Hey there, seafood enthusiasts! I’ve been getting tons of questions about shrimp and calcium lately, so I thought I’d dive deep into this topic. As someone who absolutely loves cooking seafood, I’m excited to share everything I know about the calcium content in shrimp and help you understand if these little crustaceans can contribute to your daily calcium needs.
The Quick Answer
According to nutritional data, shrimp contains approximately 45mg of calcium per 150g serving. While this isn’t as high as some other calcium-rich foods, it’s still a decent amount that can contribute to your daily calcium intake.
Breaking Down the Calcium Content
Let’s compare shrimp’s calcium content with other common foods:
| Food Item | Serving Size | Calcium (mg) |
|---|---|---|
| Shrimp | 150g | 45 |
| Sardines (canned) | 60g | 240 |
| Tuna (canned) | 120g | 34 |
| Fish (Cod/Trout) | 120g | 20 |
| Salmon (smoked) | 60g | 9 |
Why Should We Care About Calcium?
Here’s the deal – calcium isn’t just about strong bones and teeth (tho that’s super important). Your body needs calcium for:
- Muscle function
- Nerve signaling
- Blood clotting
- Heart rhythm maintenance
- Proper enzyme function
Better Sources of Calcium Than Shrimp
If you’re looking to boost your calcium intake here are some foods that pack more calcium punch than shrimp
Dairy Products
- Semi-skimmed milk (240mg per 200ml)
- Hard cheese (240mg per 30g)
- Yogurt (207mg per 150g)
Plant-Based Sources
- Broccoli (112mg per 120g raw)
- Kale (32mg per 50g raw)
- White beans (132mg per 200g cooked)
Making the Most of Shrimp’s Calcium
Even tho shrimp isn’t the highest in calcium I’ve found some cool ways to maximize its nutritional benefits
-
Pair it with other calcium-rich foods
- Toss shrimp in a creamy pasta sauce
- Add it to a cheese-based dish
- Make a seafood stir-fry with bok choy
-
Keep the shells on when cooking
- The shells actually contain additional calcium
- Great for making stock or broth
-
Consider whole meals
- Combine shrimp with dairy-based sauces
- Add to calcium-fortified grain dishes
- Mix into salads with calcium-rich greens
Tips for Buying and Preparing Shrimp
When I’m shopping for shrimp, I always keep these things in mind:
- Fresh vs. frozen (both are good options)
- Wild-caught vs. farm-raised
- Size selection based on recipe needs
- Proper storage methods
The Bottom Line
While shrimp does have calcium, it shouldn’t be your primary source. Think of it as part of your overall calcium intake strategy. I personally love incorporating shrimp into my meals not just for its calcium content, but also for its:
- High protein content
- Low calorie count
- Excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids
- Versatility in cooking
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I get enough calcium from eating just shrimp?
A: Nah, you’d need to eat WAY too much shrimp to meet your daily calcium needs. It’s better to have a varied diet with multiple calcium sources.
Q: Is fresh shrimp better than frozen for calcium content?
A: The calcium content stays pretty much the same whether fresh or frozen. Choose what’s most convenient and affordable for you!
Q: How often should I eat shrimp for calcium benefits?
A: Including shrimp 2-3 times a week as part of a balanced diet can contribute to your calcium intake, but remember to include other calcium-rich foods too.
Remember, while shrimp might not be the calcium powerhouse you were hoping for, it’s still a healthy and delicious addition to your diet. Just make sure you’re getting calcium from various sources to meet your daily needs. Now, who’s ready to cook up some shrimp?
How to Prepare Shrimp
Shrimp is a versatile food that you can cook in several ways. Healthier methods include:
Unless you live near the coast, shrimp at your local grocery likely arent fresh. Theyll be frozen or previously frozen and thawed. Some food experts will tell you its OK to buy thawed shrimp if you plan on cooking them right away. Just dont refreeze them. Others argue that thawed shrimp may have been frozen and thawed more than once, which affects both texture and flavor.
âWhen you see a product labeled âfresh frozen,â it means that the seafood was frozen when it was fresh, often within a few hours of harvest. Frozen seafood can be better in quality compared to fresh seafood. But donât buy frozen shrimp if the package shows signs of ice crystals or frost.Â
Methods vary, but to prepare your shrimp, first soak them in cold water before you clean them. Some cooks use salt water. To remove the shell, pull the legs off first and use your thumbs to separate the shell from the body. You can pull the head away as the shell comes off.
You can remove the tail next, but thats optional. Also up to you is “deveining” the shrimp. The “vein” is the black digestive tract that runs along the back. Simply use a paring knife to separate the flesh in a line and dig it out.
When youre done cleaning, rinse the shrimp and pat them dry.
Make sure you cook the shrimp completely. Youll know its ready when they curl up â almost in the shape of the letter “C” â and the gray turns pink.
 Risks of Eating ShrimpÂ
Shellfish, including shrimp, is also the cause of a common and sometimes severe food allergy. More than half the people who are allergic to shellfish have their first reaction as an adult.
Avoid shrimp that has an unusual smell to it, especially if it smells like ammonia, which is a sign of bacterial growth.
High mercury levels are a concern, especially for pregnant people. But shrimp tend to have low levels of mercury and are typically safe to eat during pregnancy.Â
Is shrimp high in cholesterol?
One potential concern is the high amount of cholesterol in shrimp. Experts once held that eating too many foods high in cholesterol was bad for the heart. But modern research shows its the saturated fat in your diet that raises cholesterol levels in your body, not necessarily the amount of cholesterol in your food. Still, if youre wary of the stuff, moderation is key.
Shrimp and foodborne illness
As mentioned above, raw shrimp can lead to several foodborne illnesses, which is why its important to buy and eat shrimp from trusted sources.Â