Shrimp dishes are enjoyed around the world on a regular basis at home and in restaurants. Shrimp are the most popular seafood in America, and are a favorite in many countries throughout the world.

Americans eat an estimated 33 million pounds of shrimp every year. Even though there is a lot of negative publicity about the unhealthy eating habits of many Americans, it's reassuring to note that Americans do enjoy healthy shrimp dishes and other seafood recipes.

Preparing Healthy Shrimp Recipes

There are many different ways to prepare shrimp. If you add utilize fat and calorie laden cooking techniques to prepare shrimp recipes, they will probably still taste great, but you will lose the health benefits. Keep in mind that cooking techniques matter when you are concerned with healthy eating.

Boiled Shrimp

One of the healthiest and most simple ways to prepare shrimp is to boil them. Instructions are detailed in my How to Cook Spicy Boiled Shrimp hub. If you don't like hot and spicy food, simply leave out the crab boil or other spice for a milder flavor.

Chilled boiled shrimp are excellent for shrimp cocktail appetizers, a main dish, or as a topping for a green salad. They are also quite tasty while still warm.

Lighter Shrimp Scampi Recipe

I enjoy making shrimp scampi. Even though this dish is traditionally very rich, I lighten it by using Benecol spread mixed with Extra Virgin Olive Oil instead of butter.

To make my lighter version shrimp scampi, simply peel and de-vein (if desired) 2 pounds of fresh or frozen shrimp. Heat a non-stick skillet. When it is hot (test by splashing a little water in to see if it sizzles), add 1/4 cup of Benecol and 1/4 cup of olive oil. While the butter is melting and the oil is heating, add 2 cloves of minced garlic (more if you love garlic; less if you don't) and sauté. When the butter is melted, add the shrimp and sauté until pink, approximately 5 minutes. Serve immediately.

Online Shrimp Recipe Resources

See the online cookbook at EatAlabamaWildShrimp.com for additional ideas about some of the great ways to prepare shrimp that are popular in my "neck of the woods". Another great online resource for healthy and delicious shrimp recipes is WildAmericanShrimp.com.

Nutritional Benefits of Shrimp

Shrimp are excellent sources for healthful nutrients, including:

• Omega-3 fatty acids
• Protein (18 grams per 3 oz serving)
• Vitamin D
• Vitamin B-12

Additionally, shrimp are low in:

• Calories (84 calories per 3 oz serving)
• Carbohydrates (1 gram per 3 oz serving)
• Fat (less than 1 gram per 3 oz serving)

Cholesterol Facts About Shrimp

The cholesterol count for shrimp is roughly equivalent to that of lean beef. Three ounces of shrimp contain approximately 166 milligrams of cholesterol. Studies have indicated, however, that shrimp do not have a negative impact on "bad cholesterol" in people with normal cholesterol levels.