Despite being low in calories, shrimp contains many nutrients, including iodine and antioxidants, that may offer health benefits. But it is high in cholesterol.
Many nutrients are found in high amounts in this food, including iodine, which isn’t found in many other foods.
On the other hand, some people claim that shrimp is unhealthy due to its high cholesterol content.
Additionally, it’s commonly believed that farm-raised shrimp may have some negative health effects compared with wild-caught shrimp.
This article explores the evidence to determine if shrimp is a healthy food to include in your diet.
It’s quite low in calories, providing only 84 calories in a 3-ounce serving (1).
Additionally, the same serving size provides more than 9 different vitamins and minerals (1).
Here’s an overview of the nutrients in a 3-ounce (85-gram) serving of shrimp (1):
Also, shrimp is one of the best foods to get iodine, which is a mineral that many people don’t get enough of. Iodine is required for proper thyroid function and brain health (2).
Shrimp is also a good source of omega-3 fatty acids (3).
A lot of people are afraid of high-cholesterol foods because they think they raise the cholesterol level in your blood and make you more likely to get heart disease.
But studies show that this might not be true for most people, since only 25% of people are sensitive to dietary cholesterol. For the rest, dietary cholesterol may only have a small impact on blood cholesterol levels (4).
This is because your liver makes most of the cholesterol in your blood, and when you eat foods high in cholesterol, your liver makes less of it.
What’s more, shrimp contains several nutrients that may actually boost health, such as omega-3 fatty acids (3).
Studies show that shrimp is one of the few foods that is not high in both cholesterol and saturated fats.
Even though more research is needed to fully understand shrimp’s impact on heart health, it does have many health benefits that may outweigh the cholesterol it contains.
Astaxanthin is a component of algae, which is consumed by shrimp. For this reason, shrimp is a major source of astaxanthin. In fact, this antioxidant is responsible for the reddish color of shrimp cells (7).
When you consume astaxanthin, it may help protect against inflammation by preventing free radicals from damaging your cells. It’s been studied for its role in reducing the risk of several chronic diseases (7).
Shrimp are a beloved seafood treat enjoyed around the world. Their sweet, briny flavor and versatility make them a star ingredient in diverse cuisines. If you love shrimp but are watching your calories and nutrition, you may wonder – just how many calories are in a medium shrimp? What is its nutritional profile? This guide provides a deep dive into the calories, macros, vitamins, and minerals found in medium shrimp.
Defining Medium Shrimp
Let’s first clarify what counts as a medium shrimp. Shrimp are categorized by size, which impacts their calorie and nutrient contents. Here are common shrimp size classes:
- Colossal – Over 15 shrimp per pound
- Jumbo – 11 to 15 shrimp per pound
- Extra Large – 16 to 20 shrimp per pound
- Large – 21 to 25 shrimp per pound
- Medium – 26 to 30 shrimp per pound
- Small – 36 to 45 shrimp per pound
- Miniature – Over 100 shrimp per pound
So a medium shrimp equates to around 0.033 to 0.038 pounds each. When seeing “medium” shrimp on a menu or package, this indicates the general size range.
Calorie Content in Medium Shrimp
Now, onto the key question – how many calories in a medium shrimp? According to the USDA a single medium shrimp (raw, heads removed) contains
- 6 calories
So one medium shrimp has just 6 calories. To put this into perspective, here are the calories in other common individual shrimp sizes
- Colossal shrimp – 17 calories each
- Jumbo shrimp – 13 calories each
- Large shrimp – 10 calories each
- Small shrimp – 4 calories each
As you move up the shrimp size spectrum, the calorie counts understandably increase. Still even jumbo shrimp clock in at a modest 13 calories each.
Shrimp provide a very high nutrition-to-calorie ratio. Let’s analyze the full nutritional contents next.
Nutritional Profile of Medium Shrimp
Beyond just calories, what is the full nutritional breakdown of a medium shrimp? Here are the main vitamins, minerals, and macronutrients in a single medium shrimp (6 calories) according to the USDA:
- Protein: 1.2g
- Fat: 0.1g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Cholesterol: 9mg
- Sodium: 9mg
- Potassium: 11mg
- Vitamin A: 3mcg
- Calcium: 3mg
- Iron: 0.14mg
Shrimp offer a wealth of nutrition for their meager 6 calorie count. Protein is the primary macronutrient, making up a sizeable 20% of the Daily Value. Vitamin A and calcium are present in modest amounts.
Shrimp also provide selenium, zinc, copper, phosphorus, magnesium, and B vitamins. Their mineral diversity benefits bone, immune, brain, heart, and nerve health.
Besides the inherently nutrient-dense composition, another factor in shrimp’s low calories is their high water content. Over 79% of shrimp is water, packing in nutrition without added calories.
Calorie Density of Shrimp
In addition to looking at calories per shrimp, examining the calorie density of shrimp is useful too. Calorie density measures the number of calories relative to weight.
According to the USDA, 100 grams of raw, peeled shrimp contains approximately:
- 106 calories
This equates to a calorie density of 1.06 calories per gram. In comparison, here are calorie densities for other high-protein seafoods:
- Flounder: 1.09 calories/gram
- Cod: 0.7 calories/gram
- Scallops: 1.25 calories/gram
- Salmon: 1.68 calories/gram
Shrimp have a higher calorie density than white fish like cod and flounder, but lower than fattier salmon and scallops. Their calorie density aligns with their nutrition profile as a lean source of protein.
Nutritional Benefits of Shrimp
Beyond calories and macros, what are some of the top nutritional benefits of shrimp? Here are a few standout ways these shellfish can boost a healthy diet:
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High-quality protein – Shrimp offer all nine essential amino acids required by the body in the optimal ratios. Their protein content enhances muscle growth and repair.
-
Anti-inflammatory – Shrimp contain astaxanthin, a potent antioxidant carotenoid with strong anti-inflammatory effects to reduce disease risk.
-
Heart healthy – The omega-3 fatty acids in shrimp improve cardiovascular health markers like triglycerides and blood pressure.
-
Immune booster – Shrimp provide selenium, zinc, antioxidant vitamins and more to support proper immune function.
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Brain function – B vitamins like niacin, B12, and zinc found in shrimp prevent cognitive decline and enhance nerve transmission.
Despite their small size, shrimp supply well-rounded nutritional benefits from protein to anti-inflammatory power and beyond.
Ways to Enjoy Medium Shrimp
Medium shrimp offer dietary versatility. Their moderate size suits many cooking methods and dishes. Here are delicious ways to eat medium shrimp:
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Shrimp tacos – Sauté seasoned shrimp and combine with crunchy slaw in corn tortillas.
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Shrimp fried rice – Toss cooked shrimp into rice with scrambled eggs, peas, and soy sauce.
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Shrimp pasta – Boil shrimp briefly until pink, then mix into linguine with garlic, olive oil, and parmesan.
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Shrimp skewers – Thread shrimp and vegetables onto skewers for easy grilling.
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Shrimp salad – Chill cooked shrimp and add to crisp greens, avocado, cherry tomatoes, and tangy dressing.
-
Shrimp cocktail – Serve chilled, peeled shrimp with zesty cocktail sauce and lemon wedges.
The options for preparing medium shrimp are nearly endless. Adjust cooking times slightly shorter than larger shrimp.
Calorie Control Tips
To keep calories in check when eating shrimp:
-
Remove butter or oil from recipes whenever possible. Shrimp can be poached, steamed, or grilled without added fats.
-
Opt for lighter dipping sauces like salsa, mustard, or horseradish versus mayo-based cocktail sauce.
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Enjoy shrimp as an appetizer or lean protein component of a meal versus large shrimp-based entrées.
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Portion shrimp by counts (8, 12) instead of by weight ounces to better control portion sizes.
-
Buy pre-cooked, frozen shrimp to avoid frying or breading raw shrimp.
With wise choices, you can still enjoy juicy, flavorful shrimp as part of a healthy, reduced calorie diet.
Calories in Medium Shrimp Dishes
The calorie total quickly increases when shrimp are incorporated into full dishes and meals. Here are calorie counts for popular medium shrimp recipes:
- 6 medium shrimp (36 calories)
- Shrimp scampi with pasta (500 calories per serving)
- Blackened shrimp tacos (353 calories each)
- Shrimp fried rice (230 calories per cup)
- Baked coconut shrimp (113 calories for 3 pieces)
- Grilled shrimp skewers (125 calories for 2 skewers)
As the examples show, the ingredients and preparation method drastically influence the calories in shrimp dishes. Choosing lighter cooking techniques and sides keeps things healthiest.
The Takeaway on Shrimp Calories
So how many calories are in a medium shrimp? Just 6 – an impressive array of nutrition for minimal calories. Shrimp pack protein, vital minerals, and antioxidants into each tender bite. Their low calorie density makes shrimp a prized component of seafood-loving dieters and health enthusiasts alike.
Pay attention to portion sizes and cooking methods to keep the calorie count reasonable as shrimp transitions from stand alone appetizer to full meal. But at its core, medium shrimp offers a light yet satisfying, highly nutritious seafood option.
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Symptoms of shellfish allergy
Symptoms of shrimp allergies vary and may include (16):
- tingling in the throat
- digestive issues
- breathing difficulties
- skin reactions
Some people with shrimp allergies may have anaphylactic reactions, as well. This is a dangerous, sudden reaction that can lead to seizures, unconsciousness, and even death if it is not treated immediately (16).
If you’re allergic to shrimp, the only way to prevent allergic reaction is to completely avoid eating it.
In some instances, even the vapors from cooking shrimp can trigger a reaction. So, those with shrimp allergies must also avoid situations where they may be exposed to it indirectly (16).
It’s important to choose high quality, fresh shrimp that isn’t damaged, infected, or contaminated.
When purchasing raw shrimp, make sure they’re firm. The shells should be translucent and grayish-green, pinkish tan, or light pink in color. Blackened edges or black spots on the shells may indicate quality loss (17).
Additionally, raw and cooked shrimp should have a mild, “ocean-like” or salty smell. Shrimp with an overwhelming “fishy” or ammonia-like odor is likely spoiled and unsafe to consume.
You should only buy shrimp from a reputable and knowledgeable seller who can answer your questions about where the shrimp came from and how it was handled.
Heart and brain health
Many studies have found astaxanthin may help strengthen arteries, which may reduce the risk of heart attacks. It may also help increase levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL), or “good” cholesterol, an important factor in heart health (8).
In addition, astaxanthin may be beneficial for brain health. Its anti-inflammatory properties may prevent damage to your brain cells that often leads to memory loss and neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s (7).
Even with these results, more studies on humans are needed to find out what effect astaxanthin in shrimp may have on health in general.
Due to the high demand for shrimp in the United Sates, it’s often imported from other countries.
Between 75 and 80% of the seafood eaten in the United States is imported from other countries, like Thailand, China, Canada, Indonesia, and Vietnam (9).
Although this helps increase access to shrimp, most imported shrimp is farm-raised, which means it’s grown in industrial tanks that are submerged in bodies of water (10).
Farm-raised seafood from other countries is frequently treated with antibiotics due to its high susceptibility to disease. However, the United States does not permit the use of antibiotics in shrimp and other shellfish (10).
For this reason, it’s illegal to import shrimp that contains antibiotics. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is responsible for inspecting imported shrimp to ensure it doesn’t contain antibiotics (11).
However, due to the high volume of shrimp imports, the FDA is unable to regulate all of them. Because of this, farm-raised shrimp contaminated with antibiotics has the potential to enter the U.S. food supply (12).
Using antibiotics in shrimp has not been confirmed to have any major adverse health effects. However, it may lead to antibiotic resistance, which can cause outbreaks of diseases that do not respond to antibiotic treatment (13).
If you are worried about antibiotics in shrimp, choose wild-caught shrimp instead. These shrimp are never given antibiotics. Additionally, you can be assured that shrimp caught and prepared in the United States does not contain antibiotics.
Shellfish, including shrimp, are classified as one of the top nine food allergies in the United States, along with fish, peanuts, tree nuts, wheat, milk, and soy (14).
The most common trigger of shrimp allergies is tropomyosin, a protein found in shellfish. Other proteins in shrimp that may trigger an allergic reaction include arginine kinase and hemocyanin (15).
What is the number of Calories in Shrimp?
How many calories are in a medium shrimp?
There are 6 calories in 1 medium Shrimp. Calorie breakdown: 16% fat, 4% carbs, 81% protein. There are 6 calories in 1 medium Shrimp. Get full nutrition facts and other common serving sizes of Shrimp including 1 small and 4 large.
How many calories are in shrimp?
Shrimp are relatively low in calories, providing just 84 calories per 3-ounce serving. Those looking for shrimp nutrition facts will be pleased with their health benefits, including heart and brain health, help guard against osteoporosis, weight loss management, and much more.
How many calories are in 100 grams of shrimp?
There are 106 calories in 100 grams of Shrimp. Calorie breakdown: 16% fat, 4% carbs, 81% protein. There are 106 calories in 100 grams of Shrimp. Get full nutrition facts and other common serving sizes of Shrimp including 1 small and 1 medium.
How many calories in medium shrimp chicken of the sea?
Medium ShrimpChicken Of The Sea2 oz49.8 Calories1.0 g0.5 g10.0 g0 g0 mg0 g300.2 mg1.0 g0 g Report a problem with this food Find on Amazon Percent calories from gramsoz Nutrition Facts For a Serving Size of (g) How many calories are in Medium Shrimp?