Seafood and health

Most of us love seafood because it’s delicious.
Here’s another great reason to savor the sea--your health.

Most of us love seafood because it’s delicious. Here’s another great reason to savor the sea--your health. Seafood is naturally good for you, reducing chances of heart disease, cancer, diabetes, joint pain, Alzheimer’s disease and depression.

Scientific research consistently suggests that Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish provide tremendous health benefits, from reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease and dementia, to boosting mood and brain development in young children.

Also known as Essential Fatty Acids, Omega-3s play a vital role in cell development and growth. Since our bodies cannot make these essential fatty acids, we must get them from our diet. If the fact that fish is naturally high in Omega-3s and protein and low in carbohydrates isn’t enough inspiration to enjoy what you love, dieticians recommend eating seafood at least twice a week.

Protects the Heart

How Omega-3s help protect against heart disease:

	Making the blood less likely to form clots
	Preventing heartbeat abnormalities
	Lowering high levels of triglycerides
	(a type of fat in the blood that can increase the risk of heart attacks when its levels are too high)

Studies show that those who ate fish might reduce their risk of dying from heart disease by a third

Relieves Back pain

Seafood consumption has also been found to specifically address other body ailments, such as neck and back pain

Prevents Cancer

Studies have also shown that Omega-3 acids help prevent cancer cells from developing to the tumor stage.

Reduces Diabetes risk

Children with a family history of diabetes can lower their risk of developing the disease by eating foods rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, researchers revealed.

Rich source of Vitamins and Minerals

Oily fish such as mackerel and trout have been shown to relieve some symptoms of psoriasis and should form a regular part of those patients diet. Salt-water fish is rich in iodine, phosphorous and calcium. Those who eat regularly salt-water fish generally will not have these mineral deficiencies.

Fish also contain mineral copper. Vitamin A and D are also present. The oil from shark, cod, and halibut liver is very rich in these vitamins. Small fish eaten along with bones are a rich source of calcium.

For a Healthy Mind

Eating seafood isn’t only a smart idea for your body; it’s beneficial to your mind. Studies show that people who eat seafood may be less likely to suffer from bipolar disorder and it can also help an individuals’ battle with depression. High levels of Omega-3 intake have also been linked to lower risk of depression, including post-natal depression. Fish has been described as a food for the brain

Healthy seniors

Senior citizens’ seafood eating habits have been the target of several recent studies, and the results are in – fish consumption has many added benefits for seniors. Fish oils have been found to help prevent age-related cognitive declines, ease back pain and protect against retinal degenerative diseases. According to recent research, eating about three fish meals each week almost halved the risk of Alzheimer’s disease in elderly men and women.

Healthy Babies

Several studies have found that regular seafood consumption is an important part of a pregnant woman’s diet because of the need for DHA Omega-3, a critical nutrient for the development and health of a baby’s brain, heart and eyes. Additional studies have also shown that eating seafood while pregnant may increase the child’s IQ and lead to better developmental skills. Studies also show that eating fish during pregnancy can help prevent allergies and asthma.

Longer Life

Eating fish can also add to your life expectancy as a study on Japanese women proves. In Japan, more than 23,000 women are of the age of 100 and they have a traditional fish-based low-fat diet! For the health conscious, fish is a vital food to gain proteins without adding carbohydrates and cholesterol. With such a variety of fish available in the market and so many preparations on offer, you needn’t compromise on taste to stay fit and healthy.