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It's easy to get answers about health and nutrition! Just send your question by email to [email protected] and Dr. Harlan will respond to selected questions of general interest. Answers will be posted in the Ask Dr. Gourmet newsletter (sign up now!) and archived in the Ask Dr. Gourmet section of the website.

Please note that the Ask Dr. Gourmet feature is restricted to questions regarding food and nutrition. Due to the many questions we receive, not all questions may be answered. For more specific questions about your individual health, please contact your doctor. About Timothy S. Harlan, MD, FACP, CCMS | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy


 

Ask Dr. Gourmet

When you say "eat more fish," does that include shellfish?

Is shellfish (shrimp, lobster, etc.) included when you are speaking of eating more fish?

Dr. Gourmet Says....

Paella, a Spanish rice dish with shrimp or other seafood and sausage

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.

Shrimp

Barbecue Shrimp
Crunchy Peanut Shrimp
Paella
Shrimp Chile Relleno
Shrimp Jambalaya

Scallops

Pizza with Scallops and Thai Peanut Sauce
Scallops Gratin
Curried Sea Scallops | Low Sodium Version
Scallops with Yellow Pepper Sauce | Low Sodium Version

Crab

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