Types Of Shrimp

Brown Shrimp

• Brown shrimp -- or Farfantepenaeus aztecus -- thrive in tropical waters and can be found in the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. Its shells are reddish-brown in color with tails that are usually greenish or reddish. Brown shrimp have higher doses of iodine compared to other types of shrimp due to their diet, contributing to its strong flavor.

White Shrimp

• White shrimp -- or Penaeus setiferus -- can be found in Florida waters and the Gulf of Mexico. Compared to pink and brown shrimp, white shrimp blends in with its surroundings more easily due to its bluish-white or greenish-gray coloring that can make it appear transparent at times. Once cooked, these shrimp turn pink in color.

Pink Shrimp

• Pink shrimp -- otherwise known as Farfantepenaeus duoraru -- or brown spotted shrimp, can be found in Florida and other tropical waters. Pink shrimps have four to six segments on their abdomen. One of this shrimp's main characteristics is the dark spot between its third and fourth segment on each side of its body.

Health Benefits

• Although some people may have an allergic reaction to shrimp, shrimp provides helpful nutrients for everyone else. These crustaceans are a great source of protein, vitamin D and vitamin B12, as well as other essential minerals, such as iron, zinc and phosphorus. Like tuna, shrimp contains omega-3 fatty acid, a type of polyunsaturated fatty acid known to lower high-blood pressure and play a factor in preventing cognitive diseases. Shrimp contains some low-density lipoprotein (LDL), known more commonly as "bad" cholesterol; however, its high-density lipoprotein (HDL), known more commonly as "good" cholesterol, outweighs the LDL. Shrimp also contains selenium which, together with omega-3 fatty acid, aids the body to get rid of unhealthy cells.