HEALTH WATCH

Don't avoid shellfish because of its reputation for being high in cholesterol. Many types-such as crab, scallops, mussels, clams, and lobster-are actually slightly lower in cholesterol per ounce than chicken or beef. And even though shrimp and crayfish do have about twice as much cholesterol as meat, they contain very little fat, and the fat includes heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids. In contrast, meat is rich in saturated fat, which boosts blood cholesterol the most.

-- UC Berkeley Wellness Letter, April 2002. P. 8.