Quick Answers
Eating lobster every day could lead to potential health risks and is not recommended as part of a balanced diet. Lobster is high in cholesterol and saturated fat which, in excess, may increase the risk of heart disease. Eating too much lobster may also lead to heavy metal toxicity from build up of metals like mercury. However, moderate amounts of lobster can be part of a healthy diet. 2-3 servings per week is a reasonable amount. Talk to your doctor about what is right for your specific health needs.
Is It Safe to Eat Lobster Everyday?
Eating lobster on a daily basis is generally not recommended for most people. Here are some potential risks and side effects of eating lobster every day:
High Cholesterol
Lobster is high in cholesterol, with about 61 mg per 3 ounce serving. The American Heart Association recommends no more than 300 mg of cholesterol per day. Eating lobster daily could quickly exceed this limit and increase your risk of high cholesterol, heart disease and stroke.
Saturated Fat
Lobster is fairly high in saturated fat, with about 3 grams per 3 ounce serving. Saturated fat raises LDL (bad) cholesterol levels in the blood. The American Heart Association recommends limiting saturated fat to no more than 13 grams per day. Eating lobster every day could easily overshoot this recommendation.
Heavy Metal Build Up
Lobsters can accumulate heavy metals like mercury in their bodies from contaminated environments. Mercury build up over time can cause neurological problems and other health issues. Eating lobster several times per week or daily could potentially lead to toxic mercury levels.
Lack of Variety
Eating any one food item every day could potentially cause nutritional imbalances or deficiencies. Lobster meat is relatively high in protein but low in carbohydrates, fiber and certain vitamins and minerals. For overall good health, it is important to eat a diverse diet with a variety of different foods.
Food Sensitivities
Some people may develop allergies or sensitivities to foods eaten frequently. Daily lobster could potentially trigger food sensitivity symptoms like hives, eczema or digestive distress in sensitive individuals.
Expense
Lobster is one of the most expensive seafood items. Eating it daily would likely be cost prohibitive for most people. Lobster currently costs $15-$25 per pound retail. This would add up to $450-$750 or more per month if consuming a pound per day.
Potential Benefits of Eating Lobster
While eating lobster every day is not necessarily recommended, enjoying lobster in moderation as part of a balanced diet can provide certain benefits:
High Protein
A 3 ounce serving of lobster contains about 20 grams of protein. Protein is important for building and repairing muscles and tissues.
Low Calories
Lobster is relatively low in calories, providing only about 90 calories in a 3 ounce serving. This makes it a smart choice if you’re aiming to limit calories.
Nutrient Dense
Lobster offers nutrients like B12, selenium, copper, zinc and phosphorus. These minerals support immune function, thyroid health, energy levels and more.
Lean Protein
The protein in lobster is very lean compared to fattier meats like beef. Going for lean proteins can help support a healthy cardiovascular system.
Healthiest Ways to Eat Lobster
While daily lobster is excessive, enjoying it a couple times a week as part of a varied diet can be healthy. Here are some tips for eating lobster in a nutritious way:
Watch Portions
Stick to a 3-4 ounce serving of lobster at a time, which provides protein, nutrients and satisfaction without overdoing it.
Choose Healthy Cooking Methods
Steaming, broiling or grilling lobster helps avoid excess butter, oil or breading. Be mindful of heavy sauces or dips.
Pair with Vegetables
Serve lobster with steamed broccoli, asparagus or other veggies to balance out the meal.
Avoid Fried Preparations
Opt for lobster rolls, lobster salad or lobster bisque rather than heavily fried lobster dishes.
Watch Overall Diet
Make sure to eat a variety of lean protein, produce, whole grains and healthy fats for balance.
Stay Active
Engage in regular physical activity to help manage cholesterol levels and weight.
How Much Lobster is Safe to Eat?
So what amount of lobster is generally safe to consume as part of a healthy diet? Here are some expert recommendations on moderate lobster intake:
2-3 Servings Per Week
Many health experts recommend limiting lobster (and other high-cholesterol shellfish like shrimp and crab) to no more than 2-3 servings per week as part of a heart-healthy diet. This allows you to gain benefits without overdoing drawbacks.
4 Ounces Per Serving
When you do eat lobster, enjoy it in a modest 4 ounce cooked portion to avoid excessive saturated fat, cholesterol, calories or heavy metals in one sitting.
8-12 Ounces Per Week
Following the advice of 2-3 servings of 4 ounces each per week equates to 8-12 ounces of total lobster intake per week. Spreading consumption out over the week helps prevent health issues.
Only Occasional Larger Servings
It’s fine to enjoy an occasional larger serving of 6-8 ounces of lobster, just balance it out by reducing your portions of other high-cholesterol foods that week.
Listen to Your Body
Pay attention to how you feel eating different amounts of lobster. Limit consumption if you experience digestive issues, worsening cholesterol, fatigue or other reactions.
Health Concerns with Frequent Lobster Consumption
Consuming lobster too frequently or in large quantities may bring up certain health concerns for some people. Here is a closer look:
Heart Health Complications
The high natural cholesterol and saturated fat in lobster could negatively impact heart health markers like total cholesterol, LDL, HDL and triglycerides in those predisposed to heart disease.
Increased Chronic Disease Risk
Research shows diets consistently high in cholesterol and saturated fat are linked with increased risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, diabetes and other chronic diseases over time.
Mercury Poisoning
If eating lobster daily from contaminated waters, mercury levels can accumulate to toxic levels in the body, causing coordination issues, numbness, memory problems and brain damage.
Food Allergy Symptoms
Some people may experience hives, stomach cramps, diarrhea, vomiting or throat swelling if they develop a food allergy to lobster through consistent exposure.
Weight Gain
The calories, fat and sodium in lobster can quickly add up, potentially leading to weight gain if consumed in high amounts without adjusting the rest of the diet. Moderation is key.
Nutritional Imbalances
Eating too much of any single food can crowd out diversity and lead to deficiencies in vitamins, minerals, fiber or phytonutrients important for overall health.
Lobster Nutrition Facts
Here is a nutrition facts table comparing the nutrients found in a 100 gram edible portion of lobster versus 100 grams of chicken breast:
| Nutrient | Lobster (100g) | Chicken Breast (100g) |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 89 | 165 |
| Fat | 1 g | 3.6 g |
| Saturated Fat | 0.2 g | 1 g |
| Cholesterol | 61 mg | 85 mg |
| Sodium | 202 mg | 74 mg |
| Potassium | 263 mg | 283 mg |
| Protein | 17.8 g | 31 g |
As shown, lobster is very high in cholesterol compared to chicken breast, but lower in overall fat, calories and sodium. Lobster provides less protein per serving but still an ample amount. Both foods supply potassium. Overall, lobster offers excellent nutrition but is best eaten in moderation.
Typical Dishes Featuring Lobster
Here are some classic dishes that feature lobster as the star ingredient:
Lobster Roll
A popular New England sandwich made with lobster meat tossed in mayonnaise or butter and served over a toasted, split-top bun. Simple and delicious.
Lobster Bisque
A creamy, rich soup made from lobster stock, pureed lobster meat, cream or milk, sherry and seasonings. An elegant French classic.
Lobster Thermidor
Lobster halves topped with a creamy mushroom, cheese and sherry sauce, then broiled. A decadent French dish.
Lobster Ravioli
Large ravioli pasta pouches filled with ricotta cheese and chunks of lobster meat, served with a simple lemon-butter sauce or white wine sauce.
Lazy Lobster
Split and stuffed lobster baked with bread crumbs, lemon butter and seasonings. Simple and no work required to get the meat out.
Surf and Turf
Lobster tail paired with a steak, often filet mignon. The ultimate luxury seafood and meat extravaganza.
Lobster Newburg
Chunks of lobster meat cooked in a creamy sherry and cognac sauce with spices and egg yolks. An elegant classic.
Comparable Lower-Cholesterol Seafood Alternatives
For those concerned about limiting cholesterol, here are some lower-cholesterol seafood options that can be an alternative to enjoy in place of lobster:
Shrimp
Large shrimp provide about 170 mg cholesterol per 100g serving, versus lobster which has about 200 mg per 100g. Avoid fried or high fat sauces.
Crab
Crab legs or meat are lower in cholesterol, with around 135 mg per 100g. Stick tofresh crab instead of imitation crab meat made with fish paste (surimi).
Scallops
Bay scallops contain only about 50 mg cholesterol per 100g serving, making them a great substitute for lobster.
Tilapia
This popular white fish has just about 55 mg cholesterol per 100g serving. Look for sustainably farmed options.
Salmon
Wild-caught salmon is relatively low in cholesterol at about 55 mg per 100g. Farm-raised has a bit more at 70 mg per 100g serving.
Oysters
Oysters contain around 55 mg cholesterol per 100g, plus provide iron, zinc, B12 and healthy fats.
Sardines
These small oily fish provide just about 60 mg cholesterol per 100g serving, plus omega-3 fatty acids.
The Bottom Line
In summary, expert opinion universally agrees that eating lobster every single day is excessive and carries significant potential health risks. Limiting lobster to 2-3 modest 4 ounce servings per week is a much healthier approach that allows you to gain benefits of lobster without drawbacks. Be sure to round out meals with vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats and other lean proteins for balance. As part of an overall nutritious regime, lobster can be enjoyed as a delicious part of a well-rounded diet.