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Health experts used to recommend limiting intake of shrimp, clams and other types of shellfish because they were thought to be too high in dietary cholesterol. We know that advice has changed as we learn more about how diet, lifestyle and genetics effect blood cholesterol levels. We now know that dietary cholesterol has little or no effect on blood cholesterol for most people.
Blood cholesterol is mostly effected by the types of fats and carbohydrates consumed as well as other risk factors. Shellfish is actually an excellent food choice for a heart healthy diet since it contains omega three fatty acids, is low in saturated fat and low in mercury. Of course, preparation matters, batter dipped and deep-fried options will add less healthy fats to the dish (but of course they are delicious and can be enjoyed occasionally).
ALLERGY ALERT
While the Clarksville Food Pantry rarely has products that contain shellfish, please be aware several of our clients have identified allergies to shellfish. Be sure to ask the computer operator to alert you to any and all allergies list in the client's record.
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