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Is shellfish (shrimp, lobster, etc.) included when you are speaking of eating more fish?
This is a great question. There is certainly benefit from eating shellfish, including crustaceans like shrimp, lobster, and crabs. Likewise, mollusks such as oysters, clams, and mussels have shown benefit as well.
Both crustaceans and mollusks are generally not as high in Omega-3 fats as other seafood, however. Dark fish, such as tuna, salmon, sardines, and mackerel, are associated with the most benefit. Shrimp, clams, and mussels are great choices as well.
Some fresh water fish, such as tilapia and catfish, are actually lower in in Omega-3 fats and higher in Omega-6 fats. It's been shown that the most beneficial ratio is higher Omega-3 with lower Omega-6.
The key with fish and seafood is the same with all ingredients: eat a wide variety. Mix it up. Have tuna, salmon, shrimp, catfish, mussels, halibut, and other fish and shellfish often, eating many varieties frequently.
Below I've included some great shellfish recipes to try, or look at all of our healthy shellfish recipes or all our healthy fish recipes.
Barbecue
Shrimp
Crunchy Peanut Shrimp
Paella
Shrimp Chile Relleno
Shrimp
Jambalaya
Pizza
with Scallops and Thai Peanut Sauce
Scallops
Gratin
Curried
Sea Scallops | Low
Sodium Version
Scallops
with Yellow Pepper Sauce | Low
Sodium Version
Corn Bisque
with Crabmeat
Crab Avocado Shrimp Salad
Crab
Cakes (Gluten-Free
Crab Cakes | Low Sodium Version)
Creamy Crab and
Asparagus Fettuccine
Southwest
Crab Cakes
Thanks for writing,
Timothy S. Harlan, MD, FACP, CCMS
Dr. Gourmet