Over the years, researchers have discovered that seafood offers a number of health benefits when included in the diet. Of course, seafood isn’t for everyone, but there are several ways to work it into your diet and reap the benefits it gives your body. Seafood is healthy because this high protein food contains important omega-3 fatty acids like eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid. If you’re wondering how seafood can improve your health, read on and unlock the mystery of seafood health benefits.
Heart Health
A diet that includes seafood is one that contributes to the health of your heart because the omega-3 fatty acids it contains brings down blood pressure and lowers heart attack and stroke risk. These fatty acids also lower the risk for abnormal heart rhythms. Excellent picks include salmon, sardines, herring, canned light tuna, and oysters. Some doctors suggest that patients who have suffered a heart attack find a way to make seafood a regular part of their diet. Why not prevent a heart attack in the first place and start eating more seafood today?
Mental Health
The consumption of clams, king crab, and blue crab may prevent depression because these seafood choices contain a significant amount of B12. A study revealed people who are deficient in this vitamin have a higher risk for depression than people with an adequate supply of vitamin B12. Seafood may also lower one’s chance of developing ADHD, Alzheimer’s disease, and dementia.
Arthritis Protection
Seafood consumption may lower your chance of developing arthritis. This type of food has been found to lower cytokines that cause inflammation and the resulting joint pain and swelling associated with rheumatoid arthritis. Good sources are fresh salmon, canned chunk light tuna, blue-fin tuna, trout, halibut, pollack, herring, and sardines.
Relief from Asthma Attacks
Seafood has been found to alleviate asthma symptoms that appear after prolonged and increased activity. Cold-water fish such as salmon, mackerel, herring, tuna, and sardines are recommended. The omega-3 fatty acids in these foods assist to decrease lung inflammation and the harm caused to the tissues in the body when an asthma attack occurs.
Normal Development in Children
Children benefit from the nutrients in seafood when they are in their mother’s womb and after they are born. When 8 ounces of seafood is consumed by a woman who is waiting to give birth, or a woman who is breast feeding, her baby’s health is enhanced. Seafood eaten by pregnant women or women who are breastfeeding should have a low mercury content.
Again, seafood isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, but incorporating even a little seafood into your diet will really improve your health in several ways. As you can see, it is worth it to eat seafood often, even if you don’t love the taste. If you have any heart problems, issues with asthma, arthritis, or other health issues, seafood could help improve your health in these areas. The safest way to eat seafood is cooked. Some people choose to eat seafood raw, but it is important to note that although freezing it and than thawing it before consumption will eliminate any existing parasites, illness causing microorganisms may remain. Information for this article was provided by the seafood specialists at Calabria’s, a seafood restaurant in Bridgeville, PA. You can see their menu at calabriasnorthstclair.com
Comments are closed.