of shrimp. The cholesterol content of shrimp is of interest to
individuals with cardiovascular disease who are advised to
limit dietary cholesterol to 300–400 mg/day. However, diets
high in total fat and saturated fat also increase the risk for
cardiovascular disease, and both shrimp and prawns contain
negligible amounts of fat.
Health Attributes
In the history of mankind, fish has been considered to have
special health attributes, especially in various ethnic populations.
Recently, scientific research has confirmed certain claims and
raised controversy in relation to others. Seafood is a rich source
of omega-3 fatty acids and may be good for the heart. Fish is
being recommended for people of all ages to prevent a variety
of disorders. Fish is also being promoted for women during
pregnancy, for children at risk for asthma, and in the elderly
to reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. However, pregnant
women and children have been advised to limit fish to prevent the
risk of mercury toxicity. Natural habitats are becoming polluted
with mercury that is taken up and stored in some varieties of
fish. Fish farming is a rapidly growing enterprise and has the
benefit of controlling the food andwater supply to avoid possible
contamination of fish with toxic materials.
Fish and shellfish are an important part of a healthy diet. Fish
and shellfish contain high-quality protein and other essential