Better Your Health with Seafood
What you put into your body impacts what you can get out of your body. Food is the fuel that powers your muscles and your mind. Your eating habits can have wide-ranging health impacts. That’s why the US government’s Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion released their Dietary Guidelines for Americans. It’s packed with helpful information about the health benefits of different foods and tips on how to boost your wellness by improving your nutrition. Eating more seafood is one of their key recommendations.
Why should you eat more seafood?
- Seafood is a Lean Protein
Protein is a core building block for a healthy diet. Your body needs it to build and repair muscles, produce hormones and make important enzymes. Seafood is a great tasting source of lean protein meaning its low in calories, low in unhealthful fats and high in nutrients. Seafood also contains important nutrients like calcium, iodine, iron, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus and potassium. It’s one of the only foods that naturally contain vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids.
- Seafood is Brain Food
Your mind needs healthy fats—especially omega-3 fatty acids—to remain elastic. Studies suggest that eating fish at least twice a week can prevent mental decline as you age and reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s Disease.
- Seafood is Heart-Healthy
Eating seafood with EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids keeps your heart healthy. Studies suggest that eating seafood at least 2 times a week that’s rich in omega-3 fatty acids can reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular disease. For those who already have cardiovascular disease, eating seafood regularly can reduce your risk of death from cardiac issues.
- Seafood is Great for Infant Development
Expectant mothers are encouraged to make seafood a part of their diet during pregnancy. The omega-3 fatty acids in seafood help infants develop good vision and a healthy nervous system.
- Seafood Can Boost Your Mood & Bone Health
Vitamin D is essential for healthy bones and plays an important role in mental health. While sunlight is the main way you might think about getting vitamin D, you can get this essential nutrient by eating seafood too. That’s great news for New Englander’s who don’t see much of the sun during our long winters.
What fish should you eat for health benefits?
The most beneficial fish or shellfish to eat are those packed with omega-3 fatty acids. Anchovies, Atlantic or Pacific mackerel, herring, Pacific oysters, sardines, shad, salmon and trout are at the top of that list. Pregnant women and children should stick to eating smaller types of fish because they absorb less mercury. Developing infants and children are more susceptible to the negative impacts of mercury consumption.
How much seafood should you eat?
Health professionals recommend eating 8 oz of seafood twice a week regularly for these health benefits. An easy way to get more seafood in your diet is to add fish to one of your favorite meals. Making fish tacos for Taco Tuesdays is a popular option.
You can pick up the freshest seafood in Connecticut from City Fish Market! We’re trusted by restaurants and residents throughout New England.