How Much Protein is in 8 Shrimp? A Detailed Look

Shrimp are a popular type of seafood known for being low in calories but high in nutrients. In particular, shrimp contain a substantial amount of protein per serving But exactly how much protein is in 8 shrimp? Let’s take a closer look.

Why Protein Matters

Protein is an essential macronutrient that plays many critical roles in the body including

• Building and repairing tissues and muscle
• Making important enzymes, hormones, and antibodies
• Transporting nutrients and oxygen through the blood
• Supporting a healthy metabolism
• Boosting energy levels

Getting adequate protein as part of a balanced diet has many benefits for health and wellbeing. The current recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for protein is 0.8 grams per kilogram of body weight per day for adults.

Seafood like shrimp is an excellent source of high-quality, lean protein.

Protein Content in Shrimp

The amount of protein in shrimp can vary slightly depending on size and preparation method.

According to the USDA, 100 grams of cooked shrimp contains approximately 24 grams of protein. Shrimp is over 80% protein by weight, with very little fat or carbohydrates.

An average medium shrimp weighs about 7-8 grams. That means each medium shrimp contains roughly:

• 5-6 grams of protein (or a bit less for smaller shrimp)

So for 8 medium shrimp, you would get:

• Total Protein in 8 Shrimp: 40-48 grams

That’s a significant amount from just 8 shrimp!

To put this protein content into perspective, here is how 8 shrimp compares to other common protein sources:

• 8 oz chicken breast: 54 grams protein
• 8 oz sirloin steak: 56 grams protein
• 8 oz tofu: 20 grams protein
• 1 cup black beans: 29 grams protein
• 8 oz plain Greek yogurt: 24 grams protein

As you can see, 8 shrimp provides protein comparable to equivalent serving sizes of high-protein foods like meat, beans, and yogurt.

Shrimp Nutrition Facts

In addition to being high in protein, shrimp also provides other important nutrients:

Vitamins

• Vitamin B12 – supports red blood cell formation
• Vitamin D – aids calcium absorption for bones
• Vitamin A – important for eye and skin health
• Vitamin E – antioxidant that protects cells

Minerals

• Selenium – boosts immune function
• Iodine – regulates thyroid function
• Zinc – helps heal wounds and fights infection
• Iron – prevents anemia by carrying oxygen in blood

Other Benefits

• Low calorie – under 100 calories per 3 oz serving
• Low fat
• Contains omega-3 fatty acids for heart health
• Astaxanthin – a beneficial antioxidant

Shrimp is nutritionally well-rounded, with just a 3 ounce serving providing over 20% DV for various vitamins and minerals.

Potential Concerns

There are a couple of potential downsides to note about shrimp:

• High cholesterol – 3 ounces contains 166 mg cholesterol, over half the daily limit. However, dietary cholesterol may not negatively impact blood cholesterol for most people.

• Allergies – shellfish like shrimp is one of the top food allergens, provoking potentially serious immune reactions in sensitive individuals.

• Sustainability – some shrimp fishing practices can damage marine ecosystems if not properly regulated. Opt for sustainable wild or domestic farmed shrimp.

Within reasonable amounts of 1-2 servings per week, shrimp can be part of a healthy diet for most people. Those with specific health risks should take precautions.

How to Eat Shrimp

There are endless ways to enjoy shrimp’s delicious taste and nutrition:

• Shrimp tacos or fajitas
• Shrimp salad with avocado
• Garlic butter shrimp pasta
• Blackened shrimp skewers
• Shrimp scampi
• Shrimp curry or stir fry
• Shrimp cocktail
• Gumbo or jambalaya
• Shrimp tempura
• Shrimp soup or chowder

Experiment with various seasonings and international flavors. Shrimp provides a versatile, lean protein for many recipes.

Get Your Fill of Protein with Shrimp

8 medium shrimp contains approximately 40-48 grams of high quality protein, on par with equal servings of chicken, beef, and other protein-rich foods.

Along with being low in calories and delivering ample protein, shrimp offers a variety of beneficial vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Enjoy shrimp moderately as part of a healthy, balanced diet to reap its top nutritional benefits.