Tag: Shrimp vs fish

While Americans eat an estimated four pounds of shrimp per person annually, making it the most popular seafood in the US, many do not realize its distinct differences from fish. In reality, shrimp and fish belong to fundamentally different biological classifications, which directly impacts their nutritional profiles and health benefits.

While both reside in aquatic environments and are common seafood choices, shrimp are not biologically classified as fish. Shrimp belong to the subphylum Crustacea, making them invertebrates with an exoskeleton, whereas fish are vertebrates with an internal skeleton and fins. The distinction is crucial for understanding marine biology, dietary restrictions, and cooking methods.

Over 95% of all animal species are invertebrates, a group that includes shrimp. Despite both living in water, shrimp do not count as fish, a fact based on fundamental biological differences in their anatomy and classification.

According to the American Heart Association, we should aim for at least two seafood meals per week. When deciding which is healthier, shrimp or fish, the answer isn't so simple, as both offer a rich array of nutrients with distinct benefits.

With shrimp accounting for about half of all seafood consumed in the U.S., many people wonder if it offers the same health benefits as fish. Is eating shrimp as healthy as eating fish, or are their nutritional profiles entirely different? The answer depends heavily on which nutrients you prioritize in your diet.

While both are prized seafood options, a 3-ounce serving of cooked shrimp is notably high in protein but contains significantly less heart-healthy omega-3s than fatty fish like salmon. This difference is key when considering whether are shrimps as healthy as fish.