Eating seafood has many health advantages, such as supporting a healthy heart, eyes and brain. Seafood is packed with essential vitamins like Vitamin A and B vitamins, protein and omega-3 fatty acids; plus it’s low in saturated fat and high in iron, phosphorus, selenium, choline zinc copper.
Heart disease risk individuals are encouraged to consume more seafood, such as salmon, mackerel, herring, albacore tuna and sardines. Studies have demonstrated that these foods can lower blood pressure, decrease triglyceride levels and decrease the likelihood of experiencing either a heart attack or stroke.
Fatty fish is especially beneficial for people with heart disease as it contains high levels of omega-3 fatty acids, which reduce triglycerides – the primary cause of heart attacks and strokes. Furthermore, fish oil helps lower blood pressure by dilating arteries that supply your heart with oxygen by dilation.
Eating seafood can reduce joint pain and symptoms of arthritis. This is largely due to the omega-3 fatty acids in seafood, which have anti-inflammatory effects. Furthermore, seafood provides a good source of protein as well as small amounts of calcium from certain fish bones.
If you have diabetes, seafood is an ideal food to include in your diet as it provides your body with essential vitamins and minerals such as B vitamins, choline, lutein, and zeaxanthin. Not only that but it’s also high in iodine and low in calories.
Seafood’s health benefits are so immense that the American Heart Association recommends everyone consume at least two servings per week, primarily to get its long-chain omega 3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA). These nutrients have been known to support heart and artery function by lowering cholesterol levels and decreasing the risk of coronary artery disease – a leading cause of death in America – through proper nutrition.
Eating seafood is beneficial for pregnant women and children as it helps develop the fetal central nervous system, boosts immunity levels, and decreases the risk of asthma, certain allergies, and diabetes. This is due to the nutrient content in seafood – particularly omega 3 fatty acid DHA and an antioxidant called selenium.
By increasing seafood intake, you’ll also increase your vitamin D level – essential for strengthening bone health and increasing immunity. A lack of this nutrient may lead to osteoporosis or other bone issues, so make sure that you get enough through food sources.
Fish that contain mercury, such as shark, swordfish and marlin, can have detrimental effects on your brain and nervous system. Therefore it’s important to limit the amount of mercury-contaminated seafood you eat. Fortunately, most seafood options are low in mercury and can be an essential component of a heart-healthy diet.