Seafood's Secret Weapon
The USDA Food Guide Pyramid recommends we add fish and shellfish to mix up our protein choices.
Many health organizations encourage us to eat seafood because of the high Omega-3 Fatty Acids, that help prevent cholesterol and heart problems. Tuna, salmon and other fatty fish are top on the Omega-3 list. But what if you're really not a big fan of those fish?
Here's seafood's secret weapon. It's the seafood that practically everyone likes: peel and eat shrimp!
Shrimp are exceptionally low in fat, especially if you keep them that way by enjoying them boiled (1/4 pound has 112 calories and 1 gram fat; that compares with 274 calories and 15 grams fat if fried).
Peel and eat shrimp are often boiled with a spicy seasoning, so all you need is a squeeze of lemon and you're ready to dig in. And because all that peeling takes some time, it slows you down a bit. Shrimp does contain some cholesterol, but because they are so low in total fat, they're still considered a very healthy choice.
Published 02/29/08
