OLD NEWS: Shrimp are rich in cholesterol and don't belong in a heart-healthy diet.

LATEST NEWS: Shrimp have more cholesterol than any other shellfish except squid: about 195 milligrams per 3.5-ounce serving (the daily limit is 300 milligrams). But the cholesterol in shrimp may not be as much of a problem as cholesterol in other foods. And shrimp are very low in saturated fat--only 0.3 grams in that serving. Saturated fat, more than dietary cholesterol, raises blood cholesterol. In addition, shrimp contain heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids. Further news: Many shellfish, such as crabs, scallops, mussels, clams, and lobster, are actually slightly lower in cholesterol than chicken or beef.

-- University of California, Berkeley "Wellness Letter" presents Healthy Eating