Shrimp serves as an excellent source of lean protein. Each 6-ounce portion provides 39 grams of protein -- a significant amount toward the 46 grams recommended daily for women and 56 grams for men. It also contains all the amino acids that your cells can't synthesize on their own. Every cell in your body contains protein molecules -- and the amino acids from your diet allow your cells to generate new proteins to repair old or damaged ones. The protein in your diet also helps you make peptide hormones -- a group that includes insulin, a hormone that regulates your blood sugar