

• Calories: 200
• Calories from fat: 29
• Saturated fat: 0.62%
• Poly unsaturated fat: 1.27 g
• Cholesterol: 287.58 mg or 96%
• Protein: 38.43 g

The percent daily values mentioned above a based on a daily diet of 2,000 calories per day. Since cooking styles also have a major influence on how many calories are present in a food item, it is important to realize that the above values are based on steamed or boiled shrimps. In case a person chooses to fry the shrimp, or sauté it in butter, it is only natural that the number of shrimp calories in each piece will go up. Therefore, the number of calories in different dishes with shrimp is bound to be different. Given below is the caloric count of different dishes with shrimp in it:

• Shrimp Cocktail: 80 calories in a 3 ounce serving
• Dim Sum Shrimp Dumplings: 40 calories in a serving or piece
• Stir Fried Shrimp: 393 calories in a serving
• Spicy Shrimp Burger: 195 calories in a serving
• Grilled Shrimp Skewers: 124 calories in a serving
• Bread Fried Shrimp: 46 calories in a small piece
• Coconut Shrimp: 75 calories in a large piece
• Shrimp Salad: 180 calories in a 3 ounce serving

Therefore, many health experts feel that avoiding shrimp because it is high in cholesterol is not justified; instead, people can choose to eat this nutrient-packed food, thereby enjoying all its benefits, by choosing the right cooking method.

Health Benefits Of Shrimp

There are several health benefits that are associated with shrimps, since they are very high in vitamins and minerals.

Given below are some of the most common health benefits of shrimps:

• The regular consumption of shrimp can help the body fight off diseases like cancer
• Since shrimp is high in protein, it has the ability to improve the overall health of the skin and hair in a person
• The high levels of iron in shrimp help boost the energy levels in the body, also reducing weakness and fatigue in the process
• Like all crustaceans, shrimp is loaded with phosphorus and calcium, which are excellent for building strong teeth and bones. • Most forms of seafood, including shrimp, are high in omega 3 fatty acids, which can fight off depression.
• In order to promote better prostate health, many health experts advise men to add small quantities of boiled or steamed shrimp to their regular diets.
• Despite the fact that shrimp is high in cholesterol, it should be consumed by those people who are at a high risk of developing type 2 diabetes, since it is high in magnesium

Before making shrimp a regular part of any diet, it is best for all people to consult a doctor. This is particularly important for those who are suffering from any preexisting medical conditions.

Submitted on January 16, 2014